The Impact of SNAP ABAWD Time Limit Reinstatement in Nine States

This report examines the reinstatement of time limits on SNAP participation for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) following the Great Recession. This report focuses on how reinstatement of time limits impacted ABAWD employment, annual wages, and program participation. Methods include descriptive and regressive analysis of administrative data, analysis of linked SNAP-Unemployment Insurance data, sensitivity analysis of key findings, and interviews with regional SNAP directors.

Key Findings

• Reinstatement of the ABAWD time limit substantially reduced SNAP participation among those subject to the time limit.
• The largest reduction typically occurred between the 3rd and 4th month of time limit reinstatement, the first month in which participants could lose SNAP.
• There was no evidence that the ABAWD time limit increased employment or annual earnings.