Policies to Address Economic Precarity

More than 50 million people lost work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and most unemployment was concentrated among people in low-income households. Housing and food insecurity quickly increased and was characterized by large racial and ethnic disparities. The COVID-19 US State Policy (CUSP) database documents that support for people who have lost work and are experiencing economic precarity varies a great deal from state to state. CUSP documents the characteristics of policies such as unemployment insurance and eviction freezes at a time when many are in need of these supports.