Factsheet: Streamlining income supports can help single mothers and foster equitable U.S. economic growth

For single mothers navigating low wages, high costs and limited time, accessing income supports like food assistance, unemployment insurance and child tax credits can be a lifeline. However, too often the application process can be quite complex and burdensome, keeping families from getting the help they are entitled to. This results in increased poverty, lost opportunities and preventable hardships that ultimately decreases economic growth and opportunity.

This factsheet from the Washington Center for Equitable Growth breaks down why streamlining access to income supports is a critical strategy for advancing equity and economic stability. It reveals how outdated eligibility rules, racialized work requirements, and excessive paperwork disproportionately impact single mothers, many of whom already face heightened stress and financial insecurity. The report also highlights promising policy solutions, like integrated application systems, expanded refundable tax credits and targeted outreach to communities most affected by administrative burdens.