The welfare cliff is invisible but real. Calculate your TRUE net income at every salary level — including all benefits, tax credits and subsidies. US, UK, Canada, Germany.
Each bar = your net income (after tax + benefits) at that salary level. Notice where it DROPS.
⚠️ Tous les calculs sont des estimations basées sur les règles de 2026. Consultez un professionnel pour des décisions importantes. Mis à jour: 2026-04-28
The welfare cliff occurs when earning more money causes a loss of benefits greater than the income gained. A 5 000$ raise can leave a family 3 000$ worse off net after losing SNAP and Medicaid.
Medicaid has the sharpest cliff at 138% FPL. SNAP phases out more gradually. EITC has a complex curve that peaks then decreases. Childcare subsidies can also create severe cliffs.
Strategies include timing raises strategically, maximizing pre-tax deductions like 401k to reduce MAGI, and using bridge programs. Some states have smoother phase-outs than others.
Legal basis: US HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines & SNAP Cliff Thresholds (2026).
Parameters verified 2026-09-27 · machine-readable: params.json · signed registry: legion-api.com/thresholds