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Federal and state policymakers should enact and robustly enforce consumer protections in the tenant screening process.

The definition of household in SNAP regulations should be clarified. It should be easier for extended families to qualify for and receive adequate benefits.

Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should ensure that states do not deter the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards needed for services.

Congress should increase funding for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs. Funding should reflect the increased population of older Americans.

Policymakers should streamline and coordinate application procedures among different public-benefit programs.

States should enact laws to protect the informed ability of residents to participate meaningfully and affect decision-making in common interest developments (CIDs).

The federal government should require state CSBG and SSBG officials to consult with state and local agencies and organizations representing older people and other groups served by the programs.

Policymakers should explore new, more consumer-centered systems for providing low-income assistance. 

Congress and state legislatures should ensure that all lawfully present non-citizen residents who qualify for essential low-income benefits have access to them.

Asset limits for public-benefit programs should be increased to ensure that they do not discourage saving. These limits should then be indexed to keep up with inflation.