https://sites.google.com/forsythfutures.org/benefits-cliff-forsyth-2019
This Forsyth Futures microsite highlights a phenomenon, commonly called the benefits cliff or the cliff effect, in which a pay increase results in a net loss of combined income and benefits. The benefits cliff occurs because many public benefits instantly stop at a given income threshold. Once a participant crosses the threshold, benefits plummet to zero. There is no gradual phase-out. The Benefits Cliff Microsite has two primary goals:
- Explain the benefits cliff (a complex topic) as clearly and simply as possible to provide context for community stakeholders.
- Provide clear pathways to potential action that community stakeholders might take — at a local, state, or federal level — to mitigate some of the negative or disruptive effects of the benefits cliff. We also provide examples of action that other communities have taken.
If you have questions about the Benefits Cliff Microsite, contact Shane Orr: Shane@ForsythFutures.org.
Forsyth Futures studies our community to inform action by providing valuable context to community stakeholders and advocates on all levels. We believe that a better-informed community is empowered to advocate for the evidence-based policies and solutions that can improve quality of life for all in Forsyth County.