A proposed expansion of work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has revealed that roughly half the individuals targeted by these requirements are currently employed. Additionally, many who are not working have caregiving responsibilities or health conditions that prevent them from doing so.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, assists low-income individuals in purchasing groceries. Republicans have advocated for the federal government to make SNAP benefits for adults aged 50 to 55, without dependents or disabilities, contingent on engaging in work activities for 80 hours per month. These activities may include employment, short-term training, and community service. This proposed change is part of a package passed by Republican led House of Representatives in April, aiming to reduce spending on various social programs. Currently, work requirements only apply to adults under 50 without dependents or disabilities.

These estimates are based on analysis of nationally representative time-diary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey. Researchers examined the amount of time low-income Americans aged 50-55, without disabilities or children at home, spent working, caregiving, or addressing their personal health and well-being between 2012 and 2021.

Analysis revealed that in most years, more than half of these individuals worked at least 20 hours per week. On average, those who met work requirements actually worked about 41-51 hours per week, considered full-time employment. The research further indicated that compared to their counterparts who met (or exceeded) the work requirements, those who did not spent 10x more time managing their own health, 5x more time on child care, and over 5x more time caring for elderly or disabled adults.

The proposed bill operates on the premise that individuals receiving SNAP benefits and aid from other assistance programs are capable of working but choose not to. Enforcing work requirements is seen as a way to increase employment and earnings. This belief is a misconception.

Findings of the report support widespread concerns that expanding SNAP work requirements would result in the loss of food assistance benefits for approximately 275,000 low-income individuals aged 50 to 55, including many with health conditions and caregiving responsibilities.

Other research has shown that SNAP is associated with positive outcomes beyond ensuring sufficient food intake. These include reduced spending on healthcare, improved health, and increased financial stability. Studies have also demonstrated that when individuals use SNAP benefits to purchase groceries, it stimulates the local economy, particularly in low-income communities.

Further research has indicated that work requirements tied to aid programs do not lead to increased labor force participation among low-income individuals. These policies have also been found to cause many eligible individuals to lose their benefits due to administrative difficulties and unclear guidelines.