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.
May 7, 2020
Rising employment rates among SNAP recipients in past years means many low-income households may receive both nutrition assistance and unemployment insurance.
March 26, 2020
Cash payments provide a financial lifeline through this time of income loss. Workers in the hardest hit industries have low earnings and few savings.
March 20, 2020
Effectively using cash disbursements in the coronavirus crisis requires finding the infrastructure to ensure that payments are rapid, widespread and equitable.
March 17, 2020
In the face of a potentially precipitous decline in economic activity it is necessary to act quickly, not least to stem a vicious cycle whereby a downturn generates panic, which exacerbates the downturn.
January 27, 2020
Under the new public charge rule, usage of Medicaid and SNAP would be considered for some immigration decisions. The reduction in spending would be non-trivial.
October 28, 2019
During economic downturns the social safety net can help families meet basic needs while providing a fiscal stimulus to the economy.
August 1, 2019
New rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would end eligibility for over 3 million people who qualify under Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility
April 2, 2019
Over 9 million children lived below the poverty line in 2015. Evidence-based solutions could make a substantial difference in the rate of child poverty.
March 14, 2019
State Earned Income Tax Credits have been shown to play a role in reducing poverty while encouraging work participation. But their generosity varies greatly.