The Impact of SNAP on Material Hardships: Evidence From Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility Expansions.

This article examines whether expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility reduces material hardships of low-income households. During the Great Recession, many states expanded the income threshold of eligibility for SNAP. I show that expansions in eligibility increased the...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:	Southern Economic Journal Vol. 83; no. 2; pp. 464 - 487
Autor principal:	Han, Jeehoon
Formato:	Artículo
Publicado:	Wiley-Blackwell Oct2016
Materias:	Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (U.S.) Food security Low-income housing Economic impact Great Recession, 2008-2013 Child nutrition
Acceso en línea:	Ver este registro en EBSCOhost

Descripción
Sumario:	This article examines whether expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility reduces material hardships of low-income households. During the Great Recession, many states expanded the income threshold of eligibility for SNAP. I show that expansions in eligibility increased the SNAP participation rate by 3-5 percentage points. I also find that the expansion leads to a modest decrease in nonfood hardships, such as rent and utility delinquencies. However, the increase in SNAP enrollment does not lead to greater food spending or a reduction in food insecurity except for households with children.