PYMNTS Wage to Wallet Index Exposes Financial Gap Facing Workforce Economy Workers

PYMNTS Intelligence and Ingo Payments tracked about 30 million hourly, shift and gig workers in the “workforce economy.” Compared with salaried employees paid a fixed amount each month, the timing of their income is misaligned with everyday expenses, highlighting a structural financial gap created by the way workers access their wages.

The Wage to Wallet Index, released in March 2026, found that more than half of respondents had sought money for living expenses before payday at some point during the previous 90 days. Some even delayed medical care to pay for essentials. The report did not disclose the total size of the gap but said many people must draw on future income to cover current expenses.