The Disenrollment and Labor Supply Effects of SNAP Work Requirements
Neoclassical economic theory predicts that ordeals, such as work requirements, improve transfer program targeting. Means-tested transfer programs in the U.S. are increasingly adding or considering adding work requirements. We provide the first causal estimates of the two largest work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We leverage the fact that once the youngest child in the household turns six, many heads of household become subject to these requirements. Using novel administrative SNAP data linked with state administrative earnings records, we find these requirements have no impacts on labor supply, but important SNAP disenrollment effects that reduce the targeting of SNAP benefits.
More from NBER
In addition to working papers, the NBER disseminates affiliates’ latest findings through a range of free periodicals — the NBER Reporter, the NBER Digest, the Bulletin on Retirement and Disability, the Bulletin on Health, and the Bulletin on Entrepreneurship — as well as online conference reports, video lectures, and interviews.
