Abstract
In this paper we focus on the role of caseworkers in the assignment and take-up of welfare-to-work programs. We conduct a field experiment that generates exogenous variation in the assignment of caseworkers to different policy regimes. The experiment allows us to provide evidence on the effectiveness of welfare-to-work programs and to study how caseworkers exploit their discretion in assigning these programs to welfare recipients. We find substantial heterogeneity in how caseworkers assign welfare-to-work programs. Participation in the experiment and learning about the effectiveness of the different programs do not induce caseworkers to focus more on the effective programs. Obtaining knowledge about welfare-to-work programs is thus not enough to improve policy, also effort on implementation is required.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 104080 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Journal of Public Economics |
Volume | 183 |
Early online date | 28 Jan 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2020 |
Keywords
- Caseworkers
- Field experiment
- Welfare-to-work