S04. Demand for social services will increase, but the ability to provide service will decline.

Social services are most likely to be accessed by vulnerable and marginalized populations. This includes such services as child protective services, unemployment, food stamps, intimate partner violence, and private non-profit social services agencies like the Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. These services will also likely be utilized by low- to middle-income households that may not previously have needed them.

Many private and publicly funded social service organizations are already overstretched and cannot meet the needs that exist. Under a peak oil scenario, both the number of people needing services and the amount of services will increase. However, the ability to serve the increased needs will decrease as tax revenues and charitable contributions decline. In addition, current laws, statutes, administrative rules and standards may not apply well in a society struggling to serve those suffering the economic effects of peak oil.