Objective: Current legislative limits on welfare receipt increase the relevance of research examining patterns of welfare use. The legislation implies that a successful welfare recipient should be economically independent within the two-year period of time on welfare. This study examines symptoms of depression and substance abuse and how they mitigate against successful welfare receipt. Methods: The relationship between symptoms of depression and substance abuse on patterns of welfare use is examined in a cohort of women that received welfare in 1989 and were re-interviewed 6 years later (n=313). We assessed changes in depression status and the role of substance abuse as determinants of whether or not recipients utilize welfare successfully. Results: Thirty-two percent of women exhibited symptoms of depression at baseline, 30% had problems with substance abuse, and 13% experienced both depression and substance abuse. Women who experienced depression symptoms were more likely to remain on welfare for more than 2 years and to experience exits for reasons that lead to future returns (OR=.45, p=.03). The analysis also probes into the role of substance abuse, chronic depression symptoms and the impact of welfare on changes in depression status. Conclusion: Women who exhibit symptoms of depression are less likely to utilize welfare as a temporary interim measure through a difficult time. Given the high prevalence of depressive symptoms and substance abuse, welfare programs should be more attentive to the mental health needs of recipients if the policy goal of 2-year time limits is to be fulfilled.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Welfare, Depression
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.