New Research Reveals Financial Concerns and Inflation Weigh on Government Employees

Despite a stable financial state for some, a majority of state & local government employees are negatively impacted by inflation and struggling to pay bills. While a decrease in inflation would offer relief, many employees face challenges due to delayed access to their earned income. Improving access to pay could alleviate financial stress and enhance overall well-being for these workers.

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Illustration of three professionals: a nurse, a teacher holding a book, and a firefighter, each in colored circles with stylized suns and wavy lines in the background.

The poll also revealed that 74% of state & local government workers believe having access to their pay means more than the ability to pay bills, it has a positive impact on their wellbeing. 30% state they would have a better quality of life, a quarter (26%) feel their mental health would improve, and 17% would feel more hopeful about the future of our country.

Inflation's Impact on State & Local Government Workers and the Benefits of Faster Pay Access

73% of state & local government employees state inflation has had a negative impact on their finances in 2024.

64% of state & local government employees have to wait at least two weeks before they get access to any of their hard earned income.

79% say aspects of their finances would be easier if they had access to their pay when they earned it.

A woman with glasses and a beige blazer stands confidently with her arms crossed in front of a table with a partial view of an American flag.

In general, how are you doing financially now compared to a year ago?

Bar chart showing two groups: "Much/Somewhat Better" at 30% (14% much, 16% somewhat) and "Much/Somewhat Worse" at 35% (23% somewhat, 12% much). "About the same" is 35%.

How much of a positive or negative impact has inflation (i.e., rising cost of goods and services) had on your finances in the past year?

Bar chart displaying impact percentages: Major/Minor Positive (Net) 18%, Major Positive 11%, Minor Positive 8%, No Impact 9%, Major/Minor Negative (Net) 73%, Minor Negative 35%, Major Negative 37%.

How would you describe your ability to pay bills now compared to a year ago?

Bubble chart illustrating people's experiences with bill payments: 52% harder, 27% no change, 19% easier, 1% not applicable.

Which of the following aspects of your finances would be positively impacted if inflation continues to go down?

Bar chart showing financial concerns: 52% disposable income, 52% basic needs, 48% saving, 48% unexpected expenses, 45% bill payments, 32% credit card debt, 31% other debts; 94% any concern.

Which of the following best describes how often you get paid by your current employer? If you work more than one job, please answer for the job you work the most hours at.

Chart showing frequency of money exchange: 9% daily, 26% weekly, 57% bi-weekly or twice a month, 7% once a month. Illustration of a hand with paper currency.

If you had access to your pay when you earned it (i.e., at the end of each shift versus waiting for a scheduled payday), which of the following statements would be true for you?

A cluster of colored circles shows survey results about life improvements: quality of life, mental health, financial security, and more, with percentages ranging from 5% to 31%.

Which of the following aspects of your finances would be easier if you had access to your pay when you earned it (i.e. ,at the end of each shift versus waiting for a scheduled payday)?

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Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of DailyPay from October 29-31, 2024 among 3,048 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,651 are employed FT/PT, of which 133 are state & local government employees.

The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval.

For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level for total Americans, and accurate to within +/- 9.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level for state & local government workers. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].

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