Administrative Burdens Tolerance and Public Opinion of SNAP: Can Simplified Communications Reduce Reliance on Personal Beliefs?

• In Event: Nudges, Location and Communication: Reducing Administrative Burdens Inside and Outside Government

Abstract

Administrative burdens, such as complex eligibility criteria and paperwork, can harm access to safety net benefits for low-income families, yet public opinion on these burdens remains divided. While some view them as excessive barriers, others see them as necessary for ensuring fairness and preventing fraud. Using a mixed-methods approach and data from a pre-registered, survey experiment fielded to a representative sample (n=1,677) of New Jersey residents, this research tests the impact of different public communication tools — a flyer, a screening tool, and a video — on opinions of ease or difficulty of applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the reasons individuals give for their opinions. Results show that reducing cognitive load through video presentation makes the application process seem easier and decreases reliance on personal beliefs when forming opinions. Thematic analysis reveals that those citing personal experiences as the reason behind their assessment find the process difficult, while those referencing stereotypes believe it is too easy. We conclude that government efforts to improve communication has the potential to impact public opinion and knowledge as well as lessen reliance on personal beliefs and experiences in assessments of administrative burdens.

Authors

• Andrea Hetling, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
  Presenting Author

• Gregory porumbescu
  Non-Presenting Co-Author

• Stephanie Walsh, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
  Non-Presenting Co-Author