University of Michigan

The SSRC collaborated with the University of Michigan on three webinars: (1), Panel Study of Income Dynamics: Overview and Research Uses, (2) The Private Safety Net among Low-Income Families with Young Children, and (3) What Happens When Job Loss Strikes in Low-Income Families.

During Panel Study of Income Dynamics: Overview and Research Uses, Dr. Paula Fomby (University of Michigan) described the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), including its origins, population, genealogical design, ongoing and recent supplements, and frequently asked questions about data use. Dr. Caroline Ratcliffe (Urban Institute) shared an example of research using PSID data to explore childhood poverty persistence, including benefits and limitations of using the PSID. Zakia Redd (Child Trends and SSRC) served as moderator. The webinar was held in February 2015.

The Private Safety Net among Low-Income Families with Young Children explored how low-income families use the private safety net to make ends meet. The “private safety net” is defined as assistance from friends and family. Dr. Natasha Pilkauskas, the SSRC Emerging Scholar from September-December 2015, focused on housing, child care, and cash transfers to examine the estimated economic value of this private safety net and compared it to the economic assistance received from public safety net programs like SNAP, the EITC or TANF. Ms. Christianne Lind served as the discussant, and Dr. Kristin Moore moderated the discussion. This webinar was held in December 2015.

During What Happens When Job Loss Strikes in Low-Income Families, Dr. Shaefer provided an overview of the transformation of the safety net for low-income families into a system that subsidizes low-wage work, while providing less aid to the non-working poor. Dr. Shaefer also discussed the implications of unemployment spells for low-income families with children and presented information on the relative responsiveness of three major means-tested safety net programs – TANF, SNAP, and EITC – and discussed broader implications and policy recommendations. This webinar was held in February 2013.

Visit the SSRC library to find more relevant resources.