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Administrative Burden and Procedural Denials: Experimental Evidence from SNAP

Author

Listed:
  • Eric Giannella
  • Tatiana Homonoff
  • Gwen Rino
  • Jason Somerville

Abstract

Many government program applications result in procedural denials due to administrative burdens associated with applying. We identify the intake interview as a key barrier to take-up of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and study the effect of an alternative application process designed to reduce burdens. Using a field experiment involving 65,000 Los Angeles applicants, we find that access to flexible interviews initiated by the applicant increases approvals by 6 percentage points, doubles early approvals, and increases long-term participation by over 2 percentage points. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating flexibility when designing program integrity policies to minimize procedural denials.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric Giannella & Tatiana Homonoff & Gwen Rino & Jason Somerville, 2024. "Administrative Burden and Procedural Denials: Experimental Evidence from SNAP," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 16(4), pages 316-340, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:16:y:2024:i:4:p:316-40
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220701
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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