Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/36236 
Year of Publication: 
2009
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 4370
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Using exceptionally rich linked administrative and survey information on German welfare recipients we investigate the health effects of transitions from welfare to employment and of assignments to welfare-to-work programmes. Applying semi-parametric propensity score matching estimators we find that employment substantially increases (mental) health. The positive effects are mainly driven by males and individuals with bad initial health conditions and are largest for males with poor health. In contrast, the effects of welfare-to-work programmes, including subsidized jobs, are ambiguous and statistically insignificant for most outcomes. Robustness checks that include a semi-parametric instrumental variable approach do not provide reasons for concern.
Subjects: 
Welfare programs
health effects
JEL: 
I38
J68
I10
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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