Report

Propel Household Pulse Survey: March 2023

The following insights come from a 10-minute multiple choice and open response survey conducted by Propel to a random sample of 3,619 of over 5M Propel users from March 1 - March 14, 2023. All respondents are EBT cardholders.

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FOOD INSECURITY

Food insecurity is down, but Propel users are spending more to meet their basic needs.

  • The share of surveyed users running low or going without everyday essentials, including food, fell by 6%.
  • The percentage of users who reported skipping meals, eating less, visiting food pantries, and running out of food all dropped from February to March.
  • But nearly 60% of surveyed users are spending more than $100 beyond benefits on food—a 3% increase from last month.
“I got a raise in disability benefits in January. All of that will go towards groceries.” - Kris, MI
FINANCIAL INSECURITY

Users have more money on hand–due in part to tax refunds.

  • The share of users in possession of less than $25 and the share of users who believe the money they currently have on hand will only last 1-2 days decreased by 10%.
“I’m using my tax refund to prepare for the end of emergency SNAP allotments and hoping it lasts until inflation goes away.” - Propel user, OR
“When I get my tax refund, I try to help out when I can. I have purchased food for friends and loaned money to friends.” - Propel user, NC
  • Users who have received tax refunds are driving down measures of extreme financial hardship.
“I received my taxes and paid off loans with the whole check.” - Emilia, TX
HOUSING

Housing insecurity recovered after consecutive months of rising shelter stays and housing instability.

  • Reported shelter stays fell by 25% to 4.5% of surveyed users—the lowest level since June 2022.
  • The share of users in unstable housing fell by 5%.
  • Overall eviction rates among surveyed users fell by 14%.
  • Over 47% of users have paid their March rent on-time, a 6% increase from the previous month.