Public Assistance Use Among Two-Parent Families: An Analysis of TANF and Food Stamp Program Eligibility and Participation.

Using data from the year 2000, this study looked at married-parent families to determine their eligibility and participation rates in TANF and FSP. The study found that eligibility and participation rates in the two programs are considerably lower for married-parent families than for single-parent families. Rates for cohabiting families generally lie between those of single- and married-parent families. Demographic characteristics and financial circumstances explain much of the difference in eligibility rates between married- and single-parent families. However, demographic characteristics, financial circumstances, and state program rules explain little of the observed differences in participation rates across the two family types.