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Block grants and unfunded mandates are two government budgetary practices that can have significant implications for lower levels of government. 

Grandparents and other relatives play an important caregiving role in family well-being. Support from extended family is especially vital in families with low incomes.

More than 30 million Americans participate in some form of public government employee retirement plan. Among others, they include: 

Federal, state, and local government retirement plans are usually defined-benefit (DB) pensions with benefits based on an employee’s salary in the years just before retirement.

People are more likely to save when saving occurs automatically through mechanisms such as payroll deductions. Only about half of U.S. workers have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

People need support for nonretirement savings and debt repayment. Such assistance can help improve financial security and preserve resources for retirement.

A variety of government policies and employer practices safeguard the rights of workers to fair treatment, safety in the workplace, and a measure of financial security.

All levels of government have developed standards and guidance to ensure fair employment practices. They address wages, working conditions, and other aspects of work.

In addition to Social Security and Medicare, employers are required to participate in two forms of insurance to protect their workers. One is the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system.

Older workers may choose to or need to continue working. However, they face discrimination based on age, especially in layoffs and hiring.