2007 Reports

Supporting Work in Illinois: The Challenges Ahead

Dinan, Kinsey Alden; Cauthen, Nancy K.

Using results from NCCP's Family Resource Simulator, a policy simulation tool, this report analyzes the effectiveness of Illinois' "work support" policies—benefits such as earned income tax credits, health insurance coverage, child care assistance, and food stamps. We find that when families receive the benefits for which they are eligible, Illinois' policies are generally successful in helping families close the gap between low earnings and basic expenses. Rewarding progress in the workforce, however, remains a challenge. Small increases in family income can trigger sharp reductions in benefits, leaving families no better off—or even worse off—than before.