Program Income and Public Assistance Data are facts on people, places and business collected in censuses and surveys and through administrative records.
Public welfare expenditures include cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income, and other payments made directly to individuals, as well as payments to physicians and other service providers under programs like Medicaid
"The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has defined EBP as consisting of “best research evidence, best clinical experience, and consistent with patient values.”
Evidence-Based Practice
Social workers increasingly are seeking information about evidence-based practices. Numerous resources are emerging to help connect research to practice and provide information that can be helpful to practitioners. Since the term evidence-based practice (EBP) is used in numerous ways, definitions will be provided that can help expand social workers understanding of EBP. resources, and publications will be identified that can be useful to inform practice and guide policymakers. Since the identification of evidence-based practices involves assessing the available body of practice-relevant research, having a robust social work research base is important.
"Evidence based programs provides essential research for policymakers and program developers. Search policy areas and programs for program evaluation."
State social service agencies are responsible for determining eligibility for public benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, state-based General Assistance, and other benefits. These programs cover over 60 million people nationwide, many of whom may not be included on driver’s license databases or other lists.
The Welfare Rules Database provides a comprehensive, sophisticated resource for anyone comparing cash assistance programs between states and territories, researching changes in cash assistance rules within a single state or territory, or simply looking for the most up-to-date information on the rules governing cash assistance in one state or territory.
Monthly data are provided for all 50 States and the District of Columbia from January 1996 through December 2020.
The database contains variables that relay information on a variety of State policy options, drawing on policy information from many sources. A primary source is USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which provides publicly available information through the SNAP State Options Reports and the SNAP Quality Control Data, and creates special tabulations from the SNAP National Databank. Information is also collected from USDA, FNS policy guidance memos, contracted studies, and correspondence with FNS staff.
Strategies for Improving Public Benefits Access and Retention
This report presents a menu of strategies that have the potential to increase access to individual public benefit programs or a package of benefits. It focuses on Illinois, but the strategies identified are relevant throughout the country.
The federal government spends more than $1.1 trillion a year on 134 welfare programs. State and local governments add about $744 billion more.
Cato Institute
The federal government spends more than $1.1 trillion a year on 134 welfare programs. State and local governments add about $744 billion more.
The Public Welfare Foundation
"... supports efforts to advance justice and opportunity for people in need. These efforts honor the Foundation’s core values of racial equity, economic well-being and fundamental fairness for all."
Research and Impact | Berkeley Social Welfare
UC Berkeley’s world-class faculty and research units can be leveraged to conduct studies that make a difference. Berkeley Social Welfare faculty lead a number of research units, and the School houses the California Child Welfare Indicators Project.
"The Center for the Study of Social Policy works to achieve a racially, economically, and socially just society in which all children, youth, and families thrive"
"Nearly one out of every four Washington residents turns to the Economic Services Administration (ESA) in the Department of Social and Health Services for assistance with cash, food, child support, disability determination, transition to employment, and other services. Each day, more than 4,000 ESA employees provide families and individuals across the state with the resources and support they need to build better lives. In 2013, ESA served more than 1.5 million people – representing approximately 22 percent of all Washington State residents."
National Conference of State Legislatures
"...created by state legislators and legislative staff in 1975, serves America’s 50 states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. Every state legislator and staffer is a member of the organization and has complete access to the latest in bipartisan policy research, training resources and technical assistance tailored specifically to their needs. And, NCSL offers members a variety of opportunities to connect and collaborate, notably at its signature event, the NCSL Legislative Summit. Use the links below to get involved or connect with NCSL staff."
Urban Insitiute
"Urban Institute’s research helps changemakers design effective solutions to the challenges faced by people and communities. Together, let’s work toward building a more just, equitable society."