Use
and Interpretation of Data
Work First began in
An important and low-cost source of information is the data collected through the computer systems used to administer the programs. These systems collect a wide range of information on program participants.
Data from these systems are not without their limitations. First, some of the data may not be reliable. This reliability problem is due to lack of software edits to ensure the data are internally consistent as well as confusing instructions in procedural manuals on what codes to use and how certain situations should be entered.
An additional problem with these data is that the files were not designed for policy analysis. Instead, the files were developed to store information efficiently. With a certain amount of effort, extracts from these administrative systems can be massaged into shape and can be an extremely useful tool in examining the impact of welfare reform.
To construct the database, information from a check history file is merged with monthly extracts from the Eligibility Information System (EIS), and updated on a regular basis. A family who received a check in a particular month is considered to have participated in Work First. If the family did not receive a check, the case information is examined to determine if it is in suspense or is a "zero pay" household. (These only existed until April 2000.) Families are followed once they receive Work First benefits to determine whether they leave the program and, once they leave, whether they return.
The data and charts in this web site are primarily meant for state and county social services management to understand the dynamics of the Work First program. For other interested persons, these frequently asked questions (FAQs) should help interpret the data. FAQs were submitted by Lois Nilsen of the Department of Health and Human Services. Some additional questions were added as the new version of the website was created to explain the new data that is now available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Work First Data
Census
Data for
What is the "Table of Summary Data"?
These data are taken both from the 2000 Census data, and from 1999 Poverty estimates. They can be found at the U.S. Census website, www.census.gov/index.html.
Information from the 2000 Census data includes a breakdown
of race/ethnicity and age for both the state of
What is the "Table of Poverty Census Data"?
This section contains poverty information from Census 2000
data for each individual county. Data
are presented in five categories: individuals in poverty,
What is the "Table of SAIPE Data"?
This section contains information on the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimate (SAIPE) from the 2000 Census. SAIPE data is designed to provide more current estimates of selected income and poverty statistics than the most recent decennial census. SAIPE data is presented for year 1997 through 2004 for each individual county and the state. The main categories of information presented include estimates of people of all ages in poverty, children in poverty aged 5-17 in families, people age 0-17 in poverty, people under age of 5 in poverty (available for state only), and median household income. Ninety percent confidence intervals are also presented. For more information on how the estimates were calculated please see http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/saipe/.
In this version of our site, we have divided the caseload into non-diversion and diversion cases. The non-diversion cases receive a monthly benefit check and are eligible for employment services and other Work First benefits. Diversion cases are those that need a one-time lump sum payment to keep from joining Work First. This payment is usually the equivalent of 3 months worth of benefits. This affects the Caseload Dynamics and Caseload Characteristics tables and graphs.
In the Caseload Characteristics table, the following categories have been
added: the number of family cap children and the median Work First benefit.
Why is the number of families ("cases") in the Work First caseload larger than the numbers reported to the public by the N.C. Dept of Health and Human Services? The numbers here represent all families who received a Work First check during the month (a cumulative number). Numbers reported by DHHS represent the number of families in the Work First caseload on the first of the month (a point-in-time number). Any family who joined Work First after the first of the January would be represented in these charts as part of the January caseload. That same family would show up for the first time in the DHHS number in the February caseload.
Both sets of numbers are valid ways to count the caseload. The rate of decline in cash assistance rolls remains the same, no matter how the caseload is counted.
Why isn't the total number of cases always equal to the sum of the cases in subcategories of race, number of individuals, etc.? As in most social science research, we have missing data in our database. Missing data occurs when there are a small number of cases which we cannot match with individuals. These cases are counted when we count cases. But when we characterize cases by race, size of family, or family composition, we are unable to count them under any category, so they are omitted. Thus, sometimes the total number of cases (that includes cases with no individuals) do not equal the sum of the subcategories of the case. We are currently working on a solution to resolve this issue.
Number of Case
Openings and Closings Over Time
How do these lines affect the Work First caseload? The cash assistance caseload goes down in months when there are more case closings than openings--that is, when more families are leaving cash assistance than entering. Case openings in this chart includes cases that have been reopened. Many people are surprised to learn how many families go on and off cash assistance in a given month.
Work
First Caseload Data for
What is a cohort and why is this data here? Since thousands of families enter and leave the cash assistance rolls each month, tracking and analyzing what happens to families can be difficult. "Cohorts" are a useful analysis tool. A cohort is simply a group of individuals who have something in common. For instance, the families who began receiving cash assistance in January, February and March 1996 are, in this data, considered to be a cohort (1st quarter 1996). The data look at the characteristics of this group, and compare them to other cohorts who entered Work First at other times. We can better see how the Work First program is changing the cash assistance landscape.
In the table and drop-down list, what does something like "1995_qtr3" mean? In this section, data is labeled by the quarterly cohort it belongs to. Therefore, "1995_qtr3" means the data comes from the third cohort in 1995, where 1995=the year, and qtr3=the 3rd quarter.
The data here are based on three quarterly cohorts from 1995, four each from
1996 through 2006 (others are added as
available). The charts that are generated from this data will spell out
differences in how each group experiences cash assistance.
Rate of Exit from
Work First
How should I read the chart on the rate of exit from Work First? This chart depicts how many months families take to leave cash assistance. Where the line crosses the 50 percent line, half of the families in that cohort have left Work First.
How should I read the chart on the rate of reentry to Work First? This chart shows of the families that return to cash assistance after leaving Work First, how many months it is from exit to reentry. Where the line crosses the 20 percent line, one-fifth of the families in that cohort have returned to Work First. This graph is also available for diversion cases to show those cases that come onto Work First after having received a diversion payment. Also for diversion cases is a graph that shows Work First participation patterns either before or after benefit diversion receipt by cohort or for all cohorts. (Note that these numbers are very small for many of the counties and will not graph if there were no diversions in a selected cohort.)
Work
First Two Parent Caseload Data for
Why is there so much data on two parent cash assistance families? Cash assistance families with two parents are relatively rare. They constitute less than one percent of the cash assistance caseload. These families are watched closely, however, since the federal cash assistance reform law places stricter work requirements on them. Therefore, the state implemented a policy of "pay after performance," which requires most two parent families to find work or job training before receiving cash benefits. This policy went into effect in March 1998.
Why are families "switching" from two parent families to single parent or child only families? Some families may show up one month as a two parent case, and then become a single parent or child only case. This happens when the family is disrupted in some way, such as a divorce. In the "switch" between two parent and child only cases, the parents may have needed substance abuse treatment or suitable housing, or for some other reason the child stayed with relatives for several months. That child would be considered a "child only" case when away from the parents (who would not receive cash benefits during that time, since a family can only receive cash assistance if they have a dependent child).
Work
First Child Only Caseload Data
What are child only cases? Child only cases are cash assistance families where only the child is receiving cash assistance. Usually, the children come from poor families but are living with a relative. For instance, an absent parent may leave their child with a grandparent. Work First places no time limits or work requirements on these cases. The number of child only cases has remained fairly constant over time.
Why do child only cash assistance cases "switch" to single parent or two parent families? Some families may show up one month as a child only case, and then become a single parent family. This may happen when a parent brings the child back in her home. One example of "switching" is when a single mother needs substance abuse treatment, and the child stayed with a grandparent for several months. That child would be considered a "child only" case when away from the parent (who would not receive cash assistance during that time, since a family can only receive cash assistance if they have a dependent child).
Child Only Cases as
a Percentage of the Work First Caseload
It appears that child only cash assistance cases are growing: what is going on? The number of child only cases across the state is fairly stable. However, as more single parent and two parent Work First families go to work, child only cases are becoming an increasing percentage of the cash assistance caseload. Neither Work First nor the federal cash assistance reform laws place work requirements or time limits on child only cases.
What is the basis of the county sizes? The county sizes of small, medium, and large given here correspond to the state's assignment of levels (level 1=small, level 2=medium, level 3=large). The levels are primarily based on the size of the caseload, among other factors.
What is the Time Clock? The Time Clock section show information about the number of people on both the 24 and 60 month time clocks. The 24 month state time clock began in August 1996 for those who are receiving employment services. The 60 month federal time clock started in January 1997. Information includes the number on each clock, the number that has accumulated 24 or 60 months, the number with extensions beyond the limit, etc.
What is the Info on Earnings? This section shows the earnings of individuals after they leave Work First. It shows the median earnings by either entry or exit cohort. Exiters are defined as being off Work First for 3 months or longer. It also shows the earners in up to 8 quarters after exit as well as the number who are back on Work First after leaving. The number of individuals with earnings in all 4 quarters after exiting is also shown along with those who have no earnings in the 4 quarters after exit. Please note: Due to logistical issues, the most recent earnings data are delayed by three calendar quarters.