Direct cash offers myriad opportunities to re-envision our public benefits system. It can act both as a complement to existing benefits and as an alternative approach to administering critical assistance. Direct cash is already being embraced internationally as a low-cost method to deliver aid that is flexible, effective, and dignified. As the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated public interest in basic income and direct cash in the US, public benefit systems have started to re- examine the possibilities that direct cash solutions offer. In this panel, we showcase different ways direct cash is being explored and applied within the context of public benefits in the US to address poverty and improve the delivery of critical financial supports. Join with speakers from the Social Security Administration, UpTogether, Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, and Humanity Forward Foundation to examine three direct cash models:

Direct cash as an alternative distribution method for assistance offered through existing public benefits programs

Re-allocating funding for existing public benefits programs to new direct cash models

Basic Income as a supplement to existing public benefits

Joyanne Cobb, Social Security Administration

Joyanne Cobb is the Acting Director in the Office of Research and Demonstration (ORD) within the office of the Office Research, Demonstration and Employment Support (ORDES) at the Social Security Administration (SSA).  During her 17 years with SSA she has assisted with the design, implementation and management of research projects that help to inform policy change. Joyanne has authored numerous papers and presentations, and the book “Learning How To Learn:  Getting into and Staying in College when you have a Learning Disability.”  She has 20 years of experience in the area of disabled youth and transition.  Prior to joining SSA, Ms. Cobb worked in various settings serving patients with mental illness and at-risk youth.  Ms. Cobb holds dual degrees in Psychology and Biology from The George Washington University, and a Master’s degree in Education and Human Development also from GWU.  She is a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and serves on the Board of Directors for Embark Center for Self-Directed Education.

Ryan Ambrose, Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation

Ryan Ambrose is Director of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative (NPI) at the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC).  Ryan received his MPA in Urban and Regional Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA).  Prior to joining PHDC, Ryan served as the Policy Development Manager and Legislative Liaison for the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development where he combined his education in urban and regional development policy with real world political experience to help craft policies that aided in the development and preservation of much needed affordable housing in communities across Massachusetts.

Mary is the National Partnership Strategy Director and UpTogether, a national anti-poverty nonprofit that highlights, accelerates, and invests in the initiative people in financially under-resourced communities are taking to improve their lives and move up, together. Prior to joining UpTogether, she worked at Ibis Reproductive Health where she managed the communications, coalition building, and policy efforts for Free the Pill, a national campaign working toward making a birth control pill available over the counter in the US. Mary also worked at the National Network of Abortion Funds where she supported staff, board members, and abortion funds across the US. Mary holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Wellesley College, respectively.

Jennifer Kellett, Humanity Forward Foundation

Jennifer is Director of Programs with Humanity Forward Foundation. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and benefit counseling certifications from Cornell University's Employment and Disability Institute. She has over 12 years of experience in program management, stakeholder engagement, and benefits & financial counseling. Jennifer is passionate about strengthening the social safety net and advancing equity through systemic, holistic, and collaborative solutions.

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Direct Cash & Public Benefit Systems: Advancing solutions to address poverty and streamline support delivery