According to a new report by Jon Valant and Lindsay Weixler of Brookings, administrative burdens in the application process for social safety net programs keep many families from accessing the resources they need. Through a randomized experiment, the study tested the effects of providing SNAP applicants with information or application support for other social programs. Providing information or support led to large increases in WIC application rates and smaller increases in WIC enrollment rates. The authors found that streamlining or integrating application systems can also help to reduce administrative burden, but other challenges remain.

Pennsylvania offers assistance to families through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' Find Child Care website and with assistance from the Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs). ELRCs provide families with information on quality child care and personalized child care referrals to child care providers based on their specific needs or preferences. ELRCs also administer the Child Care Works subsidized child care program.