Amazon, gig companies see spike in workers on SNAP and Medicaid, study shows
A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office reveals a significant shift in the workforce. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of Amazon employees relying on federal assistance programs nearly tripled. This data tracks the period leading into 2026 and highlights the scale of government aid required by those in the retail and logistics sectors.
The findings extend beyond traditional warehouse roles. Drivers for ride-hailing and food delivery applications also represent a growing portion of people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid. These federal programs provide essential food and health coverage to low-income individuals who struggle to cover basic costs despite being employed.
The data shows that while overall dependency on government support among working adults is up, the concentration of these recipients in the gig economy and at large retailers is notable. The report serves as a factual record of the current economic environment where wages do not always match the cost of living for hourly staff.
The full scope of the report underscores the overlap between corporate labor reliance and public support systems. As the workforce continues to shift toward on-demand models, the data suggests that public assistance is a persistent factor for many workers in these specific industries.