Benefits Cliffs

Question A: “Benefits cliffs” caused by strict income requirements for public benefits create significant barriers to career advancement for low-income workers.

Question B: Benefit phase-outs like that included in the design for the earned income tax credit create fewer barriers to career advancement than strict income cutoffs.

Question C: The recent SNAP eligibility policy change by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will lower barriers to work for low-income people.