STATE AFDC RULES REGARDING THE TREATMENT OF COHABITORS - 1993

This article reports the results of a survey of State Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) rules regarding the treatment of unrela ted cohabiters in households containing AFDC units. We examine State t reatment of cash and in-kind contributions by cohabiters and find that the AFDC grant is usually not affected if the cohabiter makes in-kind contributions toward food and shelter expenses of the household. Howe ver, the grant generally is reduced if the cohabiter contributes cash to the AFDC unit unless the cash is for shared household expenses. In addition, a few States have specific policies toward cohabiters that a re not based on initial evidence of cohabiter contributions.