Work Requirements Implemented in 2016 Led To 25% Decline In SNAP Eligibility

Adding work requirements to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits reduced SNAP enrollment by 25% among able-bodied adults without dependents, but did not change Medicaid enrollment among that group. The effects of the SNAP work requirements implemented in 2016 were reported in an analysis of SNAP and Medicaid enrollment in Connecticut from 2015 through 2018.

Key findings were as follows:

Individuals with diabetes were 91% more likely to lose SNAP eligibility compared to those with no chronic conditions.

SNAP beneficiaries aged 40 to 49 with multiple comorbidities were 553% more likely to lose SNAP eligibility compared to . . .