A recent debate sparked by José Antonio Kast’s critique of the 2024 Casen survey has highlighted the relative impact of government aid and employment on poverty reduction in Chile. Paula Poblete’s analysis differentiates between the influence of pandemic-era subsidies and the subsequent recovery in employment and wages. While employment is crucial, the article argues that having a job doesn’t automatically lift households out of poverty, particularly those with children. Households with dependents face higher expenses and challenges maintaining stable employment, complicating efforts to exceed the poverty line. The discussion centers on the extent to which state transfers versus earned income contribute to improvements in Chile’s poverty statistics. Ultimately, the piece suggests a nuanced understanding is needed, recognizing the limitations of employment alone as a solution to poverty.