Do state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policies influence program participation among seniors?

Jordan W. Jones, Charles Courtemanche, Augustine Denteh, James Marton, Rusty Tchernis

2022Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy22 citationsDOI

Abstract

Abstract Senior participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has traditionally been lower than other groups among those eligible, with historical estimates below 50%. We examine the impacts of state SNAP policies on program participation among low‐income senior (age 60 and older) and nonsenior households using data from the 2001 to 2014 December Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement. Our results suggest that policies designed to expand SNAP eligibility modestly increased participation among seniors but led to larger increases among nonseniors. In contrast, we find little evidence of effects of policies related to transaction costs, stigma, or outreach on either group.

Topics & Concepts

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramOutreachSurvey of Income and Program ParticipationCurrent Population SurveyFood Stamp ProgramFood insecurityPopulationBusinessFood securityGerontologyEconomic growthDemographic economicsEconomicsEnvironmental healthFood stampsMedicineGeographyAgricultureMarket economyArchaeologyWelfareFood Security and Health in Diverse PopulationsGender, Labor, and Family DynamicsHealth disparities and outcomes