Report

Propel Household Pulse Survey: April 2024

The following insights come from a <10-minute multiple choice and open response survey conducted by Propel. This month, responses came from 3,414 randomly selected households out of over 5M Propel users from April 1 - April 14, 2024. All respondents are EBT cardholders.

Pulse survey visual of a graph and a EKG line.
FOOD INSECURITY

More households skipped meals and ate less in April despite spending more on food.

  • 47% reported eating less, a 12% increase from March.
  • 39% skipped meals, up 5% from March.
  • 61% spent over $100 beyond their food benefits, a 4% rise month-over-month.
  • 91% said their basic monthly food purchases are costlier than last year.
“The other day my mom, 85, and myself didn’t know how we were going to eat and out of the blue a friend called and wanted to bless us with $20. We were finally able to eat after 3 days of not having food.” – Emma, FL
“I have had to go to food pantries or use credit to buy food because food is just getting ridiculously expensive. Internet and electricity has gone up by like 4 percent. While I work a part time job, I am also having my work hours reduced.” – Marlene, NY
FINANCIAL INSECURITY

The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is confronting households with more tough choices.

  • 61% of respondents find it difficult to afford monthly internet costs.
  • 21% plan to cancel their internet services now that the discount has ended.
  • 16% will cut back on essentials like rent and groceries to maintain internet access.
  • At least 7% of respondents anticipate taking drastic measures like donating plasma, finding another job or increasing work hours, and selling their possessions to manage internet costs.
“I have had to rely on state programs to help me pay my bills. The process is long and stressful.” – Susan, PA
“The ACP kept me updated with family and friends, made it possible for me to get the government benefits that I have, and also made sure that I could continue my education and earn a little bit of money along the way. [Now], I’ll have to rely on free wifi spots. ” – Sarah, OH
HOUSING INSECURITY

More respondents fell behind on rent in April, with households of color disproportionately affected.

  • 21% of respondents are now behind on their rent or mortgage payments, a 6% increase since March.
  • Black and Latinx households are more likely to be late on rent compared to white households.
  • Late rent rates in April were 13% for white, 18% for Black, and 19% for Latinx households.
  • Unpaid rent rates stood at 13% for white, and 15% for both Black and Latinx households.
“My spouse passed away in September and I have no income. I have applied for Social Security but have not heard back from them, so my children have been paying my utility bills and rent.” – Roxanne, LA
“I live in a recovery house and my mom helps me pay my rent because after child support I can't afford to.” – Steve, PA