u003cbr/u003eDedicated efforts on the ground to align resources and enable people to identify and navigate a benefits cliff can help those now grappling with cliffs. But eliminating the structural problems that cause cliffs and plateaus requires changing the larger system.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSeveral state legislatures have passed or are currently considering bills intended to help ease a benefits cliff or plateau into a gentler slope. They typically do so in one of two ways. The program change may raise the income threshold to qualify for a full or partial benefit so that people have more income to cover costs before they lose needed benefits. Or it may extend the period over which benefits are reduced as income rises, to avoid abrupt cliffs and give people more time to transition off of benefits.u003cbr/u003e u003cbr/u003eOften, these program changes result from collaborative efforts between policy makers, agency staff, and community organizations that may help craft the language in the bills. u003ca href=u0022/stories/driving-change-maine-benefits-cliff/documentary-video/u0022u003eTheir work is deeply informed by people who have experienced benefits cliffsu003c/au003e—people who know well what would help others going through it.u003cbr/u003e