Researchers found that making the SNAP application and recertification process more flexible improved people’s finances in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The main change was easier scheduling for mandatory caseworker interviews and allowing more time to reschedule missed appointments before renewal deadlines.
In Los Angeles a new caseworker hotline let applicants pick interview times and increased successful enrollments. Those who enrolled were less likely to have delinquent credit card accounts and had higher credit scores. Los Angeles data covered 2020–21 with about 65,000 applicants. In San Francisco the recertification change covered 2014–2016 with about 40,000 people and showed similar financial improvements.
Difficult words
- recertification — the process to renew a benefit or permission
- caseworker — a person who helps people with government benefits
- hotline — a phone number people call for quick help
- delinquent — late to pay bills or debts
- enroll — to sign up or join a programenrolled
- applicant — a person who applies for somethingapplicants
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever changed an appointment time? How did that help you?
- Why do you think giving people more time to reschedule could improve their finances?
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