E38: Researching the Benefits Cliff in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Works’ Research Analyst Sam Fraley joins the program to define the phenomenon of the "benefits cliff", a public policy dynamic that keeps individuals trapped in poverty when small increases in household income lead to larger losses in public benefits. Sam reveals the efforts underway to gather local data about the benefits cliff and discusses a new interactive dashboard that Philadelphia Works is creating that will highlight the benefits cliff. He also discusses how researching this topic can lead to positive change. Links referenced in the episode: 

• Cincinnati Foundation research on "The Cliff Effect"
• University of Washington Self-Sufficiency Standard