To help people who were suffering due to unemployment or lost wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, state and federal governments created aid programs like “stimulus checks” and expanded unemployment benefits. Many Philadelphians were left out of this relief because of certain restrictions.

In response, the City launched the Philadelphia Worker Relief Fund to provide emergency cash assistance to workers who were excluded from other COVID relief programs. This report provides insight into the design and results of the Philadelphia Worker Relief Fund.