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The Effect of Means-Tested Transfers on Work: Evidence from Quasi-Randomly Assigned SNAP Caseworkers

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  • Jason B. Cook
  • Chloe N. East

Abstract

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the backbone of the U.S. safety net. We provide the most comprehensive and generalizable evaluation of the labor supply effects of access to modern SNAP to date. To do so we use new, rich administrative data and an examiner design based on conditional random assignment of SNAP applicants to caseworkers. We find no evidence of large or lasting negative effects of SNAP on labor supply. We also provide the first large, quantitative evaluation of the role of SNAP caseworkers in determining applicants’ outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jason B. Cook & Chloe N. East, 2024. "The Effect of Means-Tested Transfers on Work: Evidence from Quasi-Randomly Assigned SNAP Caseworkers," CESifo Working Paper Series 11278, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11278
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    Cited by:

    1. Dodini, Samuel & Larrimore, Jeff & Tranfaglia, Anna, 2024. "Financial repercussions of SNAP work requirements," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SNAP; labor supply; caseworker;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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