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Material hardship and use of social safety net programs among LGBT adults and their families
  • Emmett R. Henderson,
  • Maiya Hotchkiss,
  • John R. Blosnich
Emmett R. Henderson
University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Maiya Hotchkiss
University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
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John R. Blosnich
University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
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Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people experience higher levels of economic insecurity and poverty compared to non-SGM people. Social safety net programs may reduce this disparity, but the uptake of these programs among SGM adults has rarely been assessed. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2018-2020 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey to compare differences in material hardship and social safety net program utilization between SGM and non-SGM adults in the United States. SGM participants were more likely to report food insecurity, utilities hardship, medical hardship, and multiple material hardships. SGM adults had higher odds compared to non-SGM adults of using SNAP, income- or disability-based insurance, SSI or SSDI, and housing assistance. There were no differences in use of WIC, reduced-price/free school lunch benefits, or charitable food. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of the social safety net programs for reducing material hardship.
01 Feb 2024Submitted to Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
03 Feb 2024Submission Checks Completed
03 Feb 2024Assigned to Editor
04 Feb 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Jul 20241st Revision Received
02 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
02 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
08 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Accept