Survey: Self-Employed Workers Hit Harder Economically by COVID-19

Self-employed workers in states where businesses were hit hardest by COVID-19 shutdowns are more likely to face economic hardships, a recent U.S. Census Bureau survey found. 

In states where 25% or more of businesses were temporarily closed for one day or more, 13.9% of self-employed workers reported needing access to food banks or community programs for meals. In contrast, 8.7% of non-self-employed workers in those states received free meals or groceries from food banks, the survey found.

In states that have been least-affected by shutdowns (10% or fewer businesses temporarily closed for one day or more), there was no statistical difference in the need for groceries or meal provisions among self-employed workers and non-self-employed workers. 

The full survey can be found here.