Exploring the Benefit Cliff in Philadelphia County: Benefit Cliffs Interactive Storymap

Why The Benefit Cliff Matters

In the United States, individuals and families are often required to verify their need for public benefits through means-tests, typically through verification of income. The benefit cliff is a significant issue in both Philadelphia and across the U.S., where low-income families risk losing critical support, such as TANF, SNAP, or childcare subsidies, as their earnings increase. Often, a small raise in income can lead to a sharp drop-off in benefits, leaving families worse off than before, despite working harder or earning more.

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