Age differences in expenditure responses to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits

Geetha M. Waehrer

Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 2023, vol. 45, issue 1, 372-391

Abstract: Using data from the 2007–2011 and 2012–2014 Consumer Expenditure Surveys, this study finds that unlike younger adults, senior Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants' food‐at‐home expenditures did not respond to the 2009 increase in SNAP benefits. Higher benefits did not shift seniors' Engel curve for food‐at‐home spending suggesting that in‐kind SNAP benefits are equivalent to cash income for seniors, unlike younger adults. The 2013 decrease in SNAP benefits had no effect on senior or younger adult food spending. Changes in benefits also resulted in spillover effects on non‐food spending for seniors and younger adults including spending on transportation, utilities, health services, and other expenditures.

Date: 2023
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https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13316

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:45:y:2023:i:1:p:372-391

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