2024 Edition: Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Applications

On this page, we share data and observations about account creation, authentication, and identity proofing steps used in online SNAP applications.

The DBN has been researching digital identity for the past two years, and our interest in this topic is based on our belief that all applicants deserve application processes that help them receive essential, life-saving benefits in a timely, dignified way. The way state agencies structure online account creation processes and requirements for applicants and beneficiaries to prove who they are may impact whether and how quickly individuals can apply for and start receiving benefits. We believe that successful identity management for public benefits requires risk-based, human-centered evaluation of when identity proofing and authentication are necessary, thoughtful selection of methods, and integration of identity management into overall service design.

Because some states combine or integrate applications for multiple programs, this page includes data from standalone SNAP applications and integrated applications. For entries that include combined or integrated applications, the data captures the claimant experience if they are applying for all available benefits included in our data collection – for example, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and MAGI Medicaid, together. 

We decided to approach data collection this way for practicality and also to document the most comprehensive possible experience for each application flow. A few states such as Kentucky and North Carolina have standalone SNAP applications in addition to a combined application that includes SNAP. We have included those applications in this dataset, too.

The findings below outline our current understanding of online authentication and identity proofing requirements and practices for benefit programs.  You can also view the Digital Benefits Network’s data on account creation and identity proofing practices across core benefits programs.

High-level Findings

Integrated Applications

Most SNAP applications are combined applications that allow users to apply for multiple benefits at once such as SNAP and TANF, SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid, or SNAP, TANF, and Child care. 

• Our dataset includes 54 SNAP applications, only seven of which are standalone SNAP applications.

Account Requirements

Most applications that include SNAP—33 out of 54 or 61%—require users to create an account in order to submit their application online.

• Of the 33 applications that require an account to submit applications, 17 application flows appear to require users to enter an email address.
  • Importantly, some of these states including Florida, Kentucky, and North Carolina, have separate  application pathways for SNAP that do not require users to create an account.
  • Current best practices guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) state that applications for SNAP cannot require users to submit an email address, since doing so creates an additional condition of eligibility.
• Another 16 applications make account creation optional. 
• We found evidence that 49 sign-in processes for applications that include SNAP use additional authentication security measures. The most common authentication methods include security questions, email validation links, and one-time authentication codes sent via email.

This map shows active identity proofing requirements in online applications that include SNAP across states. The color-coding on this map details whether applicants are required to take active steps to prove their identities as part of an online application process. If you hover over an individual state on the map you can also see what identity proofing methods are being used if applicable or known, when during the application process identity proofing is used, and what benefits programs are included on the application.

Identity Proofing Requirements

Very few applications that include SNAP require users to take active identity proofing steps to submit online.

• Only two applications that include SNAP required identity proofing. Both use knowledge-based verification or KBV through the identity proofing vendor Experian, placed before users initiate an application. 
• 14 other applications prompt optional identity proofing measures. This either allows a user to immediately skip the prompt, or if their identity cannot be verified online, allows them to continue. Eight of these applications are also using KBV through Experian.

This map shows active identity proofing requirements in online applications that include SNAP across states. The color-coding on this map details whether applicants are required to take active steps to prove their identities as part of an online application process. If you hover over an individual state on the map you can also see what identity proofing methods are being used if applicable or known, when during the application process identity proofing is used, and what benefits programs are included on the application.

This map shows account requirements in online applications that include SNAP across states. The color-coding on this map details whether applicants are required to have an account to submit an application. If you hover over an individual state on the map, you can also see whether the application’s account creation process incorporates additional authentication security measures, whether an email address is required to create an account if applicable, and what benefits programs are included on the application. A pattern overlay indicates which states’ portals integrate with a state single sign-on or other external account credentials.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Requested

Applications that include SNAP typically make it possible to submit online without having to disclose applicant Social Security numbers (SSNs).

• Applicants seeking SNAP benefits are required to provide SSNs as a condition of eligibility. However, the FNS has clarified that online SNAP applications should allow users to proceed through the application process without being required to submit their SSN.
• In 45 applications that include SNAP, it appears possible for applicants to submit an application online without disclosing their SSN. Three other applications explicitly state that providing a SSN is optional or recommended. 
• Only one application that includes SNAP (Puerto Rico’s integrated SNAP and TANF application) appears to require users to submit their SSN at least when applying online for multiple benefits programs (e.g., SNAP and TANF).
• Five other applications that include SNAP require SSN if an applicant indicates they have one, at least when applying online for multiple benefits.

Dataset

Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online SNAP Applications

Gallery View: Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online SNAP Applications

Questions?

As always, we’re eager for your feedback! Did we miss something when reviewing a state’s application? Do you have research questions you’d like us to try and answer using the information in this dataset? If so, email us at digID@georgetown.edu.

Data Collection: SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, and Child Care Applications

‍We collected data on SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, and child care applications between June 10 and October 15, 2024. After initial data collection, we conducted an internal review of each application entry to ensure accuracy and consistency. Our team spent approximately 75 to 90 minutes working with each application. We have also used the “Public notes” column in the dataset to document nuances and open questions. Read more about our research process on this page.

Citation

​​Cite as: Elizabeth Bynum Sorrell, Ariel Kennan, Anvitha Reddy, Isabelle Granger, Miranda Xiong, Olivia Zhao, and Quinny Sanchez Lopez, “Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Applications: 2024 Dataset + Analysis” Digital Benefits Network, March 1, 2024.

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