There is no conflict of interest.
Citation
Wheaton, L., Vericker, T., Schwabish, J., Anderson, T., Baier, K., Gasper, J., Sick, N., & Werner, K. (2021). The Impact of SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limit Reinstatement in Nine States. Urban Institute. [Pennsylvania]
Highlights
- The study’s objective was to examine the impact of the time-limit reinstatement related to the work requirements of SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) on employment and earnings. This profile focuses on Pennsylvania. The authors investigated similar research questions for other states, the profiles can be found here.
- The authors used a nonexperimental design to compare the outcomes of ABAWD reinstatement of the time limit related to the work requirement on SNAP benefits. The primary data sources included quarterly earnings records from the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system provided by the state.
- The study found that reinstating the time limit related to the work requirement on SNAP benefits was associated with decreased employment and earnings for able-bodied adults without dependents.
- This study receives a moderate evidence rating. This means we are somewhat confident that the estimated effects are attributable to time-limit reinstatement related to the work of SNAP ABAWD, but other factors might also have contributed.
Intervention Examined
Time-limit Reinstatement of SNAP ABAWD
Features of the Intervention
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most extensive food assistance program in the United States, providing benefits to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. The Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) intervention specifically targets SNAP participants who are between the ages of 18 and 49, physically and mentally fit for work, not pregnant, and living in households without children. These participants must meet specific work requirements to continue receiving benefits beyond three months within 36 months.
During the Great Recession, the work requirements for ABAWDs were suspended due to high unemployment rates and economic challenges, allowing affected individuals to receive SNAP benefits without meeting the work requirements. This suspension began with the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) in 2009 and continued in many states until economic conditions improved. In Pennsylvania, the work requirements were reinstated by March 2016.
The ABAWD time limit intervention required able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in qualifying activities for at least 20 hours per week to continue receiving SNAP benefits beyond three months within 36 months. State agencies administered the intervention in collaboration with local employment and training organizations.
Features of the Study
The study used a nonexperimental design to compare the outcomes of ABAWD reinstatement of the time limit related to the work requirement on SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania. The authors compared SNAP and employment outcomes for two cohorts. The comparison cohort included ABAWDs participating in SNAP approximately one year and three months before the time limit reinstatement, with outcomes observed for the four quarters before the reinstatement. The treatment cohort consisted of ABAWDs participating in SNAP three months before the time limit reinstatement, with outcomes observed for the four quarters after the reinstatement. This design allowed for a quarterly comparison of results between the treatment and the corresponding quarter for the comparison cohort from the previous year, making it possible for the same individual to appear in both cohorts. The primary data sources included monthly administrative data from SNAP and quarterly earnings records from the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system provided by the state.
Findings
Employment
- Relative to the comparison group, the probability of employment in the fourth quarter decreased by two percentage points, which is statistically significant.
Earnings and wages
- Relative to the comparison group, the treatment group's annual earnings decreased by $247, which is statistically significant.
Considerations for Interpreting the Findings
The authors note that UI wage records do not include all types of employment, such as federal employment, self-employment, and off-the-books work, potentially resulting in incomplete or biased measures of employment and earnings. This issue may be exacerbated among ABAWDs, who are more likely to lack stable employment, thereby increasing the likelihood of underreporting in these records.
Causal Evidence Rating
The quality of causal evidence presented in this study is moderate because it was based on a well-implemented nonexperimental design. This means we are somewhat confident that the estimated effects are attributable to time-limit reinstatement of SNAP ABAWD, but other factors might also have contributed.