APPROACHING THE SNAP SLOPE

Progressives and conservatives are both concerned about the “cliff effect” of safety net programs like SNAP, albeit to different ends. SNAP is structured to provide benefits on a “downward slope” rather than a cliff, with benefits decreasing as income increases. But a Children’s HealthWatch survey focusing on SNAP shows that income increases are often insufficient to compensate for lost SNAP benefits. The Food Research and Action Center recommends that USDA use its Low-Cost Food Plan (LCFP) rather than the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) it currently uses to determine maximum SNAP benefits. The TFP understates food costs, especially the costs of healthier foods. Other strategies to help families as they transition to more self-sufficiency would be to eliminate the cap of deductible housing and utilities costs, and expand medical expenses deductions to include more people.

 

Source: Poverty & Policy, 4/28/14, SNAP Slope