The federal government took steps in 2009 to significantly expand benefits and supports for the nation’s low-income families, with much of the new assistance coming through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation increased benefits for struggling families, including unemployment insurance coverage, tax credits and assistance programs such as food stamps, child care and housing subsidies. These investments can make an enormous difference for America’s struggling families, but only if they can gain access to and receive the benefits for which they are eligible.
The National Assembly (of which NeighborWorks America is a member) has produced a series of materials and tools to make it easier for nonprofits to share this information, and The Annie E. Casey Foundation has produced an issue brief, Improving Access to Public Benefits to help individuals and families get the income supports they need.
