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INCOME & WORK SUPPORTS UPDATE
MAY 2020

States and Localities Step Up to Support Immigrant Families When Congress Fails

Coronavirus legislation enacted to date—including the Families First and the CARES Act—doesn’t go far enough to address the vast inequities in how immigrant communities are affected by the public health and economic crisis. While Congress has shamefully excluded millions of immigrants and their families, states have stepped up to fill the gap by providing relief to immigrant families.

During COVID-19, States Should Continue Waiving TANF Work Requirements and Time Limits

TANF is critical in limiting the economic fallout of COVID-19; yet, people face many challenges in accessing support. States should reduce barriers to TANF during this health crisis to help families remain economically stable.

EBT Online Purchasing: States Must Expand Food Assistance While Keeping People Safe

During COVID-19, barriers to online shopping create a challenge for people who count on SNAP. To fight hunger during this pandemic, state lawmakers can expand access to grocery delivery, curbside pickup and restaurant meals programs.

In the News

MARCH 31, 2020 | THE NEW YORK TIMES

The Safety Net Got a Quick Patch. What Happens After the Coronavirus?

APRIL 7, 2020 | THE DAILY CONSTITUTION

U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Help ‘Vulnerable Communities’ Access COVID-19 Resources

APRIL 8, 2020 | HUFFINGTON POST

Americans Will Get Stimulus Paychecks Soon. Undocumented Workers Get Nothing.

APRIL 13, 2020 | BUSINESS INSIDER

Many Gen Zers Might Not Qualify for the Stimulus Check, Despite the Fact Over a Third of Them Have Already Been Laid Off by Their Employers

APRIL 21, 2020 | INSIDE HIGHER ED

Student SNAP Waivers Denied

Key Blog Posts and Publications

APRIL 2, 2020 | CLASP

WEBINAR: Implications of COVID-19 Response Provisions and Public Benefits

CLASP hosted a webinar on how COVID-19 legislation affects other benefit programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and child care. We addressed how the income from the COVID-19 response is treated for existing programs, what role state health and human services programs will have in the administration of new programs, and whether people who receive COVID-19 response benefits will be connected with existing benefits.

APRIL 3, 2020 | DIANE SULLIVAN

Speaking up on SNAP – and COVID-19

Diane Sullivan, a hunger advocate, testified at a Congressional hearing on a proposal to eliminate SNAP benefits for 3.1 million recipients. In these difficult times, our country must ensure those in need have safe, affordable, and nutritious food. That’s the plea she made during that Congressional hearing before this pandemic, and it’s even more important now.

APRIL 7, 2020 | ASHLEY BURNSIDE

10 Things to Know About the Economic Impact Rebate Payments

Lawmakers recently passed the CARES Act. Despite wide news coverage about the economic impact rebate payments, many have questions about who’s eligible and how to receive the payments.

APRIL 7, 2020 | SUZANNE WIKLE

Health Insurance Strategies for States and Individuals During COVID-19

COVID-19 reminds us how fragile our health insurance system is, and how insurance is tied to someone’s employment and/or entirely inaccessible. CLASP outlines enrollment options for individuals and steps for states to make insurance more accessible.

APRIL 24, 2020 | DARREL THOMPSON

During COVID-19, Child Support Should Go to Children, Not States

The CARES Act provides most adults a rebate check. But for 3 million people who owe child support, the check will be withheld. However, much of the money withheld will be kept by states rather than given to children.