|
Nearly 4 in 10 Pennsylvania households struggled to afford basic needs in 2024.
Today, United Way of Pennsylvania and United for ALICE release the new 2026 State of ALICE® in Pennsylvania report, outlining the scope of financial challenges facing hardworking households across the Commonwealth.
For ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, every month brings impossible choices: food or medicine, rent or child care, utilities or transportation.
Key Findings:
▪ Pennsylvania saw a small improvement, with households below the ALICE Threshold decreasing from 40% in 2023 to 39% in 2024.
▪ While the overall percentage declined slightly, the challenges facing ALICE households remain largely unchanged. Housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care continue to be the primary drivers of financial hardship.
▪ The 2024 data reflects the impact of Pennsylvania's Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for the first time. The credit can significantly reduce tax burdens for families with children, particularly those facing high child care costs. A reinforcement on the importance and impact tax credits can have for ALICE families.
| 
