Sources of cross-state heterogeneity in SNAP work-requirement effects

Investigate the institutional and other factors that generate cross-state variation in the effects of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program able-bodied-adult-without-dependents work requirements on program participation and labor-market outcomes, in order to inform the design of policies that balance benefit targeting with employment support.

Background

The paper finds that reinstating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work requirements substantially reduces participation without producing detectable increases in employment or earnings, while the magnitude of the participation effect differs across states. The authors note that their estimates are smaller than estimates from Virginia and several other administrative-data studies, suggesting that institutional conditions may affect how strongly work requirements operate.

The paper specifically mentions minimum-wage differences as one possible contributor, because higher minimum wages can make the earnings exemption easier to satisfy and reduce required workfare hours. However, the authors do not identify the sources of the observed heterogeneity. Determining the mechanisms behind these cross-state differences could help policymakers design work requirements that better balance benefit targeting and employment objectives.