During the recession SNAP did exactly what it was designed to do—quickly help low-income families during economic downturns as poverty rises, unemployment mounts, and more people need assistance. As the economy has recovered, SNAP caseload growth has slowed dramatically; caseloads have remained essentially flat since peaking at nearly 48 million people late last year. Caseloads and spending are expected to fall in coming years as the economy improves. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that SNAP spending will fall to 1995 levels as a share of gross domestic product by 2019. This decline reflects shrinking caseloads as well as the expiration in November of the Recovery Act’s temporary benefit boost, which will cut benefits for all SNAP participants.
Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 9/13/13, Improving Economy
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