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.
June 28, 2017
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program offers short-term help to buy food for families and individuals in need. An increasing share of recipients work.
June 1, 2017
Abuse of government programs often leads to reforms. But reforms can have unintended consequences that limit the efficacy of increased enforcement and even lead to undesirable side effects
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?
May 8, 2017
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a major anti-poverty program with bipartisan support. It lifts many families out of poverty and increases their employment.
April 17, 2017
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program accounts for the bulk of Farm Bill spending and provides a safety net that disproportionately helps children in poverty.
March 28, 2017
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for most benefits. Many have dependent children or a spouse who are U.S. citizens and may qualify for benefits.
February 24, 2017
Block grants are often promoted as controlling costs and providing states with enhanced flexibility.
February 9, 2017
Millions of retirees depend on Social Security. Raising the income level at which contributions are capped could maintain the program's long-run viability without cutting benefits.