Public Benefits
Public benefits kept 44 million out of poverty in 2017 according to data from the Census Bureau with Social Security responsible for keeping 27 million people above the line on its own. Given the enormous importance of these programs, figuring out how best they should be structured to assist those in hardship and encourage opportunity is a crucial question.This section of the Spotlight website gathers the latest research, news, and opinion around government benefits and programs.
Related News
Medicaid Cuts Haunt Republicans In Battleground States
Democrats’ confidence in their health care message is showing up on the airwaves and the debate stage.
Food Pantry Patrons Face 'Too Much Month At The End Of Their Money'
Food inflation, gas prices and cuts to federal benefits have created a “perfect storm” for food pantries, which have become vital parts of the family budget for millions of Americans.
The U.S. Government's Most Maddening Poverty Trap
Supplemental Security Income is designed to prevent poor Americans from falling into destitution—but the program disqualifies recipients for saving even a dollar more than $2,000.
Voters Are Feeling The Squeeze From Health Care Cuts Republicans Tried To Punt Until After Midterms
While most GOP-enacted cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs won’t happen until 2027, Democrats are speaking to the voters already feeling the squeeze.
Most American Children Are Being Pre-Enrolled In Trump Accounts
The Trump administration may have just signed up your child — and more than 60 million others — for a 530A savings account (if you haven’t already done so).
As Work Requirements Kick In For Medicaid, Some States Are Taking A Tougher Stance
Work requirements for some Medicaid beneficiaries begin in January, the result of President Donald Trump’s big 2025 tax cut and policy law, and a handful of Republican-led states are imposing tougher rules than the law requires.
White House Plan To Subsidize Stay-At-Home Parents Divides Conservatives
Some praise the idea championed by Vice President JD Vance to direct federal money to support traditional families, while others say it cuts against conservative principles.
Up to 2.3 Million Young Adults Could Lose Medicaid Under New Work Requirements
New research from the Urban Institute finds that new work requirements and other provisions of last year’s Big Beautiful Bill could reduce young adult Medicaid expansion enrollment by 22 to 48 percent, or 1.1 to 2.3 million, in 2028.
Candy and Soda Makers Prepare to 'Play Offense' on SNAP Restrictions
With more states limiting what consumers can buy with food assistance benefits, Hershey and Keurig Dr Pepper are closely monitoring the potential sales impact.
