Work Requirements Drop SNAP Participation, Not Boost Employment

New research suggests that stricter rules for the federal food assistance program, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), are not helping people find jobs. Instead, these rules are causing more individuals to lose access to food assistance.

Researchers looked at many studies about work requirements for SNAP. They found that the best information shows these rules "do not increase employment." In fact, the studies indicate that these requirements lead to a "large decrease in participation in SNAP."

This report comes from The Hamilton Project, an economic policy group at the Brookings Institution. It arrives as big changes are happening to the SNAP program. A new federal law passed last summer has already led to fewer people receiving food assistance.

Since last fall, states have been telling people who receive food stamps that they must meet certain work requirements or lose their benefits. These changes have affected groups like older adults, homeless individuals, veterans, and some people living in rural areas, who used to be exempt from these requirements.

Lauren Bauer, an expert at the Brookings Institution, explained that "Everything that we know about work requirements is that they do not increase employment among the groups that are subject to them." She added that these rules only make it more likely that people will be removed from the program.

Bauer believes SNAP should focus simply on fighting hunger. She argues that job training and career development are important, but they should be separate from a program designed to provide food.

A big concern is how these strict rules will affect people who lose their jobs during tough economic times. Historically, SNAP has been a crucial safety net, quickly helping unemployed individuals get food. However, under the new rules, laid-off workers might be told they can't get benefits without working, creating a difficult situation.

While some officials, like U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, support these changes, arguing they reduce waste and promote work, the research suggests the main outcome is fewer people receiving needed food assistance without a clear boost in employment.