Children's living arrangements, coresidence of unmarried fathers, and welfare receipt

This study analyzed welfare receipt among children across alternative livin g arrangements. Findings suggest more variation in patterns of public assis tance receipt than previously reported, and that these variations are affec ted by the presence of cohabiting fathers. Results argue for more precise i ndicators of children's living arrangements so that levels of welfare recei pt among children are comparable. Indicators should categorize children acc ording to whether they live with their married or cohabiting parents. Once children's relationships with coresiding males were determined, findings sh owed that children living with fathers were less likely to receive public a ssistance except for supplemental security income. Results confirm that chi ldren growing up with unmarried mothers who do not cohabit with adult males are the most likely to receive welfare and the most disadvantaged. Results also show, however, that children living with cohabiting biological parent s are more Likely to receive welfare than children living with married pare nts.