Data & Research

​This study examines the use of robotic process automation technologies by three state agencies—Georgia, New Mexico, and Connecticut—to administer SNAP.

The purpose of this study is to help FNA better understand how states are implementing the SNAP E&T case management requirement, including how they assess individuals’ needs for services and supports and provide participant reimbursements and other support services. It was also intended to identify promising practices and lessons learned that can be used to support states as they work to provide case management services aligned with their participants’ needs, available resources, and program priorities.

States may establish their own standard utility allowances. The use of SUAs, including heating and cooling SUAs for households with heating and cooling expenses, simplifies the application process for both the applicant and the state agency. The primary objectives of this study were to conduct a review of available data to determine typical costs for internet access to develop a broadband standard utility allowance; and estimate new fiscal year 2022 HCSUA values for each state.

Congress directed FNA to update findings on administrative, operational, and program integrity changes needed to update Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) to SNAP as presented in the 2010 USDA report, Implementing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Puerto Rico: A Feasibility Study and develop a detailed implementation plan for reestablishing SNAP in Puerto Rico. The study findings are presented in a report and an implementation plan. 

FNA has historically estimated the participation rate of SNAP by using Census data and samples of SNAP administrative data, but modeling SNAP eligibility using survey data has a number of challenges. In response, FNA, the Economic Research Service, and the Census Bureau sought potential solutions to these issues by linking Census survey data with monthly administrative records at the person level.