Resource Format: Report
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Automation + AI 
Algorithmic Accountability: A Primer
The primer–originally prepared for the Progressive Congressional Caucus’ Tech Algorithm Briefing–explores the trade-offs and debates about algorithms and accountability across several key ethical dimensions, including fairness and bias; opacity and transparency; and lack of standards for auditing.
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Automation + AI 
Challenging the Use of Algorithm-driven Decision-making in Benefits Determinations Affecting People with Disabilities
This report analyzes lawsuits that have been filed within the past 10 years arising from the use of algorithm-driven systems to assess people’s eligibility for, or the distribution of, public benefits. It identifies key insights from the various cases into what went wrong and analyzes the legal arguments that plaintiffs have used to challenge those systems in court.
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Automation + AI 
Screened & Scored in the District of Columbia
This report explores how automated decision-making systems are being used in one jurisdiction: Washington, D.C.
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Data 
A Quick Guide to Data Equity: CDO Insights Brief
Guide with insights from state Chief Data Officers on how to drive data equity initiatives.
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Policy 
Tackling the Time Tax: How the Federal Government Is Reducing Burdens to Accessing Critical Benefits and Services
This report summarizes progress made with agencies and members of the public to identify and reduce burdens that individuals, families, and small businesses face every day when interacting with government programs.
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Data 
Hawai’i Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports Demonstration Project: Thriving Children Strong Families Project White Paper
This white paper documents Hawai'i's journey and lessons learned from their 18-month Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports project which laid the foundation for interagency data-sharing and built capacity to analyze administrative data across nutrition programs--specifically SNAP and WIC.
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Diversity, Equity + Inclusion 
Re-Envisioning Medicaid & CHIP as Anti-Racist Programs
This report puts forth an anti-racist reimagining of Medicaid and CHIP that actively reckons with the racist history of the Medicaid program and offers principles and recommendations that capitalize on the transformative potential of the programs. The principles center the voices and agency of program participants and prioritize direct community involvement at all stages of the policy process.
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Policy 
Modernizing Public Benefits Delivery: How Innovation Can Deliver Results for Eligible Households and Taxpayers
A modernized public benefits system would better serve program participants, administrators, policy makers, and taxpayers. This paper proposes a set of principles both define the desired future state and outline the values that shape decision making along the way. Practices describe the processes needed to achieve modernization.
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Data 
Leveraging Cross-Program Data to Modernize Outreach & Enrollment in SNAP and Connected Benefits
This resource outlines three data sharing models tested during the first cohort of the Coordinating SNAP & Nutrition Supports grant program
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Digital Identity 
Shaping Digital Identity Standards: Explainer and Recommendations
A plain-language explainer and recommendations on technical standard-setting for digital identity systems for non-technical audiences
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WIC Eligibility Content Audit and Usability Evaluation Report
We reviewed the online eligibility web presence of all 89 WIC entities to understand what WIC eligibility information each entity gives to potential participants. This report shares the results of our comprehensive content audit and heuristic evaluation of eligibility pre-screeners, including ratings on security, mobile-friendly design, accessibility, and more. The report includes actionable steps entities can take to make their eligibility information easier to understand and use.
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Digital Identity 
Digital Authentication and Identity Proofing in Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Applications
On May 19, 2023, the Digital Benefits Network published a new, open dataset documenting authentication and identity proofing requirements across online SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, child care (CCAP) applications, and unemployment insurance applications. This page includes data and observations about authentication and identity proofing steps specifically for online applications that include child care applications.