Accessing Public Benefits for Low-Wage Workers

About this grant

As part of the 1996 welfare reforms, Congress and states expanded government-subsidized work support programs. However, thousands of eligible low-income families do not receive benefits because of lack of information and/or complicated application procedures. Likewise, there is little information about proven employer-based approaches and strategies to increase participation in work support programs. The Institute on Work at Seton Hall University is conducting a scan to identify promising approaches that help low-wage workers access programs for which they are eligible.Funding will enable the institute to map employer efforts to extend low-wage worker participation in public benefits. Project objectives include conducting research to identify promising approaches; conducting site visits to eight of the most promising models; preparing case studies; sharing information with key stakeholders; and disseminating findings.The Institute on Work was established in 1997 to generate innovative thinking, new partnerships and creative long-term strategies to ensure full public access to family-supporting jobs in New Jersey.