Social Services
Majority of applicants say they’d use AI agent to navigate public benefits processes
A new survey from Salesforce found that 87% of respondents would use an AI agent. Many of the public feel interactions with government agencies can be challenging and leave behind billions of dollars in unclaimed benefits because of it.
How LA is using tech to get wildfire victims financial help
The Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity selected a solution from AidKit, which uses mapping, fraud detection and real-time reporting and analytics to vet applications for relief.
A simple fix could stop millions in food stamp theft. Will New York commit?
Chip technology has been standard in credit and debit cards for a decade. They could stop New York’s surging rate of stolen benefits.
Inside Missouri’s push to help gig workers access benefits more easily
The state saw a reduction in benefits application rejections and churn after implementing an income verification platform for nontraditional workers.
‘Optionality’ could be the key to better customer experience, experts say
As digital advances have prompted state agencies to innovate their benefits systems, experts say officials should first consider what residents want.
Why California is revamping its benefits application websites
The GetCalFresh.org site, which helps residents apply for government food assistance, is shutting down. A new system aims to replace and improve it over the next year.
SNAP theft reimbursements could end for many without congressional action by Friday
Senators are also urging the Agriculture Department to speed up its rulemaking around card security that could help prevent the problem.
Can AI help government prevent homelessness?
A predictive model is helping Los Angeles authorities link people at risk of homelessness to assistive services to keep them housed.
New fellowship program looks to help policymakers improve civic tech
The initiative will provide state and local governments insights on how to improve online tools and services for their residents.
Residents urged to protect their EBT cards against skimming devices
Local and federal authorities are investigating the electronic skimming devices that can steal a cardholder’s account details, including their PIN code.
This Atlanta neighborhood hired a case manager to address rising homelessness—and it’s improving health and safety for everyone
COMMENTARY | Hiring a social worker to help people experiencing homelessness is a sharp contrast to the punitive approach condoned by the Supreme Court.
Featured eBooks
Exclusive
Slow progress towards more secure EBT cards highlights the challenges ahead for states
The U.S. Agriculture Department doesn’t have a timeline for fully moving food assistance accounts to industry-standard chip cards, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to digital theft.
State, local guaranteed income programs set the stage for federal action
A growing body of research shows that local-level cash assistance initiatives can improve financial, housing and other outcomes for recipients. Federal lawmakers are taking notice.
Errors in Deloitte-run Medicaid systems can cost millions and take years To fix
Twenty-five states have awarded Deloitte contracts for eligibility systems totally at least $6 billion, giving the company a stronghold in a lucrative segment of the government benefits business.
More than 17 million older Americans miss out on important public benefits
A new interactive map can help state and local governments improve older adults’ access to assistance programs.
Community fridges are helping neighbors nourish one another
While fighting food waste and food insecurity, these grassroots mutual-aid projects also aim to bring communities closer together
Should Vermont’s child care solution be every state’s?
Legislation passed last year may show a path forward as states across the country look to tackle child care crisis.
States recognize 'something's got to give' in providing services to older adults
Helping older adults participate in society and stay engaged with the community as they age is a growing priority for state governments.
HIV infection rates are down everywhere but the South
A new federal grant program looks to improve health equity in Southern states for vulnerable populations like individuals of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
How cities are rethinking who responds to 911 calls
Big cities have largely embraced so-called alternative response teams that send trained health care professionals in the place of law enforcement to handle low-risk situations. Now, the approach is moving to smaller jurisdictions.
The results of the biggest study on guaranteed income programs are finally in
For three years, 1,000 people received $1,000 per month—no strings attached. They took better jobs. Some went back to school. Others started opening businesses.
