evidence: Essential workers have been called on to meet our basic needs during the COVID-19 crisis. A significant portion of these workers, frontline workers, cannot work remotely. On average, frontline workers are disproportionately comprised of less educated and minority workers, especially Hispanics, and immigrants. They earn below average wages and have a substantial share of workers in the bottom wage quartile. Thus, the provision of hazard pay to these workers may be merited both because of the risks they take by remaining on their jobs as well on equity grounds. Other benefits should also be considered including support for the childcare needs of these workers, paid sick leave, coverage of COVID-19 health expenses for those who lack health insurance, and death benefits to the families of those who have died of the virus.