Research Report Estimated Effect of Recent Proposed Changes to SNAP Regulations
Laura Wheaton
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This brief estimates the individual and combined effects of three proposed regulatory changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The proposed changes would tighten the criteria by which states request waivers from time limits for able-bodied adults without dependents who do not meet work requirements, restrict states’ ability to modify income limits and asset tests through broad-based categorical eligibility, and standardize the method for determining state standard utility allowances. We estimate that if these changes had been implemented in 2018, 3.7 million fewer people and 2.1 million fewer households would have received SNAP, and annual benefits would have decreased by $4.2 billion. Some states would face substantial reductions in participation and benefits, but others that make little or no use of time-limit waivers or broad-based categorical eligibility would be minimally affected.

Research Areas Social safety net
Tags Hunger and food assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) From Safety Net to Solid Ground
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center
Research Methods ATTIS Microsimulation Model