Welfare benefits are more likely to prevent crime than they are to discourage young adults from seeking formal employment according to a new Quarterly Journal of Economics study.

retirement benefits

Cash and benefit amount numbers are shown on social security cards

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According to a study conducted by the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan, young adults in the Supplemental Security Income welfare program who saw their benefits terminated faced 20% more criminal charges over the next two decades than those who didn't.

The study used data from the Social Security Administration and Criminal Justice Administrative Records System to show that people who lost benefits were more likely to participate in crime.

The study found that children who were in the SSI program before eligibility changes were made were more likely to be locked up.

The study found that removing welfare benefits had a bigger effect on women than on men.

Black youth and young adults whose parents have low incomes were at a higher risk of being locked up as a result of losing the cash assistance.

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The study found that young adults who had their welfare benefits taken away were more likely to be charged with an illegal activity than they were to find a job.

Key Background

Cash payments and housing aid can reduce criminal activity, according to several studies. The Quarterly Journal of Economics is the first to show a long- lasting increase in criminal activity after a loss of welfare benefits. The Supplemental Security Income program is available to people with disabilities. Parents with low incomes are also eligible for the program. If children's incomes increased, they could qualify for the program after the age of 18. Changes to social welfare programs in the 1990s led to the Social Security Administration re-examining SSI benefits for children when they turn 18. The reforms resulted in 40% of children losing their cash assistance after 18 years of age.

More than 5 million. The SSI program helps low-income adults with disabilities. According to the Quarterly Journal of Economics study, those who lose benefits after turning 18 lose almost $10,000 a year.

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