Language
English (en)
Publication Date
6-17-2026
Summary
Public benefits help millions of workers meet basic needs such as food, health care, housing, and childcare. But for many low-wage workers, these programs can also create a difficult trade-off: Earning more or saving more can sometimes mean losing the benefits they need to keep their family afloat. This brief summarizes key findings from a survey conducted for the Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM) project with a nationally representative sample of low-wage U.S. workers. The findings suggest elements of a public benefits system that could protect families from economic risk while supporting work, savings, and long-term mobility.
Document Type
Research Brief
Category
Financial Inclusion
Subarea
Income Policy
Original Citation
Roll, S., & Despard, M. (2026). When getting ahead means falling behind: Work and savings disincentives in public benefits (CSD Research Brief No. 26-31). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/5adg-ex22
Project
Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM)
Keywords
public benefits ; economic mobility ; savings ; earnings ; benefits cliffs ; administrative burden ; policy ; United States ; Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM) ;
Recommended Citation
Roll, S., & Despard, M. (2026). When getting ahead means falling behind: Work and savings disincentives in public benefits (CSD Research Brief No. 26-31). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/5adg-ex22
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/5adg-ex22