Understanding SNAP online applications

KC consultants Dr. Oswaldo Urdapilleta and Alicia Koné recently completed  a study of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online applications for the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and the results are now available to the public. The study included eight states, public resources, internal documents (manuals, standard operating procedures, etc.), and a survey. Some states even provided administrative data to determine application patterns.

Here are four key findings from this study:

All study states reported that online applications helped improve customer service.

  • Other advantages reported included processing efficiencies and reduced caseworker time processing applications.

Insufficient funding to improve their online application process and perceived increased potential for fraud were the most reported challenges.

  • However, less than half of the states reported these. No other challenge was reported by more than two states.

The proportion of applicants submitting online applications increased as the distance to the nearest SNAP office increased.

  • Reported by three states that provided location data.

Most online applications had user-friendly features.

  • The most common being the ability of applicants to upload verification documents (six states).

With more funding and a robust system, SNAP online applications can increase access to many more people who are eligible but cannot travel to a SNAP office to do so. To read the entire report, visit the FNS website.

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Isaac KoneComment