Washington, D.C. – A new report released by the Consumer Advocacy Institute (CAI) reveals that low‑income and elderly Americans are paying a hidden “time tax” when accessing essential government services. The study, based on surveys of over 10,000 households, found that the average person spends 4.2 hours per month navigating paperwork, waiting in lines, or being placed on hold for public assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits. For those with limited internet access, the burden rises to more than 7 hours per month. “Time is a resource, and for many, it’s a luxury they can’t afford,” said CAI director Maria Hernandez. The report calls on federal and state agencies to streamline application processes, expand online portals, and implement callback systems to reduce wait times. Lawmakers have already introduced the “Efficiency in Public Services Act,” which would mandate performance metrics for agencies to cut average wait times by 30% within two years.
On top of everything as it happens