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

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2011
Volume: 3
Issue: 3
Pages: 175-205

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

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)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:3:y:2011:i:3:p:175-205
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26