Children's Living Arrangements, Coresidence of Unmarried Fathers, and Welfare Receipt

This study analyzed welfare receipt among children across alternative living arrangements. Findings suggest more variation in patterns of public assistance receipt than previously reported, and that these variations are affected by the presence of cohabiting fathers. Results argue for more precise indicators of children's living arrangements so that levels of welfare receipt among children are comparable. Indicators should categorize children according to whether they live with their married or cohabiting parents. Once children's relationships with coresiding males were determined, findings showed that children living with fathers were less likely to receive public assistance except for supplemental security income. Results confirm that children 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 parents are more likely to receive welfare than children living with married parents.