Employed in a SNAP? The Impact of Work Requirements on Program Participation and Labor Supply

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2023
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: 306-41

Authors (5)

Colin Gray (Massachusetts Institute of Tec...) Adam Leive (University of California-Berke...) Elena Prager (not in RePEc) Kelsey Pukelis (not in RePEc) Mary Zaki (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.804 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Work requirements are common in US safety net programs. Evidence remains limited, however, on the extent to which work requirements increase economic self-sufficiency or screen out vulnerable individuals. Using linked administrative data on food stamps (SNAP) and earnings with a regression discontinuity design, we find robust evidence that work requirements increase program exits by 23 percentage points (64 percent) among incumbent participants. Overall program participation among adults who are subject to work requirements is reduced by 53 percent. Homeless adults are disproportionately screened out. We find no effects on employment and suggestive evidence of increased earnings in some specifications.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:306-41
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-25