Welfare reform conversations often lack a complete understanding of just how local, state and federal programs actually inflict harm on those who are most socioeconomically vulnerable.
Based on the most recent data, these reports provide an in-depth look at the benefits cliffs across the state of Georgia. A computer model was created to demonstrate how welfare programs, alone or in combination with other programs, create multiple benefits cliffs which disincentivize work and upward economic mobility.
In addition to covering over a dozen programs – more than any previous model – the tool used to produce the following report allows users to see how these cliffs affect individuals and families with very specific characteristics, including the age and sex of the parent, number of children, age of children, income, and other variables.
While the following reports are technically specific to Georgia, the findings and recommendations contained within them are broadly applicable in most states. This is due to the fact that most welfare programs are primarily governed by federal laws, and many states have similar methods of distributing the funds provided from the federal-level programs.