The term "family status" refers to "the status of being in a parent-child relationship." This can also refer to a "kind" of parent-child connection, which encompasses a variety of situations without blood or adoptive links but with comparable relationships of care, duty, and commitment. Family status is generally an abstract concept used in legislation, regulations, court decisions, and other legal documents to indicate that certain rights or responsibilities apply only to those who are involved in a specific relationship. Family status is an important factor in determining eligibility for benefits from public assistance programs. Eligibility requirements vary by program but usually include the need for age and citizenship. In addition to these basic requirements, most programs have a separate category for "families" with children. If you would like to be considered for public assistance programs, then you should inform any potential employer about your family status. You may want to explain that you are seeking employment so that you will be eligible for public benefits. There are two main types of families in the United States: married-couple families with children and single parents with children. These two family forms make up more than 90 percent of all households with children under 18. There are many factors that influence what type of family you live in including age, race, ethnicity, religion, education, income, occupation, location, climate, and technology.