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New Evidence on the Cycle in the Women, Infants, and Children Program: What Happens When Benefits Expire

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  • Marianne Bitler
  • Jason Cook
  • Seojung Oh
  • Paige Rowberry

Abstract

We provide evidence of a benefit redemption cycle in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Using novel administrative data on item-level redemptions, we show that unlike SNAP, WIC redemptions peak at both the beginning and the end of the month. Beginning-of-the-month excess redemptions are concentrated among more fully redeemed items such as infant formula, while end-of-the-month excess redemptions are concentrated among less fully redeemed items such as infant meats. We document that a substantial share of beneficiaries go at least one month without redeeming anything and discuss how administrative burdens may drive the WIC cycle.

Suggested Citation

  • Marianne Bitler & Jason Cook & Seojung Oh & Paige Rowberry, 2024. "New Evidence on the Cycle in the Women, Infants, and Children Program: What Happens When Benefits Expire," National Tax Journal, University of Chicago Press, vol. 77(1), pages 175-197.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:nattax:doi:10.1086/728678
    DOI: 10.1086/728678
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