Research Report Understanding the Rates, Causes, and Costs of Churning in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Gregory B. Mills, Tracy Vericker, Kye Lippold, Laura Wheaton, Sam Elkin
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In the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, churn occurs when recipients exit the program and then reenter within four months. According to our analysis of six states, churning cases made up 17 to 28 percent of cases ever receiving benefits in fiscal year 2011. Most churn occurs at a client's scheduled recertification or interim report and is caused by procedural difficulties or changes in household income or other circumstances. We estimate the benefits forgone among households seemingly eligible while off the program and the added administrative costs associated with case closings and reopenings.

Research and Evidence Family and Financial Well-Being Tax and Income Supports
Expertise Social Safety Net
Tags Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Welfare and safety net programs Hunger and food assistance
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