Digitizing public benefits policy will make the biggest impact for administrators and Americans, but only if it happens at the highest level of government.
Starting November 1, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) began asking three new optional sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions on the single, streamlined application developed by the Secretary. This guidance gives instructs states on the process for modifying SOGI questions in their applications.
Code for America’s Integrated Benefits Initiative has been working in partnership with the State of Colorado to demonstrate how user-centered approaches lead to measurably better delivery of safety net programs. This article describes their work with the state of Colorado in simplifying how clients report common life changes that can affect their eligibility.
This report examines how recent federal spending cuts and policy changes are shifting costs onto county governments, potentially burdening local budgets and services.
Created for use in the Digital Doorways research project, this design stimuli shows the steps of submitting an application, sharing personal information, and verifying identity for Massachusetts' online application for Medicaid.
Provides state and local Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) agencies with a practical guide for developing or improving online WIC application systems.
This FormFest profile explores how Philadelphia leveraged cross-department data sharing to launch its Zero Fare program, auto-enrolling eligible residents in unlimited transit benefits while tackling the challenge of outreach and trust-building to deliver passes effectively.
This budget request details ADES's FY2027 funding priorities—including developmental disability services, child care, IT modernization, and compliance with H.R. 1—and outlines projected fiscal impacts, caseload growth, and programmatic needs across the state
This report provides supplemental estimates on how Public Law 119-21—tied to H.R. 1—will affect SNAP participation, benefits, and state administrative costs over 2025–2034.
APHSA established a working group to identify strengths, barriers, and opportunities for better system alignment in human services for young parents and children, leading to the development of a roadmap to support meaningful systems-level changes.
American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
The CARES Act Stimulus Payments Report by New America analyzes the implementation and impact of the Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting accessibility challenges and policy recommendations for future direct payments.
This brief shares findings from a November 2021 survey of state SNAP agencies about their use of the SNAP ARPA funds in fiscal year 2021, and their initial planned activities for fiscal year 2022 and 2023.
American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
