Urban Institute releases findings from EWF study

Following the historic #ExcludedWorkersFund, the Urban Institute executed a research study looking at the impact and execution of the Fund through interviews with both advocates and workers. The Tompkins County Workers’ Center was one of the non-profits who participated in the study.

Today, the Urban Institute released their findings from the study. A brief summarizing the key points of the brief is expected to be published next month. The brief will be available in several different languages.

Abstract:

Although expanded unemployment insurance played a large role in decreasing the number of people living in poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic, millions—most notably undocumented workers—were excluded from these benefits. The New York State Excluded Workers Fund (EWF) is the most notable example of legislation to address this gap. Passed in April 2021, the EWF approved 130,000 excluded workers to receive financial support that roughly equaled the average total amount unemployed workers eligible for unemployment compensation received, approximately $15,600 per person. To understand the experiences of workers who applied for EWF and of those that did not receive the fund, we conducted 15 interviews with workers in English, Spanish, Bangla, and Korean and 9 interviews with staff from community-based organizations serving various populations in New York and providing crucial application assistance.

We found that those who received the fund were able to use it to make ends meet during a period of severe job loss by

• paying back rent and other bills;
• repaying debt incurred during the pandemic;
• stabilizing or improving their housing conditions;
• paying for basic needs like food;
• investing in their children and education;
• taking care of their health and paying for medical expenses;
• stabilizing and expanding employment opportunities; and
• creating local economic stimulus.

We also found that the EWF had a significant impact on excluded worker recognition and their sense of power and dignity that comes from being treated as a valued member of society. We found that workers who applied but did not receive the fund because of difficulties providing the required documentation faced continuing stress around unstable income, debt burden, and other dire circumstances.

Overall, New York State Department of Labor quickly and effectively adopted the EWF, but ultimately the fund ran out of money more quickly than anticipated. Although the fund was a high-impact intervention for those who benefitted, it has not provided solutions to the ongoing instability that accompanies a lack of lawful permanent status in the US.