A Universal Child Allowance: A Plan to Reduce Poverty and Income Instability Among Children in the United States
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Level 4 by design analogy (cross-sectional policy simulation using survey data; non-clinical).
OpenAlex W2788773136 · doi:10.7758/rsf.2018.4.2.02
What was done
The authors proposed converting the U.S. Child Tax Credit and child tax exemption into a universal, monthly child allowance based on principles of universality, accessibility, adequate payment levels, and higher support for young children. They analyzed 2015 Current Population Survey (CPS) data to simulate the poverty-reduction and fiscal impacts of the policy.
What was found
The model estimated that the proposed allowance would reduce child poverty by about 40%, reduce deep child poverty by nearly half, and effectively eliminate extreme child poverty. Annual net cost estimates ranged from $66 billion to $105 billion.
Why it matters
This paper provides quantitative cost and impact estimates for replacing tax credits with direct universal monthly payments to reduce child poverty in the United States.
Limits
Findings are based on static policy simulation modeling rather than real-world intervention data, which cannot directly measure behavioral responses such as changes in employment. The sample size for the 2015 Current Population Survey analysis is not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- context The United States spends more federal money on ICE than on children.