Survey Finds Financial Strain Eases From Recent Years but Emergency Savings Gap Remains

Survey Finds Financial Strain Eases From Recent Years but Emergency Savings Gap Remains

PR Newswire

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 6, 2026

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of respondents who say they would have difficulty meeting their financial obligations if their next paycheck were delayed by one week has fallen to nearly 72%, its lowest level in four years, according to PayrollOrg's 2026 "Getting Paid In America" survey. Despite this, 40% report having no emergency fund to fall back on.

The annual survey asked respondents how difficult it would be to meet their financial obligations if their paychecks were delayed for a week. Of the 9,541 individuals who responded to this question, nearly 72% said they would find it somewhat or very difficult to meet their financial obligations. 

While financial strain in the United States remains widespread due to inflation, the figure has declined from recent years. The number of respondents reporting difficulty stood at 78% in 2025, 77% in 2024, and 78% in 2023. This year's 72% returns the datapoint to its 2022 level.

Despite the decline, the survey points to continued financial vulnerability among respondents. Forty percent said they do not currently have access to an emergency fund, while another 32% reported having enough to cover less than three months of expenses.

Financial wellness tools also ranked among the payroll-related features respondents said they would find most valuable, with 41% selecting them when asked to choose up to three features.

"While financial strain appears to be easing, 40% of surveyed employees still have no emergency fund to fall back on," said Bill Gartland, head of go-to-market at Chime Workplace. "The opportunity for employers is clear: Make it easier for employees to build savings through the place they already engage with their money — their paycheck."

PayrollOrg®, the leader in payroll education and training, conducts the annual "Getting Paid In America" survey to examine how employees in America receive their pay, understand their deductions, and interact with their payroll information. One of the longest-running surveys on employee pay practices, the survey provides insight into evolving pay practices and the role payroll plays in workers' financial lives.

The "Getting Paid In America" survey was conducted as part of PayrollOrg's annual public awareness campaign, National Payroll Week®, held September 7–11, 2026. Complete survey results will be available later this year at nationalpayrollweek.com.

About PayrollOrg
PayrollOrg (PAYO) is the leading global authority in payroll education, publications, and professional development. Established in 1982 as the American Payroll Association, PAYO provides payroll professionals and organizations worldwide with trusted education, training, certifications, certificate programs, publications, and compliance resources. Through its global network and industry expertise, PAYO advances the payroll profession, supports career growth, and helps organizations navigate the evolving demands of payroll compliance and management.

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SOURCE PayrollOrg