Center for Policy Research

Working Paper

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

Katherine Michelmore & Leonard M. Lopoo

C.P.R. Working Paper No. 215

March 2019

Leonard M. Lopoo

Public Administration & International Affairs Department

Center for Policy Research

Parenting & Family

Leonard M. Lopoo

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, the authors' back-of-the-envelope calculations suggest that these delays likely save up to $199 million annually in social welfare costs.

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