Means-Tested Transfers in the US: Facts and Parametric Estimates

Nezih Guner, Christopher Rauh () and Gustavo Ventura ()
Additional contact information
Christopher Rauh: University of Cambridge
Gustavo Ventura: Arizona State University

No 17551, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: How substantial are means-tested transfers in the United States? How have these transfers evolved over time, and what is their impact on the income distribution? We use microdata from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to document the scope of the main means-tested programs for households headed by working-age adults. We report key features of these programs, their generosity, and coverage by household income, marital status, and the number and age of children in the household. We also assess the role of the transfer system in reducing income inequality and document its changing magnitude and effects in recent years. Finally, we provide parametric estimates of transfers as a function of income and household characteristics for use in applied work in macroeconomics and public finance.

Keywords: means-tested transfers; households; income inequality; parametric estimates (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E62 H24 H31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 72 pages
Date: 2024-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-pbe
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Related works:
Working Paper: Means-Tested Transfers in the US: Facts and Parametric Estimates (2025)
Working Paper: Means-Tested Transfers in the US: Facts and Parametric Estimates (2024)
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