States That Expanded Access To SNAP Eligibility Had Lower Rates Of CPS Investigated Reports For Child Maltreatment

The rate of child protective services (CPS) maltreatment investigations for suspected abuse and neglect declined between 2006 and 2019 in 37 states that expanded eligibility to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

States employed one or both* of the following approaches to expand eligibility:

Eliminated an asset test (37 states): The SNAP asset test limits eligibility to households with assets below a specific level. The limit is $2,750 for households without anyone who is over age 60 or disabled. The limit is $4,250 for households with such a member. An asset is defined as resources that could be . . .