The Annie E. Casey Foundation
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Pennsylvania

Statistics on children, youth and families in Pennsylvania from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

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Public Assistance - Percent of households in Pennsylvania

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Why This Indicator Matters

Public assistance is essential in promoting the stability, health, and well-being of low-income families.[1] Programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), housing assistance, and Medicaid provide critical financial support, helping families meet basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. Research consistently shows that children in households receiving public assistance have better health outcomes, improved educational opportunities, and are less likely to experience homelessness.[2] Additionally, these programs can act as a buffer against stress caused by poverty, which is linked to disparities in developmental outcomes, academic achievement, and occupational attainment. Supporting households with public assistance not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term stability and opportunities for children to thrive.[3]

[1] Finkelstein, D. M., Harding, J. F., Paulsell, D., English, B., Hijjawi, G. R., & Ng’andu, J. (2022). Economic Well-Being And Health: The Role Of Income Support Programs In Promoting Health And Advancing Health Equity. Health Affairs, 41(12), 1700-1706. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00846

[2] Sherman, A. & Mitchell, T. (2017). Economic Security Programs Help Low-Income Children Succeed Over Long Term, Many Studies Find. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/economic-security-programs-help-low-income-children-succeed-over#:~:text=Economic%20security%20programs%20can%20blunt,t%20yet%20implemented%20the%20program

[3] Harms, M. B., & Garrett-Ruffin, S. D. (2023). Disrupting Links Between Poverty, Chronic Stress, and Educational Inequality. npj Science of Learning, 8(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-023-00199-2

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Definition and Source

PROVIDER

Definition

The estimated count of children under 18 years living in family and non-family households with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), cash public assistance income, or Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the past 12 months.

Data Source

U.S. Bureau of the Census, (state) American Community Survey, 1-year estimate (B09010) (county) American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (B09010)

Last Updated

June 2025