Refugee Benefit Cuts

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2024
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Pages: 406-41

Authors (3)

Christian Dustmann (not in RePEc) Rasmus Landersø (Rockwool Fondens Forskningsenh...) Lars Højsgaard Andersen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects of Denmark's Start Aid welfare reform that targets refugees. Implemented in 2002, it enables us to study not only the reform's immediate effects but also its longer-term consequences and its repeal a decade later. The reform-induced large transfer cuts led to an increase in employment rates, but only in the short run. Overall, the reform increased poverty rates and led to a rise in subsistence crime. Moreover, local demand conditions generate substantial heterogeneity in the reform's effects on immediate and longer-term employment.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:406-41
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25