A median recertification interval of 12 months or longer for SNAP is one of the five most effective policies that a state can implement to make sure children get off to a healthy start and thrive, and that promote greater equity in child wellbeing.
Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is associated with improved birth outcomes and reduced household food insecurity in households with children. States have flexibility to adjust eligibility requirements and SNAP administration, including the administrative burden associated with program participation. Administrative burden refers to the barriers that increase the costs—time, money, and psychological distress—of applying for and maintaining enrollment in any public assistance program.
The most effective individual policy to reduce administrative burden for SNAP is the authorization of longer recertification intervals. However, implementing a set of policies related to enrollment and recertification is more effective than implementing one policy alone.
The most rigorous research studies show that educed administrative burden for SNAP:
| IMPACT OF REDUCED ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN FOR SNAP | EVIDENCE OF IMPACT |
Increases participation rates among eligible households |
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Visit the Clearinghouse for the comprehensive evidence review on Reduced Administrative Burden for SNAP.
The prenatal period to age 3 is the most sensitive and rapid period of growth for the brain and body. State policy choices have a substantial impact on the wellbeing of infants, toddlers, and their parents, and on promoting equity among children. See the Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap for more information on the most effective policies and strategies states can implement to help children thrive from the start.
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