The Effects of SNAP Work Requirement on Recidivism

Sungjin Lee

Social Science Quarterly, 2025, vol. 106, issue 7

Abstract: Objective This paper examines the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirement on recidivism among ex‐offenders. Methods Using offender‐level data from the National Corrections Reporting Program (2010–2017), this paper employs Linear Probability and Proportional Hazard models within a difference‐in‐difference framework. Two SNAP policy variations are used, the work requirement imposition and lifetime ban policies, which affect offenders differently depending on their release dates, counties of residence, types of offenses, and age at release. Results Exposure to the SNAP work requirement increased the probability of returning to prison within three years by 0.22 percentage points for non‐drug offenders and 0.47 percentage points for drug offenders. The effect was strongest among young (18–29), male, and unconditionally released ex‐offenders. No significant impacts were found for offenders exempt from the requirement, such as those aged 50 and above or drug offenders in states with lifetime bans. Conclusion The SNAP work requirement modestly increases recidivism among populations facing barriers to employment. Conditioning food assistance on work may undermine reentry outcomes. These findings highlight the need to reconsider the design of work requirements in safety net programs.

Date: 2025
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