Measuring psychological burdens in access to U.S. social programs
This report contributes to the quantitative measurement of psychological burdens by examining a case study of a single social program: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, by considering new quantitative measures of the psychological burdens faced by SNAP applicants.
The report examines the psychological burdens, such as stress and stigma, experienced by applicants to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), highlighting that these burdens are significant and disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, disabled applicants, and parents.
It finds that while most applicants feel respected by staff, non-White and younger applicants report less respect, and recommends simplifying application processes, improving communication, targeting support to high-burden groups, and developing better measures to address disparities in access to social programs.
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