Research Report A New Safety Net for Low-Income Families
Sheila R. Zedlewski, Ajay Chaudry, Margaret Simms
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During the 1990s, the federal government promised low-income families that work would pay. Parents moved into jobs in response to new welfare rules requiring work, tax credits and other work supports that boosted take-home pay. Unfortunately, the record shows that low-income families have not progressed much. Many don't bring home enough to cover the everyday costs of living. This paper synthesizes the current status of low-income families along with the findings from a set of essays that address key shortcomings in the safety net. The paper summarizes ideas for policies that would make work pay in today's economy.
Research Areas Families Social safety net Children and youth
Tags Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Economic well-being Families with low incomes