The Benefit Cliff: Broad Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)

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Working families hit by the benefit cliff struggle to climb out of poverty because of bad state policy. Tennessee is one of just 8 states that have done nothing to address the cliff. The benefit cliff happens when working families receive a small pay raise that brings them slightly above the eligibility line for programs like SNAP, Childcare and other benefits support, causing them to lose much more in benefit dollars than they earn from a pay raise. Most states have created a system to prevent or lessen the effects of the benefit cliff. If Tennessee adopted the Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) policy, it would significantly reduce the benefits cliff for working families in TN. Implementing BBCE in Tennessee would mean that thousands of working families would be eligible for SNAP, lessening barriers to accessing food assistance. We will share more information about the benefit cliff and how you can urge state leaders to adopt BBCE.