Standard In Use
How to use the Standard
The Self-Sufficiency Standard is used to better understand issues of income adequacy, to create and analyze policy, and to help individuals striving to meet their basic needs. Community organizations, academic researchers, policy institutes, legal advocates, training providers, community action agencies, and state and local officials, among others are using the Standard. Below are a few ways in which the Standard is used:
The Self-Sufficiency Standard is used as a tool to evaluate the impact of current and proposed policy changes. The Standard can be used to evaluate the impact of a variety of work supports (such as SNAP/Food Stamp Program or Medicaid) or policy options (such as changes in child care co-payments, tax reform, or tax credits) on family budgets.
The Self-Sufficiency Standard is used as a counseling tool to help participants in work and training programs access benefits and develop strategies to become self-sufficient. Counseling tools allow users to evaluate possible wages, then compare information on available programs and work supports to their own costs and needs. Clients are empowered with information and tools that allow them to develop and test out their own strategies for achieving self-sufficient incomes.
The Self-Sufficiency Standard is used to evaluate economic development proposals and outcomes for clients and grantees. Using the Standard can help determine whether businesses seeking tax breaks or other government subsidies will create jobs that pay “living wages.” By evaluating wages and outcomes in terms of the Standard, programs are using a measure of true effectiveness. Such evaluations can help redirect resources to approaches that result in improved outcomes for participants and more efficient use of limited foundation and government funding.
The Self-Sufficiency Standard is used as a guideline for wage setting. By determining the wages necessary to meet basic needs, the Standard provides information for setting wage standards.
The Self-Sufficiency Standard is used to target job training resources and helps demonstrate the pay off for investing in education and training. Using a targeted jobs strategy, the Standard helps to match job seekers with employment that pays Self-Sufficiency Wages. Through analysis it is possible to determine the jobs and sectors on which to target training and education resources, including training for occupations that are nontraditional for women and people of color.
Because the Self-Sufficiency Standard provides an accurate and specific measure of income adequacy, it is frequently used in research. The Standard provides a means of estimating how poverty differs from place to place and among different family types. The Standard also provides a means to measure the adequacy of various work supports, such as child support or child care assistance, given a family’s income, place of residence, and composition.
Community indicators and scorecards help communities to examine the well-being of residents. The Self-Sufficiency Standard provides communities with an indicator of the cost of living at a basic needs level and, in some communities, we have measured how many households are living below the Standard. These are also excellent educational tools for the public and government officials.
Practical Examples:
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Connecticut Healthcare Affordability Index
Connecticut Healthcare Affordability Index The Connecticut Healthcare Affordability Index (CHAI) measures the impact of healthcare costs, including premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, on a household’s ability to
Economic Security for All
Economic Security for All In 2024, Governor Inslee signed into law SHB 2230 which establishes the Economic Security for All (EcSA) grant program. The bill uses the
County of Marin, California: Board and Commission Stipends
County of Marin, CA: Boards and Commissions Stipends Beginning October 1, 2022, a stipend is available for members of boards and commissions in County of
Data Visualization of the Standard for Austin, TX
Data Visualization of the Standard for Austin, TX The Department of Economic Development for Austin, TX creates visualizations to demonstrate the hourly wage needed for
Eligibility Guidelines in New York City
Eligibility Guidelines in New York City CAMBA Legal Services uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard to determine eligibility for free, high-quality legal representation in New York City.
Fresh Start Uses Arizona’s Self-Sufficiency Standard
Fresh Start Uses Arizona’s Self-Sufficiency Standard Fresh Start Women’s Foundation supports access to education and career opportunities to help women earn the self-sufficiency wages reported
Wyoming Women as Economic Drivers
Wyoming Women as Economic Drivers The Wyoming Women’s Foundation recommends increasing the minimum wage and tipped minimum wage to support women and improve Wyoming’s economy.
A Standard for Success in Wyoming
A Standard for Success in Wyoming In their annual report, the Wyoming Women’s Foundation states they use the Standard to counsel women on which jobs
Income and Poverty Data in Wyoming
Income and Poverty Data in Wyoming The Wyoming Community Foundation, in their publication the Wyoming Kids Count Data Book, includes the Standard in their analysis
Maryland Food Systems Map Uses the Standard
Maryland Food System Map Uses the Standard The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard as demographic data in their Maryland Food
California Organization Advocates for Improved Child Care Funding
California Organization Advocates for Increased Child Care Funding The Children’s Council of San Francisco, which advocates for quality child care and education, uses the Standard
Promoting Family Economic Security in the San Francisco Bay Area Region
Promoting Family Economic Security in the San Francisco Bay Area Region Rise Together Bay Area and Insight Center for Community Economic Development’s report Promoting Family
Olympia Food Cooperative Membership
Olympia Food Cooperative Membership The Olympia Food Cooperative uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard for eligibility for their Cooperative Access Program which offers a free annual membership
Multnomah County Preschool for All
Multnomah County Preschool for All Multnomah County Preschool for All program will prioritize slots for families with incomes below the Self-Sufficiency Standard.
Making Preschool Affordable in Boulder Valley
Making Preschool Affordable in Boulder Valley Boulder Valley School District’s preschool program uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard to qualify families for scholarships. Boulder Valley School District
Kidsdata.org
Kidsdata.org The Dave and Lucille Packard Foundation includes the Self-Sufficiency Standard in Kidsdata.org, a database tool providing access to information about the health and well-being
New York Career Education and Job Readiness Planning
New York Career Education and Job Readiness Planning In New York, the Standard has been used in modeling services for young adults in career education
Sectoral Employment Intervention Analysis: Utilizing the Self-Sufficiency Standard in Santa Clara
Sectoral Employment Intervention Analysis: Utilizing the Self-Sufficiency Standard in Santa Clara In California’s Santa Clara County, the Self-Sufficiency Standard was used in a sectoral employment
Labor Union Negotiations
Labor Union Negotiations The Standard has been used in California, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington State
The United Way of Butler County
The United Way of Butler County The United Way of Butler County has established a goal of reducing the number of families and individuals living
Philadelphia Non-Profit Works to Break the Generational Cycle of Poverty
Philadelphia Non-Profit Works to Break the Generational Cycle of Poverty ACHIEVEability, based in West Philadelphia, strives to break the cycle of poverty by helping families
Continued Use of the Standard for Program Evaluation in King County
Continued Use of the Standard for Program Evaluation in King County In Washington State, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County adopted the Self-Sufficiency Standard
Self-Sufficiency Calculator Based on Occupation to Inform Career Decisions
Self-Sufficiency Calculator Based on Occupation to Inform Career Decisions New York State Department of Labor developed a self-sufficiency calculator using the Standard to determine the
Women’s Center for Education and Career Advancement Supports Clients to Achieve Self-Sufficiency
Women’s Center for Education and Career Advancement Supports Clients to Achieve Self-Sufficiency The New York Women’s Center for Education and Career Advancement used the Standard
Using the Standard to Support and Educate Adolescents
Using the Standard to Support and Educate Adolescents In the D.C. Metropolitan Area, Wider Opportunities for Women developed and piloted a Teen Curriculum based on
The Prosperity Planner Supports Economic Self-Sufficiency
The Prosperity Planner Supports Economic Self-Sufficiency In Oregon, the Prosperity Planner, a Self-Sufficiency Standard online counseling tool, is used by WorkSource Center staff to determine
Pathways, PA uses the Standard to model impacts of EITC and to analyze proposed child care co-payment impacts
Pathways, PA uses the Standard to model impacts of EITC and to analyze proposed child care co-payment impacts In Pennsylvania, many groups, including PathWays PA,
The Rent Eats First, Rental Housing Unaffordability in the US
The Rent Eats First, Rental Housing Unaffordability in the US This paper examines the housing affordability crisis using a residual income approach to identify renter
Benefit Cliffs Analysis in Wisconsin
Benefit Cliffs Analysis in Wisconsin Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs used the Standard in their analysis of benefits
The Standard Informs State-wide Economic Modeling in Oregon
The Standard Informs State-wide Economic Modeling in Oregon The Office of Forecasting, Research and Analysis for the State of Oregon uses the Standard to help
Shelter Poverty in Ohio: An Alternative Analysis of Rental Housing Affordability
Shelter Poverty in Ohio: An Alternative Analysis of Rental Housing Affordability The Self-Sufficiency Standard provides an alternative tool to understanding housing cost burden. A recent
Leichtag Foundation
Leichtag Foundation The Leichtag Foundation in San Diego used a self-sufficiency grant program aimed at giving people the tools they need to break the cycle
Community College Strategic Plan in Wyoming
Community College Strategic Plan in Wyoming The Wyoming Community College Commission uses the Standard in their strategic plan to promote the allocation of resources toward
Population Analysis and Self-Sufficiency
Population Analysis and Self-Sufficiency RTI and NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues partnered to analyze the characteristics that increase the likelihood of a single
Measuring Housing Affordability: Assessing the 30 Percent of Income Standard
Measuring Housing Affordability: Assessing the 30 Percent of Income Standard The 30-percent of income standard is a widely used and accepted measure of the extent
Washington State Self-Sufficiency Calculator
Washington State Self-Sufficiency Calculator In Washington State, the Self-Sufficiency Calculator is an online tool created by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County to support career planning
Eligibility for Legal Services Tied to the Standard
Eligibility for Legal Services Tied to the Standard The New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services used the Self-Sufficiency Standard as a guide to
Higher Minimum Wages in Colorado
Higher Minimum Wages in Colorado The Colorado Center on Law and Policy has used the Standard to advocate for state legislation allowing local governments to
SeaTac Living Wage Ordinance
SeaTac Living Wage Ordinance The Standard was cited in research and testimony in support of the SeaTac living wage ordinance (raising wages to $15/hour for
The Portland Development Commission
The Portland Development Commission The Portland Development Commission uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard as their bar to measure the number of “prosperous households” able to meet
Using the Standard to Identify Regions of Concentrated Poverty
Using the Standard to Identify Regions of Concentrated Poverty In the academic journal article “Communities of Concentrated Poverty: A Proposal for Oregon,” Sara A. Chopp
Analyzing Measurements of Housing Affordability
Analyzing Measurements of Housing Affordability Redefining Housing Affordability Measures: The Self-Sufficiency Standard provides an alternative tool to understanding housing cost burden. An Urban Planning thesis
Furthering Research on Refugee Resettlement in Maryland
Furthering Research on Refugee Resettlement in Maryland An evaluation of Maryland’s refugee resettlement program by the Roosevelt Institute, “Raising Refugee Voices: Promoting Participatory Refugee Resettlement
Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency for Young Women in NYC
Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency for Young Women in NYC The Financial Literacy Independence Program (FLIP) utilized the Standard to teach young women the actual cost of
The Kids Count! Project Analyzes the Well-Being of Children Across the United States
The Kids Count! Project Analyzes the Well-Being of Children Across the United States Many states in the Kids Count! Project use the Standard as an
University of Washington Student Uses the Standard to Analyze Wage Changes
University of Washington Student Uses the Standard to Analyze Wage Changes The report Poverty Doesn’t Fly, performed by the Harry Bridges Labor Center at the
Dr. Pearce Appears as an Expert Witness in a Court Case in Richland, Washington
Dr. Pearce Appears as an Expert Witness in a Court Case in Richland, Washington Dr. Pearce testified as an expert witness in the case City
Modeling Economic Solutions Using the Self-Sufficiency Standard
Modeling Economic Solutions Using the Self-Sufficiency Standard Rise Together published their Promoting Family Economic Security in the San Francisco Bay Area Region Report to highlight
Connecticut’s Use of the Standard
Connecticut’s Use of the Standard In Connecticut, the Self-Sufficiency Standard has been adopted at the state level since 1998. It has been used in planning
Nontraditional Career Development in Missouri
Nontraditional Career Development in Missouri The Missouri Women’s Council of the Department of Economic Development used the Standard to begin a program for low-income women
Promoting Liveable Wages in New York City
Promoting Liveable Wages in New York City The Real Living Wage NYC Campaign uses the Standard to advocate in support of a $20 per hour
Increasing Minimum Wages in Oregon
Increasing Minimum Wages in Oregon The Raise the Wage Oregon Campaign performed an analysis called Lifting the Floor: Self-Sufficiency Wages in Oregon uses the Standard
The Women’s Fund of Mississippi
The Women’s Fund of Mississippi The Women’s Fund of Mississippi revamped their grant-making and advocacy work to focus on the overall goal of economic self-sufficiency
The United Way of the Bay Area and Y&H Soda Foundation
The United Way of the Bay Area and Y&H Soda Foundation The United Way of the Bay Area and Y&H Soda Foundation are evaluating the
Occupational Gaps in the Finger Lakes Region of New York
Occupational Gaps in the Finger Lakes Region of New York Monroe Community College, located in the Finger Lakes Region in New York, used the Self-Sufficiency
Workforce Training and Reaching Self-Sufficiency in New York
Workforce Training and Reaching Self-Sufficiency in New York The NYS Department of Labor utilizes the Standard to aid in the implementation of workforce training programs.
Colorado Center on Law and Policy and Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Impact on Family Stability In Colorado, the Colorado Center on Law and Policy used the Colorado Self-Sufficiency Standard to determine the impact of
Advancing Research on Income Inadequacy at The Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley
Advancing Research on Income Inadequacy at The Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley The Self-Sufficiency Standard was used as part of their report Improving Economic Self-Sufficiency
UCLA Applys the Standard to Elders with Adult Children for Policy Analysis
UCLA Applies the Standard to Elders with Adult Children for Policy Analysis The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research used the Standard to analyze the
The Fiscal Policy Center Identifies Realistic Wage Needs in NYC
The Fiscal Policy Center Identifies Realistic Wage Needs in NYC The Fiscal Policy Center in New York City frequently cites the Self-Sufficiency Standard as the
The Self-Sufficiency Standard Influences Resource Allocation in Wisconsin
The Self-Sufficiency Standard Influences Resource Allocation in Wisconsin The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development uses 125% of the Self-Sufficiency Standard to determine income eligibility for
The State of Basic Needs in Central Maryland
The State of Basic Needs in Central Maryland In Maryland, Healthy Montgomery included the Self-Sufficiency Standard for a family of three as part of their
Grants Awarded to Projects Focused on Helping Women Below the Standard in San Diego
Grants Awarded to Projects Focused on Helping Women Below the Standard in San Diego The San Diego Women’s Foundation focused its 2013-2014 grant cycle on
Too Poor to Hire a Lawyer but Not Indigent
Too Poor to Hire a Lawyer but Not Indigent Researchers with the American University Washington College of Law analyze how states determine eligibility for assigned
United Way of Erie County
United Way of Erie County In 2012, the United Way of Erie County challenged their community to reduce the number of families who cannot meet
The Pennsylvania Online Training and Benefits Eligibility Tool Helps Clients Meet Self-Sufficiency Needs
The Pennsylvania Online Training and Benefits Eligibility Tool Helps Clients Meet Self-Sufficiency Needs PathWays PA developed The Pennsylvania Online Training and Benefits Eligibility Tool, an
Voices for Virginia’s Children
Voices for Virginia’s Children In Virginia, Voices for Virginia’s Children successfully advocated for the state’s TANF Authorization Committee to use the Virginia Self-Sufficiency Standard as
Portland Uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard to Create a Plan For Economic Independence
Portland Uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard to Create a Plan For Economic Independence In Portland, Oregan, the City of Portland uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard as one
Self-Sufficiency or Status Quo: Are the Residents in Hope VI Developments Making Progress Towards Self-Sufficiency?
Self-Sufficiency or Status Quo: Are the Residents in Hope VI Developments Making Progress Towards Self-Sufficiency? A thesis titled “Self-Sufficiency or Status Quo: Are the Residents
The Standard As an Indicator for Assistance Eligibility
The Standard As an Indicator for Assistance Eligibility A 2011 article in Poverty and Public Policy, “Determining Eligibility for Poverty-Based Assistance Programs: Comparing the Federally
The Wyoming Women’s Foundation
The Wyoming Women’s Foundation The Wyoming Women’s Foundation funds programs that help women advance their ability to live at or above the Wyoming Self Sufficiency
Workforce Investment Act, the Chicago Workforce Investment Board
Workforce Investment Act, the Chicago Workforce Investment Board Under its Workforce Investment Act, the Chicago Workforce Investment Board adopted the Self-Sufficiency Standard as its self-sufficiency
Affordable Care to Uninsured and Underinsured Clients
Affordable Care to Uninsured and Underinsured Clients In Rochester, New York, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center uses the Standard to establish co-pays for health care services
Budgeting Exercises for Kids
Budgeting Exercises for Kids Virginia Kids developed the Self-Sufficiency Standard for Virginia-Budget Worksheet Exercise as a counseling tool to educate kids about self-sufficiency.
Informed Career Choices in Colorado
Informed Career Choices in Colorado The Denver County Office of Economic Development, Division of Workforce Development used the Self-Sufficiency Standard and the Colorado Economic Self-Sufficiency
Workforce Development in Pennsylvania
Workforce Development in Pennsylvania In Berks County, PA, the Berks County Workforce Investment Board used the Self-Sufficiency Standard during workshops to help prepare people on
Developing a Self-Sufficiency Matrix to Track Progress and Analyze Components of Self-Sufficiency
Developing a Self-Sufficiency Matrix to Track Progress and Analyze Components of Self-Sufficiency The Washington State Snohomish County Workforce Development Council developed a self-sufficiency matrix that
Increased Child Care Co-Payments Threaten Access to Care for Low Income Families
Increased Child Care Co-Payments Threaten Access to Care for Low Income Families When the Oklahoma Department of Human Services proposed large increases in child care
Contracting Vendors Who Pay Livable Wages in Colorado
Contracting Vendors Who Pay Livable Wages in Colorado Fort Carson in Colorado was one of the first military bases to consider reviewing its vendor contracts
Crittenton Women’s Union (now EMPath) 2007 report
Crittenton Women’s Union (now EMPath) 2007 report Unlocking the Doors to Higher Education and Training for Massachusetts’ Working Poor Families to advocate for tuition-free community
The Difficulty of Obtaining a Child Care Subsidy: Implications for Policy and Practice
The Difficulty of Obtaining a Child Care Subsidy: Implications for Policy and Practice This article documents the challenge of acquiring child care subsidies in Philadelphia
The Self-Sufficiency Standard Facilitates a More Accurate Measure of Success for PathWays PA Reports
The Self-Sufficiency Standard Facilitates a More Accurate Measure of Success for PathWays PA Reports PathWays PA frequently cites the Self-Sufficiency Standard, including in Investing in
Holding Corporations Accountable for Responsible Economic Development
Holding Corporations Accountable for Responsible Economic Development The Nebraska Appleseed Center developed job quality standards using the Self-Sufficiency Standard to hold corporations more accountable for
The Self-Sufficiency Standard in Maryland
The Self-Sufficiency Standard in Maryland In Maryland, Advocates for Children and Youth used the Self-Sufficiency Standard in their Maryland Can Do Better for Children campaign,
Hawaii’s Minimum Wage
Hawaii’s Minimum Wage The Self-Sufficiency Standard was an integral tool for increasing Hawaii’s minimum wage to $6.75 on January 1, 2006 and $7.25 on January
Students Advocate for Liveable Wages in Washington, D.C.
Students Advocate for Liveable Wages in Washington, D.C. Georgetown University students ended a nine-day hunger strike when the University administration agreed to improve wages for
Lobbying for Expanded Services in Colorado
Lobbying for Expanded Services in Colorado The Colorado Center on Law and Policy successfully lobbied the Eastern Regional Workforce Board in Fort Morgan, Colorado to
Using The Standard to examine Florida’s human services sector
Using The Standard to examine Florida’s human services sector In December 2005, the Human Services Coalition of Dade County in Florida, issued a policy brief
New Jersey used the Standard to successfully lobby the state legislature
New Jersey used the Standard to successfully lobby the state legislature In 2005, New Jersey used the Standard to successfully lobby the state legislature to
Advancing the Economic Independence of Women from Connecticut’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women
Advancing the Economic Independence of Women from Connecticut’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women This report card on the status of Connecticut women included
The Standard Supports Contract Negotiations in California
The Standard Supports Contract Negotiations in California The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) won a higher wage floor in contract negotiations
Achieving Success in the New Economy: Which Jobs Help Women Reach Economic Self Sufficiency
Achieving Success in the New Economy: Which Jobs Help Women Reach Economic Self Sufficiency Following the release of the Crittenton Women’s Union, now known as
Alabama Arise Coalition for Progressive Taxes
Alabama Arise Coalition for Progressive Taxes The nonprofit organization Alabama Arise led a coalition that successfully advocated for more progressive taxes, thereby increasing the income
Gary Community Investments
Gary Community Investments Gary Community Investments used the Self-Sufficiency Standard for Colorado to target funding that will lead to improved economic security for low-income families.
Income Adequacy and the Affordability of Health Insurance in Washington State
Income Adequacy and the Affordability of Health Insurance in Washington State A 2002 report, Income Adequacy and the Affordability of Health Insurance in Washington State,
Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board
Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board The Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board has used the Self-Sufficiency Standard since 2000 as part of its priority of service policy in
Washington D.C. 2000 Workforce Investment Act Statute
Washington D.C. 2000 Workforce Investment Act Statute In Washington D.C., the Standard was used in the 2000 Workforce Investment Act statute which requires that the
Sonoma County Measures Self-Sufficiency and Work Program Success
Sonoma County Measures Self-Sufficiency and Work Program Success In 1997, Sonoma County, California adopted the Standard as its formal measure of self-sufficiency and as a