Language

English (en)

Publication Date

1-28-2026

Summary

Work arrangements have become increasingly varied in recent years, with much labor-market participation happening outside of traditional full-time roles. As gig work and other forms of self-employment,  contract labor, and part-time positions grow, and work arrangements diversify, employment instability is a growing concern,  especially for low-wage workers. This brief presents original evidence on the use of financial services among low-wage workers in the United States. Data come from the Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM) survey administered to a nationally representative sample of 2,511 U.S. workers earning less than 250% of the federal poverty line.

Document Type

Working Paper

Category

Financial Inclusion

Subarea

Income Policy

Original Citation

Nixon, A. J., Jr., & Despard, M. (2026). Employment circumstances and use of financial services among low-wage workers (CSD Research Brief No. 26-04). Washington University, Center for Social Development.

Project

Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM)

Keywords

Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility ; United States; employment; job characteristics; financial services; gig work; bank account;

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