Safety Nets and Well-Being: How Expanded Programs Changed Lives During the Pandemic

by Jon Scaccia March 11, 2025

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans struggled to make ends meet, but safety-net programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provided a critical lifeline. These programs, designed to support low-income households, took on even greater importance as millions faced job losses, health crises, and economic uncertainty.

A recent study of 380 California households with low income has shed light on how these safety net programs were utilized during this tumultuous period. The research conducted between 2020 and 2023 found that the proportion of households accessing all available safety net programs increased significantly. It also revealed surprising connections between program take-up, mental health, and sociodemographic factors, offering valuable insights for policymakers and public health practitioners.

The Pandemic’s Silver Lining: Increased Access to Support

During the pandemic, many safety net programs temporarily expanded accessibility and benefits. Medicaid ensured continued coverage, SNAP maximized food benefits, and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) began automatic monthly payments to families. These changes helped reduce bureaucratic hurdles and made benefits more accessible.

The study identified three distinct patterns of safety net program use among eligible households:

• All Programs: High participation across all available programs.
• Low SNAP: Limited use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but broader participation in other programs.
• Low Tax Programs: Limited take-up of tax-based support like the EITC and CTC.

By 2021, nearly 58% of surveyed households were in the “all programs” category, up from just 13% in 2019. The most significant shift came from families initially in the “low tax programs” group, 79% of whom transitioned to “all programs.” This change likely reflects the expanded eligibility and reduced barriers during the pandemic.

The People Behind the Data

Consider Maria, a single mother of two who had always found navigating safety net programs daunting. Before the pandemic, Maria received Medicaid and WIC but missed out on SNAP benefits due to the complex application process. When SNAP waived in-person interviews and increased benefit amounts in 2020, Maria was finally able to access the support her family needed. “It felt like someone had opened a door for me,” she shared. “We went from struggling to get by to having enough food every month.”

Stories like Maria’s highlight how practical changes—like simplifying application processes—can transform lives.

Unpacking the Mental Health Connection

One of the study’s most intriguing findings was the link between mental health and safety net program use. Participants with more symptoms of depression and anxiety were more likely to be in the “all programs” group, suggesting that mental health challenges may drive increased reliance on support systems.

However, the relationship might not be straightforward. While extended program participation could alleviate financial stress, navigating these systems can also bring psychological burdens, such as stigma or the frustration of complex paperwork. Public health practitioners might consider how to reduce these barriers to improve both mental health and program engagement.

What’s Next? Moving from Emergency Measures to Long-Term Solutions

While the expanded access to safety net programs during the pandemic was a step forward, many of those measures have since been rolled back. As policymakers consider future strategies, this study offers clear lessons:

• Streamline Application Processes: Temporary pandemic-era measures like automatic CTC deposits and SNAP application waivers significantly boosted take-up. Making these changes permanent could sustain high participation rates.
• Targeted Outreach: Hispanic households were more likely to underutilize SNAP benefits. Tailored outreach and support, potentially through bilingual services or partnerships with trusted community organizations, could help close this gap.
• Integrate Mental Health Support: Recognizing the connection between mental health and program participation could lead to new approaches, such as embedding mental health resources within safety net services.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of the study’s findings? Have you or your community experienced challenges accessing safety net programs? What policy changes would make the biggest difference in your view?

Share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion on social media using #SafetyNetSupport. Let’s keep the conversation going and explore how we can build a more resilient safety net for all.

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