The Effects of EITC Exposure in Childhood on Marriage and Early Childbearing

Katherine Michelmore and Leonard M. Lopoo ()
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Katherine Michelmore: Center for Policy Research, Maxwell School, Syracuse University, 426 Eggers Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/research/center-for-policy-research
Leonard M. Lopoo: Center for Policy Research, Maxwell School, Syracuse University, 426 Eggers Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/directory/leonard-m-lopoo

No 215, Center for Policy Research Working Papers from Center for Policy Research, Maxwell School, Syracuse University

Abstract: This study analyzes the effect of exposure to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in childhood on marriage and childbearing in early adulthood. Results suggest that exposure in childhood leads women to delay marriage and first births in early adulthood (ages 18-25), but not men. These results have implications for the well-being of both individuals exposed to the EITC in childhood as well as their future children. In addition, because childless adults cannot claim the EITC until age 25, our back-of-the-envelope calculations suggest that these delays likely save up to $199 million annually in social welfare costs.

Keywords: Earned Income Tax Credit; Marriage; Fertility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I38 J12 J13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 56 pages
Date: 2019-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-bec, nep-lab and nep-pub
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:max:cprwps:215

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