Early studies on benefit spell durations are based on annual data on benefit receipt focusing primarily on the receipt of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) in the United States (Bane & Ellwood, 1983, 1994; O’Neill, Bassi, & Wolf, 1987; Hoynes & MaCurdy, 1994).23 One common conclusion of these studies is that while there is clear evidence of long-term benefit receipt, the large majority of spells are relatively short. An obvious limitation is however that the measurement of spell durations in these studies is quite imprecise. For individuals who remain on benefits for prolonged periods, benefit spell lengths will be overestimated as no distinction can be made between single long spells and a series of recurrent shorter spells.