Who is ALICE?

• ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households have income above the Federal Poverty Level but still don’t make enough to afford the basics.
• ALICE is the engine that powers our economy. ALICE workers are typically our child care providers, home health aides, delivery drivers, grocery store cashiers, and other essential workers we rely on every day. ALICE can also be a family member, friend, neighbor, or even colleague.
• ALICE is often locked out of public assistance. Why? Despite ALICE living paycheck to paycheck, in many cases ALICE workers earn too much to qualify for support.
• Each day brings a new impossible choice for ALICE families, mired in a constant battle to make ends meet. Pay my heating bill, or buy healthy food for my family? Pay for child care, or work reduced hours to stay home with my child?
• ALICE lives in every community, in every county nationwide. Financial hardship isn’t just a big-city or rural problem – it’s everywhere.
• ALICE isn’t giving up. Despite the odds, these individuals and families are resilient. ALICE works hard, yet is trapped by systemic barriers that stand in the way of getting ahead.