Upward Mobility Act of 2026

Key Points

• Creates a 5-year pilot letting up to 5 states combine several federal anti-poverty funding streams into one flexible grant.
• States could ask for waivers to change how programs are run and who qualifies, but waivers can’t override civil rights, health and safety, or limits on aid for people unlawfully in the U.S.
• The pilot targets “benefit cliffs,” where a small raise can cause big benefit losses, and pushes states to design smoother step-downs as income rises.
• Adds a work requirement tied to existing food assistance rules and requires states to set up anti-fraud controls, privacy protections, and clear records.
• For oversight, states must hire an independent evaluator each year to track employment, earnings, poverty changes, and whether the state’s use of direct aid per person goes down.