What Works to Reduce Poverty

POLICY FUTURES

As part of Policy Futures, we examine "what works" when it comes to federal and state policies and programs to reduce poverty and promote opportunity for low-income Americans. We synthesize and amplify the work of poverty researchers around the country on program effectiveness. This effort is designed to inform discussions about new investments in anti-poverty programs as well as reforms of, and funding levels for, existing programs.

In Focus: Safety Net Cut Poverty in Half 2013

CHART BOOK

Economic Security and Health Insurance Programs Reduce Poverty and Provide Access to Needed Care

March 21, 2018

Today’s economic security programs keep tens of millions of Americans out of poverty and has positive longer-term impacts on children.

STATE FACT SHEETS

Impact of the Safety Net

July 22, 2016

Click on a state to view its fact sheet.

REPORT

WIC Works: Addressing the Nutrition and Health Needs of Low-Income Families for 40 Years

Revised March 29, 2017

Extensive research has found the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to be a cost-effective investment that improves the nutrition and health of low-income families.

REPORT

Safety Net More Effective Against Poverty Than Previously Thought

May 6, 2015 | Arloc Sherman and Danilo Trisi

Previous analysis of Census data showed that safety net programs cut the poverty rate nearly in half.

VIDEO

Making America Stronger: U.S. Food Stamp Program

How food stamps have dramatically reduced the extent of severe hunger in our country.
INFOGRAPHIC

Working Family Tax Credits Help at Every Stage of Life

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CHART BOOK

The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit

Economic Security and Health Insurance Programs Reduce Poverty and Provide Access to Needed Care

Impact of the Safety Net

WIC Works: Addressing the Nutrition and Health Needs of Low-Income Families for 40 Years

Safety Net More Effective Against Poverty Than Previously Thought

Making America Stronger: U.S. Food Stamp Program

Working Family Tax Credits Help at Every Stage of Life

The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit

More on this Issue

SNAP Is Linked with Improved Nutritional Outcomes and Lower Health Care Costs

Opportunities to Streamline Enrollment Across Public Benefit Programs

Economic Security Programs Help Low-Income Children Succeed Over Long Term, Many Studies Find

SNAP Works for America’s Children

Pediatricians: Safety Net Key to Children’s Health and Development

Citing Poverty’s Toll on Children, Pediatricians Call for Stronger Safety Net

Safety Net Reduces Poverty Now and Promotes Opportunity Over Long Run

Safety Net’s Anti-Poverty Effectiveness Has Grown Nearly Ten-Fold Since 1967

SNAP Promotes Long-Term Gains, Especially for Children

Safety Net Cut Poverty Nearly in Half in 2014

The Safety Net’s Powerful Antipoverty Impact

EITC and Child Tax Credit Promote Work, Reduce Poverty, and Support Children’s Development, Research Finds

Evidence Compiled by President’s Economic Experts Illustrates Long-Term Gains from Antipoverty Programs

Medicaid at 50: Cuts Poverty, Boosts Financial Health

New Research: EITC Boosts Employment and Lifts Many More Out of Poverty Than Previously Thought

Medicaid at 50: Covering Children Has Long-Term Educational Benefits

Award-Winning Study: Minimum Wage — Solid Benefits, Small Costs

Medicaid's Long-Term Earnings and Health Benefits

WIC Works: Addressing the Nutrition and Health Needs of Low-Income Families for 40 Years

Top 10s to Reduce Inequality

EITC and Child Tax Credit Promote Work, Reduce Poverty, and Support Children's Development, Research Finds

Key Programs Lay Building Blocks for Kids' Success

Creating Opportunity for Children: How Housing Location Can Make a Difference

The War on Poverty at 50, Part V: Safety Net Provides Lasting Benefits

Various Supports for Low-Income Families Reduce Poverty and Have Long-Term Positive Effects On Families and Children