"Poverty in the Gig Economy: Study Reveals Alarming Spike in Federal Assistance Among Amazon and Walmart Workers" A shocking new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has shed light on the harsh realities of life in the gig economy. Despite the promise of flexibility and autonomy, many workers in the sector are struggling to make ends meet, with a staggering number relying on federal assistance programs like food stamps and Medicaid. The study found that the number of Amazon workers relying on these programs has tripled since the start of the pandemic, with Walmart workers also experiencing a significant increase in dependence on government aid. As the gig economy continues to grow, this trend raises serious questions about the sustainability of this type of work and the need for greater support and protections for these workers.
A new study released on Wednesday finds that dependence on food stamps and Medicaid for gig economy workers has spiked since the start of the pandemic. A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that the number of Amazon workers relying on federal assistance programs has tripled between February 2020 and September 2025. Walmart and...
