Workers in low-paying industries are overrepresented among public assistance recipients: Distribution of workers receiving public assistance directly or through a family member, by major industry
| Occupation | Share of working benefit recipients | Share of overall employment |
|---|---|---|
| Educational, health, and social services | 19.9% | 23.6% |
| Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services | 15.8% | 10.1% |
| Retail trade | 14.7% | 11.8% |
| Manufacturing | 9.6% | 10.6% |
| Professional, scientific, mgmt., admin., and waste mgmt. services | 9.6% | 10.3% |
| Construction | 6.9% | 5.5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 5.7% | 4.4% |
| Transportation and utilities | 4.7% | 5.1% |
| Financial, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing | 4.0% | 6.5% |
| Public administration | 2.7% | 5.1% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.0% | 2.5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting | 1.9% | 1.1% |
| Information | 1.3% | 2.1% |
| Armed forces and active duty military | 0.6% | 0.6% |
Note: Includes the EITC, CTC, SNAP, LIHEAP, WIC, housing assistance, TANF/cash assistance, and Medicaid.
Source: EPI analysis of Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement microdata, pooled years 2012–2014