The basic hypothesis explored in this report is that a young age at birth of a first child is directly associated with becoming a female family head and/or welfare recipient. To determine the validity of this hypothesis, the effect of premarital birth, a young age at first marriage, educational attainment, and family size are explored. Data from two surveys, the National Longitudinal Survey of Young Women and the Michigan Panel Study of Income Dynamics, are used in the exploration of these variables. Findings presented indicate that early childbearing is not directly related to subsequent welfare dependency. However, it is argued that teenage birth can increase the probability of welfare receipt indirectly in a number of ways. Some of the reasons given include such factors as larger family size, disrupted schooling, lowered learning ability, and lack of support programs. Other relevant variables are race and regional characteristics. (EB)