Income to individuals from governmental programs (welfare/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, unemployment and food stamps), expressed on a per capita basis.
Per capita income from governmental programs is one measure of a region's overall poverty. It takes into account not just the relative frequency of poor individuals, but also the average level of poverty experienced.
In 2017, Berks County received $2,840 in public assistance income per resident. This was less than Pennsylvania as a whole, at $3,070, but more than the nation, at $2,630. Berks received more public assistance per resident in 2017 than any neighboring county except Lehigh, which was similar, at $2,850.
Between 2001 and 2017, public assistance per resident in Berks County increased 78% (after inflation), compared to 65% statewide and 55% nationally. The increase in Berks County was less than in neighboring Chester (86%), but more than Lancaster (72%) and Montgomery counties (78%), Lebanon (63%), Lehigh (59%) and Schuylkill (67%) counties.
Figures are in constant 2017 dollars. This data is from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Eligibility requirements for many public assistance programs vary from state to state. Families are eligible for temporary assistance benefits for up to 60 months, although most receive assistance for shorter periods.