A sick day may last 24 hours. The financial effects can stay much longer. For millions of workers, one missed shift can reduce the next paycheck and force a fast change in household spending.

The “Wage to Wallet Index: Paid Time, Unpaid Risk” draws on a survey of 2,235 U.S. consumers conducted in August 2026. It examines how illness, injury and personal emergencies affect workers across different income groups.

The Labor Economy includes roughly 60 million Americans. These workers earn no more than $25 an hour through hourly, shift, seasonal or gig work. Many have fewer workplace benefits and financial resources than higher-earning workers. That gap can change the cost of staying home.

The report also explores the Labor Economy’s access to health insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits, shows how workers use retirement savings when cash runs short and examines the steps households take when worried about their jobs or income.

These findings offer a practical guide for employers and financial providers. Banks can build tools that help workers prepare for short income gaps. FinTech firms can adjust repayment schedules around irregular pay. Payments companies can help employers deliver assistance faster. Digital commerce providers can offer flexible billing dates and easier subscription pauses.

The Wage to Wallet Index is a monthly study produced by PYMNTS Intelligence in collaboration with WorkWhile . S. consumers fielded Aug. 4–10, 2026. Bases vary by question and are shown with each figure: asset, retirement and spending analyses are based on all 2,235 respondents; illness and pay-loss findings on the 1,338 respondents asked about missed work; and employer-benefit analyses on the 1,185 full- and part-time employees.

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