Living on Little: Case Studies of Iowa Families with Very Low Incomes

Looks at 16 families who left TANF in spring 1999 and reported $500 or less in family income to see how they make ends meet. Focuses on sources of income and expenses, strategies for making ends meet, and family well-being, noting that most families had earnings from employment, but low pay, irregular schedules, and job instability were problematic. Child support was an important source of income, but few families received it regularly. Tax refunds and credits were an important earnings supplement.