SNAP Caseloads Story

One of SNAP’s most important features is that it can respond automatically to changes in need across the country.

SNAP Tracks Changes in Share of Population That is Poor or Near-Poor

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Share of individuals participating in SNAP

Unemployment Rate

Share of individuals with income at or below 130% of poverty

Start of Recession

For SNAP, Number Eligible and Participation Rate Rose During and After Recession

Number of people eligibleShare of eligible people participating

As the number of people eligible grew, the share of eligible people who participated also increased, in part because states simplified procedures to make it easier for eligible people to participate in SNAP.

Note: This figure uses annual Agriculture Department (USDA) estimates of eligible and participating individuals. USDA revised the methodology for these estimates starting with the 2010 estimates, so the 2007, 2009, and 2013 estimates are not directly comparable. The revised methdology does not change the underlying trends.

Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates: Fiscal Year 2010 to 2013" August 2015, and earlier reports in the series.

SNAP Participation Expected to Continue Falling

Number of SNAP participants

As the economy improved, SNAP participation started to come down, and is expected to continue falling.

SNAP participation declines accelerated in 2016. SNAP has fallen by more than 5 million participants since peaking in December 2012.

Sources: USDA (SNAP program data), US Census Bureau (resident population estimates and projections), and Congressional Budget Office March 2015 baseline

SNAP Costs Falling, Projected to Fall Further

Spending as a share of gross domestic product

SNAP spending follows a similar pattern. Spending grew because of increased participation and a temporary benefit boost during the recession, but is falling –a trend that’s expected to continue.

Note: dotted line indicates CBO projection

Sources: Office of Management and Budget, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Congressional Budget Office January 2016 baseline

See more about falling caseloads at:
SNAP Caseload Declines Accelerated in Recent Months.

And for state-level information, see:
SNAP Rose In States to Meet Needs but Participation Has Fallen as Economy Recovered

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