November 24, 2025
In 2023, almost 1 in 6 children in the U.S. lived in households that at times were uncertain of having—or unable to acquire—enough food for all their members.
February 16, 2026
Rising needs for elder care put a heavy burden on older Americans, on their families and on the public budget.
December 12, 2025
State minimum wage and refundable state earned income tax credit (EITC) policies can reduce food insecurity among economically at-risk households with children.
June 19, 2025
If Social Security continues in its current trajectory — and no action is taken by Congress — it will only be able to cover 81% of promised benefits in 2034.
May 25, 2025
A discussion with Diane Schanzenbach on how stricter work mandates often push people off SNAP without pulling them into the labor market.
May 3, 2025
A discussion with Gopi Shah Goda on the solvency of Social Security, and what’s at stake if Social Security reform is unaddressed.
April 30, 2025
Do work requirements increase work? Do they take benefits away from the neediest households? Evidence of the impact of SNAP work requirements on families.
May 26, 2017
The Trump Administration's 2018 budget proposes large cuts to the social safety net. Will this increase the number of U.S. households that are food insecure?
March 1, 2022
Poverty is associated with increased risk of family and youth violence. Do anti-poverty programs have the potential to mitigate these types of violence?
May 24, 2023
The debt limit debate has cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and TANF on the table. The scope for savings in government spending is bound by their share of the budget.
December 2, 2020
Unemployment insurance is the most important support for displaced workers. However, benefits quickly decline over time and are more generous for higher income workers.
October 28, 2019
During economic downturns the social safety net can help families meet basic needs while providing a fiscal stimulus to the economy.
June 25, 2023
How much would proposed spending cuts to social safety net programs reduce government spending by? And at what cost to its beneficiaries?
August 24, 2020
The latest episode of EconoFact Chats features a discussion between Diane Schanzenbach and host Michael Klein on the social safety net in the era of COVID-19.
June 7, 2026
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can increase the use of paid child care, and promote labor force participation among secondary earners.