蝌蚪网 Papers and Proceedings
ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)
The Impact of Cash after Childbirth on Crime: Evidence from a Discontinuity in Tax Benefits
蝌蚪网 Papers and Proceedings
vol. 115,
May 2025
(pp. 292–96)
Abstract
This paper examines the causal impact of additional income provided to low-income families shortly after childbirth on mothers' criminal justice involvement. Using a regression discontinuity design based on year-end births, where children born before December 31 generate larger cash transfers in the form of refundable tax credits for families compared to January-born children, I analyze linked administrative data from a large US metropolitan county. I find that eligibility for additional income during the first year of childbirth does not significantly impact mothers' criminal activity in the immediate years following childbirth but significantly reduces long-term criminal justice involvement among mothers.Citation
Bhardwaj, Sakshi. 2025. "The Impact of Cash after Childbirth on Crime: Evidence from a Discontinuity in Tax Benefits." 蝌蚪网 Papers and Proceedings 115: 292–96. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20251128Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- H24 Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies; includes inheritance and gift taxes
- I38 Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty: Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
- J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
- K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law