At A Glance

Noteworthy Characteristics

  • Provides information on families participating in SNAP.
  • Provides information on characteristics of household members (with limited information on ineligible household members).
  • Sample of SNAP participants is representative at the state and national levels.

Website

http://www.fns.usda.gov/ops/research-and-analysis

Purpose

To collect data on demographics and economic status related to eligibility for households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, in the United States (U.S.).

Target Population

All U.S. households eligible for SNAP benefits and individuals who are defined as members of that household according to SNAP criteria (with the exception of those who received disaster benefits). Includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Conducted

Began in 1981. Conducted annually. Most recent year completed was 2016.

Sponsor

Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Special Note(s)

Data are obtained from monthly quality control reviews of SNAP cases by state SNAP agencies to assess the accuracy of eligibility determinations and benefit calculations for SNAP participants. These data are compiled and released annually.

Sampling

Sample Design

Cross-sectional, random, stratified sampling at the state level, nationally representative. A state may use a simple random sampling design or a complex sampling design. Learn more about the sampling design (see Technical Documentation).

Sample Size

The 2011 SNAP-QC data include 51,115 households and more than 100,000 individuals.

The 2016 SNAP-QC data include 46,595 households and more than 94,000 individuals.

Special Note(s)

Sampling is performed at the state level. Most state agencies draw the samples systematically, using a constant sampling interval. Some state agencies employ simple random and/or stratified sampling techniques. All sampling plans must be approved by the Food and Nutrition Service. Required annual sample sizes range from 300 for state agencies with small SNAP caseloads to 1,200 for larger states, with an average state sample size of approximately 880.

Key Variables

Demographic

NameMethods of Assessment
Age of Household membersSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) case review
Deductible expenses, such as shelter costs, dependent care costs, and medical costs.SNAP case review
Disability (general)SNAP case review
Household size and number of children in household SNAP case review
Household net income and gross income and source(s) of incomeSNAP case review
Household benefit levelSNAP case review
SNAP and other economic assistance program participation and eligibilitySNAP case review

Data Access and Cost

Data Availability

Data are publicly available.

Cost

Free of charge.

Special Note(s)

The SNAP-QC database is an edited version of the raw data file generated by the SNAP’s Quality Control System.
The data are collected and compiled on an annual basis, and the reports are typically released aproximately a year after the end of the previous fiscal year.

Geocode/Linkage

Geocode Variable(s)

Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) state code and metropolitan statistical area.

Existing Linkages

SNAP-QC data have been linked to census data on metropolitan statistical area.

SNAP-QC data on program participation have been linked to Social Security Administration data on Supplemental Security Income program participation. Learn more.

Special Note(s)

Sample size does not allow analyses at the county level.

Selected Publications

General

Farson Gray, Kelsey and Shivani Kochhar. (2015) Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2014. Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Farson Gray, Kelsey, Sarah Fisher, and Sarah Lauffer. (2016) Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2015. Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Lauffer, Sarah. (2017) Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2016. Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.