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Do Child Tax Benefits Affect the Well-Being of Children? Evidence from Canadian Child Benefit Expansions

Author

Listed:
  • Kevin Milligan
  • Mark Stabile
Abstract
We exploit changes in child benefits in Canada to study the impact of family income on child and family well-being. Using variation in child benefits across province, time, and family type, we study outcomes spanning test scores, mental health, physical health, and deprivation measures. The findings suggest that child benefit programs had significant positive effects on test scores, maternal health, and mental health, among other measures. We find strong and interesting differences in the effects of benefits by child sex: benefits have stronger effects on educational outcomes and physical health for boys, and on mental health outcomes for girls. (JEL I12, I31, I38, J13)

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Milligan & Mark Stabile, 2011. "Do Child Tax Benefits Affect the Well-Being of Children? Evidence from Canadian Child Benefit Expansions," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 3(3), pages 175-205, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:3:y:2011:i:3:p:175-205
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/pol.3.3.175
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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    This item is featured on the following reading lists, Wikipedia, or ReplicationWiki pages:
    1. Do Child Tax Benefits Affect the Well-Being of Children? Evidence from Canadian Child Benefit Expansions (American Economic Journal: Economic Policy 2011) in ReplicationWiki

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