an economic paradox
Meet The Typical ALICE: Americans Struggling To Afford Basic Necessities But Making Too Much To Get Help
The number of Americans who are ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — is increasing, particularly among Gen Z and boomers.
·
2.1k reads
·
The Lede
Some Americans increasingly find themselves in an economic paradox: They make too much money to qualify for help but still can't afford basic necessities. Those Americans are known as ALICE — or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
Key Details
- The term, created by United Way's United For ALICE program, describes the Americans who may not qualify for services like food stamps or other benefits but still aren't making enough money to get by.
- Each state has at least 32% of its population below the ALICE threshold, which includes both ALICE and those in poverty.
- So who is the typical ALICE? They're either the youngest or oldest workers in the workforce, often single parents, and full-time workers — but they're still not making ends meet.
