Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
969922 Journal of Public Economics 2008 22 Pages PDF
Abstract

We evaluate the first controlled field experiment on Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Including their own contributions and matching funds, treatment group members in the Tulsa, Oklahoma program could accumulate $6750 for home purchase or $4500 for other qualified uses. Almost all treatment group members opened accounts, but many withdrew all funds for unqualified purposes. Among renters at the beginning of the experiment, the IDA increased homeownership rates after 4 years by 7–11 percentage points and reduced non-retirement financial assets by $700–$1000. The IDA had almost no other discernable effect on other subsidized assets, overall wealth, or poverty rates.

Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics
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