Safety net programs address persistent problems, such as poverty, and protect workers and families during downturns, making it easier to meet basic food, housing and health needs. Our posts on this subject include research on Medicare and Medicaid; social security; the short- and long-term benefits of poverty relief; the increasing focus on employment in combating poverty; and how the social safety net has responded to the COVID-19 crisis.
October 13, 2025
Food insecurity captures a different dimension of economic well-being that is not fully reflected in measures of poverty, unemployment or other related statistics.
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.
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.
February 21, 2024
Although their family characteristics are associated with lower rates of poverty in other groups, Hispanic children makeup 41% of U.S. children in poverty.
November 13, 2023
Work requirements aim to promote employment among the poor, but most people in poor households work, live with someone who works, or face barriers to employment.
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.
October 13, 2022
Food insecurity for households with children fell during COVID. But there are signs of reversal with pandemic aid ending and the highest inflation in decades.
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?
