News — Economic Mobility & Security
Press Release: CSS Report: Navigating Financial Insecurity: Low-Income New Yorkers’ Financial Strategies and Experiences
As the cost of living continues to strain household budgets, a new study from the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) sheds light on how low-income New Yorkers manage financial insecurity, cope with unexpected expenses, and navigate a complex web of financial institutions, public benefits, and community resources.
Fair Fares NYC Expansion: Who Qualifies, What’s Changing, and Why It Matters for Low-Income New Yorkers
In June 2026, New York City announced the expansion of the Fair Fares NYC program, increasing eligibility from 150 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. This expansion will extend eligibility for half-priced subway and bus fares to an estimated 1.3 million working-age New York City residents and will reduce transportation costs for many households struggling to afford the city's rising cost of living.
Testimony: Fair Fares Is Helping, But Access and Affordability Gaps Remain
Testimony: Expanding Fair Fares to Reflect the True Cost of Living in New York City
CSS VP of Policy, Research & Advocacy Rachel Swaner calls on the Council to expand Fair Fares eligibility to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to better meet the urgent transportation needs of financially struggling New Yorkers.
CSS Statement on FY 2026 State Budget
Testimony: Reject Irresponsible Banks, Support Public Banking
At a Banking Designation hearing by the NYC Banking Commission, we urged the city to invest in a public bank that meets the needs of New Yorkers who are struggling to gain economic security.
Testimony: Eliminating IDR Plans Will Increase Default, Not Repayment
We are urging the U.S. Department of Education to preserve and strengthen IDR and PSLF programs, warning that proposed rollbacks would deepen financial distress for millions of borrowers.
How Do New Yorkers Feel About the City’s Benefit System?
To learn about people’s experiences interacting with the public benefits system, we surveyed New Yorkers about the difficulties they encountered when applying.
Testimony: Expanding Transit Access and Equity Through Fair Fares
Launched five years ago, Fair Fares provides discounted MetroCards to and has been a game-changer for thousands of city residents, connecting them to jobs, training opportunities, medical care, social events, and so much more.
Testimony: Reforms to Improve Public Benefits Access
We shared findings from our recent research before the NYC Council General Welfare Committee to highlight some of the core challenges within our public benefits system that are adversely impacting New Yorkers.
Testimony: New York Needs Public Banks to Combat Discrimination in Lending
Widespread support for public banking among New Yorkers underscores the urgent need for government-chartered financial institutions to address ongoing discrimination and inequities in the current banking system.
Testimony: Advancing Economic Security Through Key Tax Credit Reforms
Key reforms to refundable tax credits—including expanding the Empire State Child Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit—would reduce child poverty, improve economic security, and promote long-term financial stability for low-income New Yorkers.
Testimony: Addressing Food Insecurity and Economic Hardship in the FY26 State Budget
Testimony: Expanding Pay Transparency to Address the Gender and Racial Pay Gap
Gaps in pay contribute to gaps in savings and wealth, making women and people of color disproportionately vulnerable to unexpected economic shocks and unable to save sufficiently for retirement
A New Economic Measure for the Needs of 21st Century America
An undisputable truth about the outcome of the 2024 presidential election is that it underscored the disconnect between the perception of a vibrant economy and the reality on the ground for many voters.
Press Release: New Urban Institute Report on True Cost of Economic Security in America Finds More Than Half of All People in U.S. Lack Economic Security
The National True Cost of Living Coalition applauds the Urban Institute’s release today of a cutting-edge report on the true cost of economic security in America.
Testimony: Public Hearing on Proposed Rule of the Fair Fares NYC Program
Financial Insecurity is on the Rise and Hitting Latinas the Hardest
Latest Census Data Shows Poverty Remains Stubbornly High in New York City
According to the latest American Community Survey (ACS) data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in New York City remained unchanged at 18.2 percent in 2023. This is the third consecutive year since 2019 when the poverty rate held steady.