Contract No.: 53-3198-6-017

MPR Reference No.: 8370-058

TRENDS IN FSP

PARTICIPATION 

RATES: FOCUS ON

SEPTEMBER 1997

November 1999

Laura Castner

Scott Cody

Submitted to: Submitted by:

U.S. Department of Agriculture Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

Food and Nutrition Service 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

3101 Park Center Drive Suite 550

Room 503 Washington DC 20024-2512

Alexandria, VA 22302 (202) 484-9220

Project Officer: Project Director:

Jenny Genser Carole Trippe
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities

on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual

orientation, or family status.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communications of

program information (Braille, large point, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at

(202)720-2600 (voice and TTD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W,

Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720-

5964 (voice and TTD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This report was prepared by Laura Castner and Scott Cody of Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition, and

Evaluation. Many individuals made important contributions to the report. The authors thank Carole Trippe

for providing guidance and reviewing the report, Dan O’Connor and Catherine Palermo for providing

programming support, and Micki Morris for preparing the manuscript. The authors also thank Jenny

Genser of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service for providing guidance and

program information.

This work was prepared as one task of a competitively awarded contract; the total amount of the

contract is $3,102,189.

Authors: Laura Castner, Scott Cody

MPR Project Director: Carole Trippe

MPR Project Number: 8370-058

FNS Project Officer: Jenny Genser

FNS Contract Number: 53-3198-6-017

November 1999
v

CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................... xi

I INTRODUCTION .................................................... 1

II TRENDS IN AGGREGATE RATES ..................................... 5

III TRENDS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT 

ALIENS OR ABAWDS ............................................... 13

A. TRENDS IN INDIVIDUAL, HOUSEHOLD, AND BENEFIT 

PARTICIPATION RATES ......................................... 13

B. CHANGES IN HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY AFDC/TANF 

LEGISLATION .................................................. 14

1. All Households ................................................ 14

2. Single-Parent Households ....................................... 15

3. Other Households with and without Children ........................ 17

C. TRENDS FOR OTHER SUBGROUPS OF THE ELIGIBLE 

POPULATION ................................................... 19

1. Age ......................................................... 20

2. Household Size ............................................... 21

3. Benefit Size .................................................. 22

4. Income ...................................................... 23

5. Income Type .................................................. 23

IV CONCLUSIONS .................................................... 31

REFERENCES ..................................................... 33
CONTENTS (continued)

vi

APPENDIX A: METHODOLOGY .................................... 35

APPENDIX B: SENSITIVITY OF PARTICIPATION RATES TO 

ALIEN AND ABAWD ASSUMPTIONS .................. 49

APPENDIX C: SELECTED FEATURES OF THE CPS-BASED 

TRENDS FILE ....................................... 59

APPENDIX D: SELECTED FEATURES OF THE FOOD STAMP 

PROGRAM UNDER PAST AND CURRENT 

LEGISLATION ...................................... 71

APPENDIX E: UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE SIZES FOR THE FSPQC

CASE RECORDS AND UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE 

SIZES FOR THE CPS ................................. 79

APPENDIX F: NUMBERS OF FSP PARTICIPANTS AND 

ELIGIBLES USED TO CALCULATE 

PARTICIPATION RATES IN 1994 THROUGH 1997 ....... 83

APPENDIX G: NUMBERS OF FSP PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBLES 

USED TO CALCULATE PARTICIPATION RATES 

FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR 

ABAWDS IN 1994 THROUGH 1997 .................... 109
vii

TABLES

Table Page

II.1 MONTHLY NUMBER OF ELIGIBLES, PARTICIPANTS, AND 

PARTICIPATION RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS, HOUSEHOLDS,

AND BENEFITS .................................................... 7

II.2 CHANGE IN INDIVIDUAL FSP PARTICIPATION RATES ................. 8

II.3 MAJOR ECONOMIC INDICATORS .................................... 9

III.1 PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR ALIENS, ABAWDS, 

AND HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS ................. 24

III.2 MONTHLY NUMBER OF ELIGIBLES, PARTICIPANTS, AND 

PARTICIPATION RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS, HOUSEHOLDS, 

AND BENEFITS, IN HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS 

OR ABAWDS ..................................................... 25

III.3 INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY HOUSEHOLD 

COMPOSITION AND SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS, 

HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS AND ABAWDS ..................... 26

III.4 INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY HOUSEHOLD

COMPOSITION AND SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS, 

HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS ...................... 27

III.5 INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED 

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS, HOUSEHOLDS 

WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS .................................... 28

III.6 INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED 

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HOUSEHOLD, 

HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS ...................... 29

A.1 ABAWD ASSUMPTIONS ........................................... 47

B.1 1997 PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR ALIENS, 

ABAWDS, AND INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH 

ALIENS OR ABAWDS .............................................. 56
TABLES (continued)

Page

viii

B.2 SENSITIVITY OF PARTICIPATION RATE TO ASSUMPTIONS 

FOR ALIEN AND ABAWD EXEMPTIONS ............................. 57

C.1 CHANGES IN THE MARCH CPS OVER TIME .......................... 61

C.2 RESULTS FOR THE FOOD STAMP NET INCOME 

REGRESSION EQUATIONS ......................................... 62

C.3 SELECTED FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY PARAMETERS ................ 65

C.4 SUMMARY OF MAJOR INFLUENCES ON FSP PARTICIPATION 

RATES ........................................................... 70

D.1 SELECTED FEATURES OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM 

UNDER PAST AND CURRENT LEGISLATION ......................... 73

E.1 UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE SIZES FOR THE FSPQC CASE RECORDS ....... 81

E.2 UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE SIZES FOR THE CPS ......................... 82

F.1 1994 PARTICIPATION RATES ....................................... 85

F.2 1995 PARTICIPATION RATES ....................................... 89

F.3 1996 PARTICIPATION RATES ....................................... 95

F.4 1997 PARTICIPATION RATES ...................................... 101

G.1 1994 PARTICIPATION RATES ...................................... 111

G.2 1995 PARTICIPATION RATES ...................................... 120

G.3 1996 PARTICIPATION RATES ...................................... 129

G.4 1997 PARTICIPATION RATES ...................................... 138
ix

FIGURES

Figure Page

II.1 TRENDS IN MONTHLY FSP PARTICIPATION RATES ................... 10

II.2 TRENDS IN THE NUMBER OF ELIGIBLES AND PARTICIPANTS ......... 11

II.3 TRENDS IN PARTICIPATION RATES, POVERTY RATES, AND

 UNEMPLOYMENT RATES .......................................... 12

A.1 TRENDS IN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY 

DATA SOURCE .................................................... 46
xi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) helps needy families purchase food so that they can maintain a

nutritious diet. Families are eligible for the program if their financial resources fall below certain

income and asset thresholds. However, not all eligible families participate in the program. Some

choose not to, while others do not know they are eligible. The participation rate—the ratio of the

number of participants to the number of eligibles—reveals the degree to which eligible families

participate.

Participation rates have been affected by the strong economy of the mid-1990s and by welfare

reform, both of which have encouraged low-income families to work. The economy created more jobs

for low-income individuals, and the 1996 federal welfare reform legislation replaced Aid to Families

with Dependent Children (AFDC) with the work-oriented Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

(TANF) program. Welfare reform has further affected participation rates by restricting the eligibility

of many permanent resident aliens and by requiring many able-bodied adults without dependents

(ABAWDs) to work in order to continue receiving food stamps.

Combined, the economy, welfare reform, and other factors have dramatically reduced the size

of the food stamp caseload. Participation in the FSP fell by 9 million, or 33 percent, from its peak

in March 1994 to the end of fiscal year 1998. During this same period, the number of people

participating in AFDC/TANF dropped by over 5 million, or 36 percent. 

In light of this substantial drop in the caseload, it is important to determine whether the FSP

continues to reach its target population and, if not, what this implies about functioning of the safety

net. This report, which provides estimates of the first participation rates since welfare reform,

addresses this issue by answering several key questions:

1. Is the FSP reaching the same proportion of eligible people since welfare reform as it did

before welfare reform?

2. Are single-parent families who leave welfare for jobs still eligible for food stamps, and if

so, do they participate in the program?

3. Do single-parent families who leave welfare but do not find jobs continue to participate

in the FSP, or do they leave both welfare and the FSP?

While the participation rates in this report provide insight into these questions, the estimated

rates are based on the year when the new reforms were being implemented. Because the rates were

likely to have been volatile during that transition period, it may be several years before the full effects

of the changes in welfare policy emerge.
Participation rates can be expressed in three ways: (1) as the ratio of participating individuals 1

to eligible individuals, (2) as the ratio of participating households to eligible households, and (3) as

the ratio of participant’s benefits to all eligible benefits. This executive summary presents

participation rates for individuals. The full report focuses primarily on individuals, but also discusses

household and benefit rates.

xii

Methodology

The method for estimating participation rates in this report is the same as the method used in

previous reports in this series. The estimates are calculated for September 1997, the first month in 1

which the welfare reform provisions affecting the FSP were to have been completely implemented.

Data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) are used to estimate the number of eligibles, and

administrative data from the FSP are used to count the number of participants. Because the CPS

does not capture the characteristics needed to identify aliens and ABAWDs who remained eligible

under welfare reform, we impute the eligibility of these individuals on the basis of patterns observed

in other data sources. 

The Proportion of Eligibles Served by the FSP

Overall, the FSP is reaching proportionately fewer individuals in 1997 than it did in 1996. The

individual participation rate decreased by 5 percentage points to 63 percent (Table 1). This reflects

a larger decline in the number of participating individuals (16 percent) than in the number of eligible

individuals (9 percent). However, this change in the participation rate is largely affected by the

eligibility restrictions on aliens and ABAWDs. Over 60 percent of the drop in eligibles is accounted

for by aliens, ABAWDs, and the people who live with them. These individuals accounted for less

than a quarter of all eligibles in 1996. 

TABLE 1

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES,

1996-1997

1996 1997

Number of Eligible Individuals 35,662 32,372

Number of Participants 24,273 20,412

Participation Rate 68.1 63

SOURCE: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.
xiii

Participation rates for individuals in households without aliens and ABAWDs provide a clearer

picture of the participation rates for the majority of the eligible population because they reflect trends

in participation independent of the impact of the alien and ABAWD eligibility restrictions.

Limitations in the CPS data also make it difficult to identify those aliens and ABAWDs who remained

eligible following welfare reform. For these reasons, we focus primarily on households without aliens

or ABAWDs. In these households, the individual participation rate dropped from 73 percent in 1996

to 70 percent in 1997 (Figure 1). During this time, the number of eligible individuals dropped by 4

percent, and the number of participants dropped by 8 percent. This development continues the

declining trend in participation rates that began in 1995. Hence, the FSP is reaching proportionately

fewer individuals in households without aliens or ABAWDs.

Single-Parent Households Affected by the Economy and Welfare Reform

Because many single-parent households are eligible for AFDC/TANF, and single-parent

households are affected more than other households by welfare reform, we analyze trends among

single-parent households without aliens and ABAWDs (Table 2). The key findings for single-parent

households include the following:

C Eligible single-parent households were less likely to participate in the FSP in 1997

than in 1996. In this period, the participation rate dropped 4 percentage points to 87

percent. This follows a 5-point drop in the participation rate from 1995 to 1996. 

C Individuals in single-parent households are leaving AFDC/TANF but are remaining

eligible for food stamps. While the total number of FSP-eligible individuals in singleparent households fell by 5 percent, the number of FSP-eligible individuals in singleparent households receiving AFDC/TANF fell by 16 percent. Hence, it appears that

many individuals leaving AFDC/TANF are still eligible for food stamps.

C The participation rate for individuals in single-parent households with earnings

increased substantially, while the rate for individuals in single-parent households

without earnings fell substantially. Among single-parent households with earnings, the

individual participation rate rose 9 points to 69 percent from 1996 to 1997. Among

single-parent households without earnings, the individual participation rate fell 9 points

to 99 percent. Therefore, although individuals in households with earnings continue to

participate at a lower rate than do those in households without earnings, the rate for

those with earnings grew substantially from 1996 to 1997.

C Among households with earnings, the individual participation rate rose more for

those receiving AFDC/TANF than for those not receiving AFDC/TANF. The

participation rate for individuals in households with earnings and without AFDC/TANF

rose 6 points to 68 percent, while the rate for individuals in households with earnings 








Aug. 1994 Aug. 1995 Aug. 1996 

0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100% Participation Rate

Individuals in All Households

Individuals in Households Without Aliens or ABAWDs

FIGURE I

TRENDS IN PARTICIPATION RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS,

1994 - 1997

Source: FSP Program Operations Data, FSPQC Data, and CPS Data for the years shown.
xv

TABLE 2

SHIFTS IN ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION AMONG 

SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS, 1996 TO 1997a

Percent Percent Change in

Change in Change in Participation

Eligibility, Participation, Rate, 

1996 to 1997 1996 to 1997 1996 to 1997

Single-Parent Households -5.3 -9.0 -3.5

With Earnings

 with AFDC/TANF -11.8 +12.8 +15.8

 without AFDC/TANF +8.2 +18.0 +5.7

 Subtotal +1.9 +16.5 +8.7

Without Earnings

 with AFDC/TANF -17.0 -20.5 -6.0

 without AFDC/TANF +2.8 -4.8 -4.3

 Subtotal -9.5 -17.3 -9.4

With AFDC/TANF -15.8 -17.0 -1.7

Without AFDC/TANF +5.5 +7.3 1.0

Source: FSP Program Operations Data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for

 the years shown.

Includes only individuals in households without aliens or ABAWDS. a
xvi

and with AFDC/TANF rose 16 points to 72 percent. The larger increase in the

participation rate for individuals in households with AFDC/TANF may indicate that it

is easier for the FSP to reach those still connected to the welfare system than those who

are not.

Changes in Participation Rates for Individuals in Other Households

Participation rates for individuals in subgroups also changed from 1996 through 1997. Some

key changes include following:

C A smaller proportion of individuals in married-couple households with children

participated in 1997 than in 1996. The number of eligible individuals in married-couple

households fell slightly (4 percent), while the number of participating individuals in

these households fell substantially (14 percent). As a result, the participation rate fell

8 percentage points to 63 percent.

C The participation rate for elderly individuals rose 2 percentage points to 29 percent.

The number of eligible elderly fell by 6 percent, and the number of participating elderly

fell slightly.

Summary of Changes, 1996 through 1997

Overall, the FSP reached fewer eligible individuals in 1997 than in 1996. However, this overall

participation rate is largely affected by the eligibility restriction on aliens and ABAWDs. Of all

households without aliens or ABAWDs, the number of single-parent households eligible for food

stamps was reduced by the growing economy, welfare reform, and other factors. The sources of

income in these households also shifted. Compared with 1996, fewer eligible individuals in singleparent households in 1997 were participating in the FSP. Additionally, fewer eligible individuals in

single-parent households were receiving AFDC/TANF benefits, though they remained eligible for the

FSP. In single-parent households with earnings, more eligible individuals were participating,

regardless of whether they were receiving AFDC/TANF.

TRENDS IN PARTICIPATION RATES OF ALL HOUSEHOLDS

The declining participation rates among most households from 1996 through 1997 are consistent

with a trend that began in the mid-1990s. Prior to that, participation rates were on the rise (Figure

2). From 1976 through 1980, participation rates increased sharply as legislation expanded access to

the FSP. Rates changed very little from 1980 until 1988, a period of relative stability in both the

economy and the FSP. However, beginning in 1988, participation rates rose again, jumping from

48 percent to 61 percent through 1994 due to a surge in the number of participants with only a

modest increase in the number of eligibles. This rise in rates was brought about by expansions in the

Medicaid program, increased outreach services, and a weakening in the economy from 1988 through

1994. 
Sept. 1976 Feb. 1978Aug. 1980Aug. 1982Aug. 1984Aug. 1986Aug. 1988Aug. 1990 Aug. 1991 Aug. 1992 Aug. 1993 Aug. 1994* Aug. 1995 Aug

0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

FIGURE 2

TRENDS IN MONTHLY FSP PARTICIPATION RATES,

1976-1997

* There is a break in the time series in August 1994 due to revisions in the methodology for determining eligibles.

Participation Rate

Source: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.
Significant work history is defined as 40 or more quarters (10 or more years) of work 1

experience in the United States and can be accumulated by a permanent resident alien through work

or through that person’s work in combination with the work of his or her spouse and children.

The Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 restored benefits to 2

permanent resident aliens who were in the United States before welfare reform took effect and were

disabled, under age 18, or over 65 in August 1996. It also extended benefits for refugees, deportees,

and those granted asylum to 7 years. However, it did not restore the benefits until November 1,

1998, which is beyond the time frame of this report.

1

I. INTRODUCTION

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) helps needy families purchase food so that they can maintain

a nutritious diet. Families are eligible for the program if their financial resources fall below certain

income and asset thresholds, but not all eligible families participate in the program. Some families

choose not to participate, while others do not know they are eligible. Participation rates—the ratio

of the number of participants to the number of eligibles—reveal the degree to which eligible families

participate.

Participation rates have recently been affected by the strong economy of the mid-1990s, welfare

reform, and other factors, which have encouraged low-income families to work. The strong economy

has created jobs for low-income families. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities

Reconciliation Act of 1996, made the following major changes to the FSP: 

& Disqualified Many Permanent Resident Aliens from the Program. Only permanent

resident aliens with a significant work history and those with current or former military

service to the United States are exempt, as are their families. Refugees, deportees, and 1

those granted asylum are exempt for five years after entering the United States.2

& Imposed Time Limits for Some Childless Adults. Able-bodied adults without

dependents (ABAWDs) are subject to new work requirements. If they do not meet the

requirements, they are limited to 3 months of benefits in any 36-month period.

& Reduced FSP Benefits. The maximum food stamp benefit has been reduced from 103

percent to 100 percent of the Thrifty Food Plan.
The changes to the AFDC/TANF program are important to the FSP, since individuals who are 3

eligible for AFDC/TANF are typically eligible for the FSP. Many households apply to the FSP when

they apply for AFDC/TANF benefits. In households where all members receive AFDC/TANF,

Supplemental Security Income, or General Assistance, the household is categorically eligible for the

FSP and is not subject to the gross-income, net-income, or asset test.

2

& Adjusted Some Deductions. The standard deduction has been frozen at fiscal year 1996

levels indefinitely, while the shelter deduction cap has been raised slightly.

& Replaced the AFDC Program with the Work-Oriented TANF Program. Aid to

Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), the federal entitlement program, has been

replaced with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Under

TANF, states receive block grants to assist needy families. TANF also emphasizes work

and places a five-year limit on benefits (or less if the state desires).3

Combined, the economy, welfare reform and other factors helped to reduce the food stamp

caseload. Participation in the FSP fell by 9 million, or 33 percent, from its peak in March 1994 to the

end of fiscal year 1998. During this same period, the number of participants in AFDC/TANF dropped

by over 5 million, or 36 percent. 

In light of this substantial drop in the caseload, it is important to determine whether the FSP

continues to reach its target population and, if not, what this implies about functioning of the safety

net. This report, which provides estimates of the first participation rates since welfare reform,

addresses this issue by answering several key questions:

1. Is the FSP reaching the same proportion of eligible people since welfare reform as it did

before welfare reform?

2. Are single-parent families who leave welfare for jobs still eligible for food stamps, and

if so, do they participate in the program?

3. Do single-parent families who leave welfare but do not find jobs continue to participate

in the FSP, or do they leave both welfare and the FSP?

While the participation rates in this report provide insight into these questions, the estimated

rates are based on the year when the new reforms were being implemented. Because the rates are
Over time, minor changes have been made to this methodology. The most significant change 4

occurred in 1995 when the methodology was enhanced to better identify multiple-unit households as

well as units that pass the asset test (Cody and Trippe, 1997). Our analysis of trends in participation

rates takes into account the impact of these changes.

3

likely to have been volatile during that transition period, it may be several years before the full effects

of the changes in welfare policy emerge. 

This report is part of a series that examines trends in participation rates beginning with 1976.

Before the start of this series, there were other estimates of participation rates, but because each was

derived from different data and methods, estimates of changes over time were unreliable. In contrast,

the estimates in this series are based on the same data source and a consistent methodology. Data 4

from the March Current Population Survey (CPS) are used to estimate the number of eligibles, and

FSP administrative data are used to estimate the number of participants. Because the CPS does not

capture the characteristics needed to identify aliens and ABAWDs who remain eligible under welfare

reform, we impute eligibility for these individuals on the basis of patterns observed in other data

sources. 

Due to the significant changes in the FSP as a result of welfare reform, the analysis of

participation rates in this report focuses on major changes in participation rates from 1996 to 1997.

We also examine the participation rate of households without aliens or ABAWDs because these

individuals, and the people living with them, who accounted for less than a quarter of the eligible

population in 1996, accounted for 60 percent of the decline in the number of eligibles from 1996 to

1997. Therefore, examining households without aliens or ABAWDs allows us to separate the change

in participation due to the impact of alien and ABAWD eligibility restrictions from changes due to

other aspects of welfare reform and the strong economy. Furthermore, the participation rates for

households without aliens or ABAWDs are not biased by any imprecision in the imputed values for

eligibility for aliens and ABAWDs. 
4

The report is organized as follows:

& Chapter II presents the overall individual, household, and benefit rates.

& Chapter III focuses on households without aliens or ABAWDs, documenting the changes

in rates since welfare reform for single-parent households and other households with

children.

& Chapter IV summarizes the trends in participation rates and the effects of welfare reform

on rates.

& Appendix A describes the methodology and models used in this analysis. It also presents

the assumptions required to estimate eligibility and participation in the FSP.

& Appendix B presents the participation rates for households with aliens and households

with ABAWDs. It also examines the sensitivity of the aggregate participation rates to

the individual assumptions.

& Appendices C through E include tables on previous legislation and sample sizes.

& Appendices F and G contain the full set of participation rates for 1994 through 1997 for

all households and households without aliens or ABAWDs.
The aggregate individual, household, and benefit rates discussed in this chapter include all

1

eligible people, even those in households with aliens and ABAWDs

Rising inflation creates more restrictive asset and income guidelines in real terms, while an

2

improving economy helps families become self-sufficient.

5

II. TRENDS IN AGGREGATE RATES

Participation rates can be expressed in three ways: (1) as the ratio of participating individuals to

eligible individuals, (2) as the ratio of participating households to eligible households, and (3) as the

ratio of participant’s benefits to all eligible benefits. In this chapter, we examine the effects of past 1

and current legislation, and of economic conditions on the trends in FSP participation rates. From

1996 through 1997, an improving economy combined with welfare reform and other factors to reduce

the number of people eligible for and participating in the FSP. During this time, the participation rate

for individuals decreased by 5 percentage points to 63 percent. 

In contrast, participation rates increased dramatically from 1976 through 1980 (Table II.1). In

the 17-month period from September 1976 through February 1978, the number of eligibles dropped

by 9.9 million (20 percent), and in the 30-month period from February 1978 through August 1980,

the number dropped by 3.6 million (9 percent). From 1976 through 1978, the decrease in the number

of eligibles was a result of inflation and an improving economy. From 1978 through 1980, the

2

decrease was a result of legislative restrictions that lowered income limits and deductions. From 1976

through 1978, the number of participants only decreased slightly, and from 1978 through 1980 the

number of participants increased due to the elimination of the purchase requirement. Thus, the

individual participation rate for 1976 through 1980 rose from 31 percent to 55 percent (Figure II.1).
6

From 1980 through 1988, participation rates fluctuated slightly. During this time, the number

of eligibles varied slightly while the number of participants declined slowly (Figure II.2). Only minor

changes in the economy and FSP legislation occurred during these years. 

Beginning in 1988 and lasting through 1994, the individual participation rate rose steadily from

48 percent to 61 percent. From 1988 to 1992, participation grew rapidly with expansions to the

Medicaid program, increased outreach services, and immigration laws that granted resident status to

certain aliens (Table II.2). The number of eligibles increased because of the recession (Table II.3).

From 1992 through 1994, the economy began to improve, so that from 1993 through 1994, the

number of eligibles dropped off more than did the number of participants. As the economy continued

to improve from 1994 through 1996, the participation rates fell as the number of participants

decreased relative to the number of eligibles (Figure II.3). 

From 1996 through 1997, the individual participation rate fell by 5 percentage points as a result

of a 9 percent decline in the number of eligibles (3.3 million individuals) and a 16 percent decline in

the number of participants (3.9 million individuals). The number of eligible individuals in 1997 was

the lowest of any year since 1976.
7

TABLE II.1

MONTHLY NUMBER OF ELIGIBLES, PARTICIPANTS, AND PARTICIPATION RATES

FOR INDIVIDUALS, HOUSEHOLDS, AND BENEFITS,

1976-1997a

(Thousands)

Eligibles (CPS) Participants (Program Operations) Participation Rates (%)

Individuals Households Benefits Individuals Households Benefits Individuals Households Benefitsb

Sept. 1976 50,061 16,282 $1,075,819 15,880 5,308 $375,461 31.1 32.6 34.9 

Feb. 1978 40,175 13,984 934,427 15,387 5,286 398,066 38.3 37.8 42.6

Aug. 1980 36,567 14,042 1,108,330 20,185 7,372 689,381 55.2 52.5 62.2

Aug. 1982 39,364 14,538 1,352,251 20,548 7,487 785,658 52.2 51.5 58.1

Aug. 1984 38,591 14,194 1,386,231 19,990 7,324 841,442 51.8 51.6 60.7

Aug. 1986 40,061 15,273 1,544,833 19,069 7,102 860,472 47.6 46.5 55.7

Aug. 1988 38,166 14,896 1,646,310 18,358 7,016 907,117 48.1 47.1 55.1

Aug. 1990 37,631 14,523 1,905,141 20,396 7,973 1,188,808 54.2 54.9 62.4

Aug. 1991 40,989 15,574 2,229,403 23,364 9,204 1,471,406 57.0 59.1 66.0

Aug. 1992 43,474 16,627 2,491,671 25,759 10,238 1,749,058 59.3 61.6 70.2

Aug. 1993 45,241 17,031 2,515,761 27,260 10,900 1,839,469 60.3 64.0 73.1

Aug. 1994(o) 44,327 17,040 2,473,299 27,207 11,005 1,873,953 61.4 64.6 75.8

Aug. 1994(r) 36,669 15,945 2,200,066 26,437 10,694 1,780,630 72.1 67.1 80.9

Aug. 1995 35,663 15,544 2,175,871 25,299 10,378 1,752,232 70.9 66.8 80.5

Aug. 1996 35,662 15,894 2,227,616 24,273 10,064 1,736,784 68.1 63.3 77.9

Sept. 1997 32,372 15,050 2,126,277 20,412 8,461 1,407,849 63.1 56.2 66.2

Change (1996 to 1997) -9.2% -5.3% -4.5% -15.9% -15.9% -18.9% -5.0 points -7.1 points -11.7 points

SOURCE: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.

There are two estimates for August 1994 due to revised methodologies for determining food stamp eligibility and for determining the number of participants. The new methodology for determining eligibility a

incorporates a new asset test algorithm, an improved food stamp unit definition, and an enhanced pure PA unit definition. The new methodology for determining the number of participants makes adjustments for

benefits issued in error. The original estimate (o) is based on the methodology employed in all previous trends studies, while the revised estimate (r) is based on the new methodology.

The benefit rate for 1976 and 1978 (pre-EPR periods) is based on the net benefit (maximum benefits-purchase requirement). Hence, the benefit rates are consistent over all years. b
8

TABLE II.2

CHANGE IN INDIVIDUAL FSP PARTICIPATION RATES,

1988 to 1997

Time Period

Change in Change in Change in

Participation Rate Participants Eligibles

1988-1990 6.1 points 11.1% -1.1%

1990-1991 2.8 points 14.6% 9.1%

1991-1992 2.3 points 10.3% 5.9%

1992-1993 1.1 points 5.8% 4.1%

1993-1994 1.0 points -0.2% -2.0%

1994-1995a-1.2 points -4.3% -2.7%

1995-1996 -2.9 points -4.1% 0.0%

1996-1997 -5.0 points -15.9% -9.2%

SOURCE: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.

1994 and 1995 participation rates were estimated using the revised methodology. a
9

TABLE II.3

MAJOR ECONOMIC INDICATORS, 

CALENDAR YEARS 1987-1997

Calendar Years

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997)

Difference

(1996 to

Poverty Rate 13.4 13.0 12.8 13.5 14.2 14.8 15.1 14.5 13. 8 13.7 13.3 -0.4 point 

Unemployment Rate 6.2 5.5 5.3 5.6 6.8 7.5 6.9 6.1 5.6 5.4 4.9 -0.5 points a

Inflation Rate 3.1 3.7 4.2 4.3 4.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.3 1.9 1.9 0.0 points b

Real GDP Increase 2.9 3.8 3.4 1.2 -0.9 2.7 2.3 3.5 2.7 2.9 2.7 -0.2 points c

Productivity Increase -0.1 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.6 3.4 0.1 0.6 0.3 2.7 1.7 -1.0 points d

Number of Persons in Poverty

(thousands) 32,221 31,745 31,528 33,585 35,708 38,014 39,265 38,059 36,425 36,529 35,574 -2.6 percent 

SOURCE: First and last lines of data: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Report, Series P60-201.

 Second through fifth lines of data: Economic Report of the President, Washington, DC, February 1999.

All civilian workers: Economic Report of the President, Appendix Table B.35. a

Change in implicit price deflator for Gross Domestic Product: Economic Report of the President, Appendix Table B.3. b

Percent change from preceding period: Economic Report of the President, Appendix Table B.2. c

Percent change in output per hour, business sector: Economic Report of the President, Appendix Table B.50. d




  

 





  

 







 

 





  

 

	

	

	

	 	 	 	 	

	

	

	 	

	 	 

Sept. 1976 Feb. 1978Aug. 1980Aug. 1982Aug. 1984Aug. 1986Aug. 1988Aug. 1990 Aug. 1991 Aug. 1992 Aug. 1993 Aug. 1994* Aug. 1995 Aug

0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

FIGURE II.1

TRENDS IN MONTHLY FSP PARTICIPATION RATES,

1976-1997

* There is a break in the time series in August 1994 due to revisions in the methodology for determining eligible

Participation Rate

Source: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.




     





 



	

	

	

	 	 	 	 	 	

	

	 	

	 	 

Sept. 1976 Feb. 1978Aug. 1980 Aug. 1982 Aug. 1984 Aug. 1986 Aug. 1988 Aug. 1990 Aug. 1991 Aug. 1992 Aug. 1993 Aug. 1994* Aug. 1995 Aug

1015202530354045505560

Millions

FIGURE II.2

TRENDS IN THE NUMBER OF ELIGIBLES AND PARTICIPANTS,

1976-1997

Source: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.

* There is a break in the time series in August 1994 due to revisions in the methodology for determining eligib


 

     



  



  

  	

	

	

	 	 	 	

	 	

	

Aug. 1986 Aug. 1988 Aug. 1990 Aug. 1991 Aug. 1992 Aug. 1993 Aug. 1994* Aug. 1995 Aug. 1996 

0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

FIGURE II.3

TRENDS IN PARTICIPATION RATES, POVERTY RATES, AND UNEMPLOYMEN

1986-1997

Participation Rate

(left scale)

Source: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown. Poverty rateBureau of the Census, Population Reports, Series P-60. Unemployment Rates from "Economic Report of the Washington, DC, February 1999.

* There is a break in the time series in August 1994 due to revisions in the methodology for determining eligib

Unemployment Rate

(right scale)

Poverty Rate

(right scale)
See Appendix B for more details. 1

13

III. TRENDS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLDS 

WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS

This chapter focuses on participation rates for individuals in households without aliens or

ABAWDs. We exclude households with aliens or ABAWDs from the analysis to separate the

changes in participation rates due to the impact of alien and ABAWD restrictions from changes due

to other aspects of welfare reform and the strong economy. Aliens, ABAWDs, and the people living

with them account for less than a quarter of the 1996 eligible population (Table III.1). In addition,

limitations in the CPS make it difficult to identify aliens, ABAWDs, and the people living with them

who remained eligible in 1997. By excluding them, we ensure that our estimates for households

1

without aliens and ABAWDs are not affected by any imprecision in the estimates of aliens and

ABAWDs.

In Chapter I, we introduced three key research questions about (1) the proportion of the

population being reached by the FSP, (2) the eligibility and participation of families who leave welfare

for work, and (3) the participation of the families who leave welfare but do not have jobs. We answer

these questions in this chapter by looking at both the overall trends in participation and the trends for

single-parent households, which have been most affected by changes under welfare reform.

A. TRENDS IN INDIVIDUAL, HOUSEHOLD, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

In households without aliens or ABAWDs, the individual, household, and benefit participation

rate declined from 1996 through 1997 (Table III.2). The individual participation rate fell 3 percentage

points to 70 percent from 1996 through 1997, following a 4-percentage-point drop from 1995

through 1996. The number of eligible individuals fell by 4 percent while the number of participants
As a result of under-reporting of AFDC/TANF in the CPS, the rates for persons in households 2

receiving AFDC/TANF benefits exceeded 100 percent. However, we can still assess trends in these

rates because they are estimated in the same way.

14

The participation rate dropped by 1 point for individuals in households reporting

AFDC/TANF receipt.

Even though fewer households reported AFDC/TANF income from 1996 to 1997, many

households remained eligible for the FSP during this period.

fell by 8 percent from 1996 to 1997. This trend is similar to the trend in all households, where the

individual participation rate dropped by 5 percentage points, resulting from a 9 percent drop in the

number of eligibles and a 16 percent drop in the number of participants. 

B. CHANGES IN HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY AFDC/TANF LEGISLATION

1. All Households

The participation rate for individuals in households reporting AFDC/TANF receipt dropped by

1 percentage point to 126 percent from 1996 to 1997 (Table III.3). This followed a 3-point drop 2

in the participation rate from 1995 to 1996. Since the enactment of welfare reform, the number of

households participating in AFDC/TANF has decreased substantially. The number of individuals in

FSP-eligible households reporting AFDC/TANF income declined by 15 percent from 1996 to 1997,

as did the number of FSP participants reporting AFDC/TANF income. Thus, the participation rate

decreased by only 1 point. 

The 15 percent decrease in the total number of FSP-eligible individuals reporting AFDC/TANF

receipt from 1996 to 1997 is much larger than the 4 percent decrease in the overall number of FSPeligible individuals (Table III.3). If households that stopped receiving AFDC/TANF payments

became self-sufficient, it is likely that most of these household would also have become ineligible for
15

The participation rate dropped 4 points for individuals in single-parent households.

The participation rate rose 9 points for individuals in single-parent households with

earnings.

the FSP. However, judging by the smaller drop in the overall number of eligibles, it appears that

many households leaving AFDC/TANF remained eligible for the FSP.

2. Single-Parent Households

If we limit our analysis of the impact of changes in AFDC/TANF policy to households reporting

AFDC/TANF receipt, we only have information about individuals remaining in the program. To

examine the impact on all households that could be affected by the legislation even though they may

not be receiving AFDC/TANF benefits, we analyze trends among single-parent households—those

most likely to be eligible for AFDC/TANF. We compare trends among single-parent households to

trends among married-couple and other multiple-adult households with children, and to households

without children. Individuals in single-parent households account for 44 percent of those in

households without aliens or ABAWDs; individuals in other households with children (married-couple

and other multiple-adult households) account for another 25 percent, and individuals in households

with no children account for the remaining 31 percent (Table III.3). 

The participation rate for individuals in single-parent households dropped 4 points to 87 percent

from 1996 to 1997, following a 6-point drop from 1995 to 1996. This is similar to the 3-point drop

from 1996 to 1997 in the individual participation rate for all households without aliens or ABAWDs.

From 1996 to 1997, the number of eligible individuals in single-parent households declined by 5

percent while the number of participants declined by 9 percent. 
16

The participation rate fell 9 points for individuals in single-parent households without

earnings.

The participation rate increased by 16 points for individuals in single-parent households

with earnings and AFDC/TANF.

Overall, more individuals in single-parent households with earnings participated in the FSP in

1997 than in 1996. The number of participating individuals in single-parent households with earnings

increased by 17 percent, while the number of eligibles increased by 2 percent. As a result, the

participation rate increased by 9 percentage points to 69 percent, showing that, during the period of

analysis, the FSP reached a larger proportion of individuals in single-parent households with earnings.

Since 1994, the number of eligible individuals in single-parent households with earnings has increased

slightly. These working individuals remain eligible for the FSP because their earnings are not great

enough to pull their income above the FSP income eligibility threshold.

In single-parent households without earnings, 17 percent fewer individuals participated in 1997,

and the participation rate decreased by 9 percentage points to 99 percent. This follows a 5-point drop

in the participation rate from 1995 to 1996.

Among individuals in single-parent households with earnings and AFDC/TANF, the number of

participants increased by 13 percent from 1996 to 1997, while the number of eligibles decreased by

12 percent, increasing the participation rate by 16 points to 72 percent. Thus, in 1997, the FSP

reached a larger proportion of individuals in households who continued to receive AFDC/TANF

while working.
17

The participation rate increased by 6 points for individuals in single-parent households

with earnings and without AFDC/TANF.

The participation rate fell by 4 points for individuals in single-parent households without

earnings and without AFDC/TANF.

Among individuals in single-parent households with earnings but without AFDC/TANF, the

number of participants increased by 18 percent and the number of eligibles increased by 8 percent.

The participation rate increased 6 points to 68 percent. In many of these households, it appears that

earnings replaced AFDC/TANF, but the earnings were not high enough to make the family ineligible

for the FSP. As a result, in 1997, the FSP reached proportionately more individuals in households

that did not receive AFDC/TANF while working.

In single-parent households without earnings and without AFDC/TANF, the individual

participation rate fell by 4 points to 55 percent as a result of a 3 percent increase in the number of

eligible individuals and a 5 percent decrease in the number of participants. Thus, the households that

did not replace AFDC/TANF income with earnings have not being reached as well by the FSP since

welfare reform.

3. Other Households with and without Children

In terms of participation behavior, single-parent households differ from married-couple

households with children (married-couple households) and other multiple-adult households with

children (other multiple-adult households). From 1996 through 1997, the participation rate for

individuals in married-couple households decreased more than in single-parent households, while the
18

The participation rate fell by 8 points for individuals in married-couple households with

children.

The participation rate decreased by 1 point for individuals in married-couple households

with earnings.

participation rate for individuals in other multiple-adult households rose slightly, and the rate for

households with no children did not change.

For married-couple households, the individual participation rate fell by 8 points to 63 percent

from 1996 to 1997, following a 7-point drop from 1995 to 1996 (Table III.4). In other multipleadult households, the individual participation rate rose by 1 point from 1996 to 1997 to 83 percent,

following a 7-point rise from 1995 to 1996. These participation rates remained lower than the 87

percent participation rate for individuals in single-parent households, even after a 4 percent decrease

in that rate from 1996 to 1997.

The number of eligible individuals in married-couple households with earnings decreased by 10

percent, and the number participating decreased by 8 percent from 1996 to 1997. Thus, the

participation rate decreased by 1 point to 61 percent. This pattern differs from what we see for

individuals in single-parent households with earnings, for whom the participation rate rose by 9

points. It may be that individuals in households with more than one adult can work more hours in

a growing economy, thus losing their eligibility for the FSP. In other multiple-adult households with

children and earnings, the individual participation rate rose by 15 points to 67 percent, also due to

a drop in the number of eligible individuals.
Approximately 60 percent of individuals in FSP-eligible households without children are elderly 3

who often have fixed incomes and are not largely affected by economic changes. They were also not

largely affected by welfare reform.

The no-income group is very small (10 percent of the eligible population), and may suffer from 4

data limitations, such as undersampling.

19

The participation rate did not change for individuals in households with no children.

The participation rates fell for individuals in all household types with no income.

The number of eligible individuals in households with no children decreased by 3 percent, while

the number of participants fell by 2 percent, leaving the participation rate at 40 percent. This is the 3

smallest decrease in both the number of eligible individuals and the number of participating individuals

across all household types. 

Among married-couple households and other multiple-adult households with no income, the

participation rate fell substantially due to a large increase in the number of eligible individuals. The

participation rate fell by 11 points for married-couple households (to 36 percent), and by 42 points

for other multiple-adult households (to 10 percent). In single-parent households and households with 4

no children, the participation rate for individuals in households with no income fell only slightly.

C. TRENDS FOR OTHER SUBGROUPS OF THE ELIGIBLE POPULATION

Among all households without aliens or ABAWDs, trends in participation rates vary from 1996

through 1997. The trends for subgroups of this population for 1994 through 1997 are shown in

Tables III.5 and III.6. In this section, we highlight the most significant changes for these subgroups,
For more information about how these factors that determine participation in the FSP interact, 5

see the “Participation in the Food Stamp Program: A Multivariate Analysis” (Martini 1992).

20

The participation rate fell for children and non-elderly adults and rose slightly for elderly

adults.

which are defined by such characteristics as age, household size, benefit size, income, and income

type (e.g., earnings, receipt of public assistance).5

1. Age

In 1997, children continued to have a higher participation rate than elderly and non-elderly

adults, although the rate for children fell 2 points to 88 percent (Table III.5). This drop in the

participation rate for children was spurred by a 4 percent drop in the number of eligible children and

a 7 percent drop in the number of participating children. The participation rate for preschool-age

children was 97 percent in 1997, a 10-point drop from 1996. The rate for school-age children was

84 percent in 1997, a drop of 1 point from 1996. The participation rate for children also dropped

slightly from 1995 to 1996.

From 1995 to 1996, the participation rate decreased for non-elderly and elderly adults. From

1996 to 1997, the rate for non-elderly adults dropped 6 points, but it rose 2 points for elderly adults.

Even so, at 29 percent, the participation rate for elderly adults remained much lower than the

participation rate for non-elderly adults (71 percent). The number of eligible non-elderly adults fell

by 4 percent, while the number participating fell by 11 percent. Among elderly adults, the number

eligible fell by 6 percent, and the number participating fell by less than 1 percent.

The participation rate for elderly persons living alone rose 2 points to 35 percent due to a slight

decrease in the number of eligibles and a slight increase in the number of participants. The
21

The participation rate fell for households of all sizes.

participation rate for elderly persons living with others increased 1 point to 20 percent due to

decreases in both the number of eligibles and participants. 

2. Household Size

In 1997, small households (one or two persons) had the lowest participation rate. From 1996

to 1997, the participation rate dropped by 2 percentage points to 52 percent (Table III.5). The

number of eligible small households decreased by 3 percent, while the number of participating small

households dropped by 7 percent. Among medium-sized households (three to four persons), the

participation rate dropped by 3 percentage points to 85 percent. Medium-sized households had the

highest participation rate in 1997, and the change over the period was due to a large drop in the

number of both eligible medium households (8 percent) and participating medium households (11

percent). In large households (five or more persons), the participation rate fell 3 percentage points

to 81 percent — the number of eligible large households changed slightly, while the number of

participating large households fell by 3 percent.
That participation rates for households receiving 76 to 99 percent of the maximum benefit

6

exceed 100 percent may be attributable to sampling error in the CPS data file. For example, the CPS

may undersample low-income households. Such an error would upwardly bias the participation rate

among households receiving 76 to 99 percent of the maximum benefit. However, we can still assess

trends in these rates because they are consistently estimated.

Households receiving 100 percent of the maximum benefit were less likely to participate than 7

households receiving 76 to 99 percent of the maximum benefit. A recent study indicates that

households with zero income (households that would likely be eligible for 100 percent of the

maximum benefit) may face financial circumstances that differ from those of households with some,

but little, income (Wemmerus and Porter 1996). Because the circumstances of these zero-income

households are unique and often temporary, they may be less likely to consider participating in the

FSP.

22

The participation rate rose for individuals in households receiving less than 50 percent of

the maximum benefit and fell for those receiving more than 50 percent of the maximum

3. Benefit Size

From 1996 to 1997, the individual participation rate rose by 6 points to 41 percent in households

receiving 1 to 25 percent of the maximum benefit, and it rose by 7 points to 73 percent in households

receiving 26 to 50 percent of the maximum benefit (Table III.6). In these households, the number of

participants increased, which stands in contrast to the decrease in the number of participants among

most subgroups. In households receiving 51 to 75 percent of the maximum benefit, the individual

participation rate fell 4 points to 94 percent, and in households receiving 76 to 99 percent of the

maximum benefit, the rate fell by 7 points to 105 percent. Thus, the participation rate remained

6

higher for individuals in households receiving a larger percentage of the maximum benefit.7
Households with no income are typically eligible for the maximum benefit. As discussed in

8

Wemmerus and Porter (1996), these households may be characterized by unique and often temporary

circumstances, making them less likely to consider participating in the FSP.

23

The participation rate rose for individuals in households with income above the poverty

line, fell for those in households with income below the poverty line, and did not change

for those with income near the poverty line.

The participation rate rose for individuals in households receiving unemployment

compensation and in households with elderly receiving SSI. The participation rate fell for

individuals in households without elderly receiving SSI.

4. Income

From 1996 to 1997, the participation rate for individuals in households with income above

poverty rose 2 percentage points, while the participation rate for individuals in households with

income from 1 to 50 percent of poverty dropped by 9 percentage points (Table III.6). The

participation rate for individuals in households with income from 51 to 100 percent of poverty did

not change. The 1997 participation rate for individuals in households with income from 1 to 50

percent of poverty and 51 to 99 percent of poverty was 95 percent, which is well above the 25

percent participation rate for individuals in households with no income and the 29 percent

participation rate for individuals in households with income above the poverty line. Across all

8

income categories, both the number of eligible individuals and the number of participants decreased.

5. Income Type

Some types of unearned income are often associated with high FSP participation. For example,

participation rates are often high in households receiving AFDC/TANF and Supplemental Security

Income (SSI). As noted, large decreases in both the number of eligibles and participants drove the
24

participation rate for individuals in households receiving AFDC/TANF down by 1 point to 126

percent from 1996 to 1997 (Table III.6). 

Similarly, the participation rate fell by 1 point to 104 percent for individuals in households

without elderly receiving SSI. However, the participation rate for individuals in households with

elderly receiving SSI rose by 12 points to 82 percent. The number of participants in households with

elderly receiving SSI increased by 7 percent, while the number of eligible individuals decreased by

8 percent.

Among households that report receiving unemployment compensation, the participation rate rose

12 points to 50 percent. The increase in the rate is due to a 9 percent increase in the number of

participants and a 16 percent decrease in the number of eligible individuals.
25

TABLE III.1

PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR ALIENS, ABAWDS, AND HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS

1996-1997

1996 1997 Change

Eligible Participating Rate Eligible Participating Rate Eligibility Participation Participation Rate

(000s) (000s) (percent) (000s) (000s) (percent) (percent) (percent) (percentage points)

Participation Participation

All Individuals 35,662 24,273 68.1 32,372 20,412 63.1 -9.2 -15.9 -5.0

Aliens 3,503 1,319 37.7 679 484 71.2 -80.6 -63.3 33.5

ABAWDs 1,497 836 55.9 471 468 99.4 -68.5 -44.0 43.5

Individuals in Households 27,585 20,076 72.8 26,378 18,505 70.2 -4.4 -7.8 -2.6

without aliens or ABAWDs

Individuals in Households 3,077 2,042 66.4 4,844 955 19.7 +57.4 -53.2 -46.7

with aliens or ABAWDs

SOURCE: FSP Program operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.
26

TABLE III.2

MONTHLY NUMBER OF ELIGIBLES, PARTICIPANTS, AND PARTICIPATION RATES

FOR INDIVIDUALS, HOUSEHOLDS, AND BENEFITS,

IN HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS

1994-1997

(Thousands)

Eligibles (CPS) Participants (Program Operations) Participation Rates (%)

Individuals Households Benefits Individuals Households Benefits Individuals Households Benefitsb

Aug. 1994 28,437 12,714 1,671,083 21,739 8,667 1,446,740 76.5 68.2 86.6

Aug. 1995 27,277 12,366 1,636,033 21,028 8,390 1,442,407 77.1 67.9 88.2

Aug. 1996 27,585 12,778 1,683,427 20,076 8,255 1,414,670 72.8 64.6 84.0

Sept. 1997 26,378 12,281 1,621,799 18,505 7,613 1,265,504 70.2 62.0 78.0

Change

(1996 to 1997) -4.4% -3.9% -3.7% -7.8% -7.8% -10.5% -2.6 points -2.6 points -6.0 points

SOURCE: FSP Program operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.
Change in 

Eligibility 

(Percent)

Change in 

Participation 

(Percent)

All Individuals 27,585 20,076 72.8 26,378 18,505 70.2 -4.4 -7.8 -2.6

With AFDC/TANF 7,771 9,816 126.3 6,601 8,299 125.7 -15.1 -15.5 -0.6

Without AFDC/TANF 19,814 10,259 51.8 19,778 10,207 51.6 -0.2 -0.5 -0.2

With Earnings 10,598 5,868 55.4 10,139 6,390 63.0 -4.3 8.9 7.7

Without Earnings 16,987 14,208 83.6 16,239 12,116 74.6 -4.4 -14.7 -9.0

Single-Parent Households 12,130 11,030 90.9 11,492 10,043 87.4 -5.3 -9.0 -3.5

With Earnings 4,489 2,718 60.6 4,574 3,167 69.2 1.9 16.5 8.7

with AFDC/TANF 1,401 790 56.4 1,235 891 72.1 -11.8 12.8 15.8

without AFDC/TANF 3,087 1,928 62.5 3,339 2,276 68.2 8.2 18.0 5.7

Without Earnings 7,641 8,312 108.8 6,918 6,875 99.4 -9.5 -17.3 -9.4

with AFDC/TANF 4,739 6,602 139.3 3,935 5,247 133.3 -17.0 -20.5 -6.0

without AFDC/TANF 2,902 1,709 58.9 2,983 1,628 54.6 2.8 -4.8 -4.3

With AFDC/TANF 6,140 7,392 120.4 5,170 6,138 118.7 -15.8 -17.0 -1.7

Without AFDC/TANF 5,990 3,638 60.7 6,322 3,905 61.8 5.5 7.3 1.0

With No Income 1,410 382 27.1 1,471 381 25.9 4.3 -0.1 -1.2

Source: FSP Program Operations Data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.

Eligible Participating

Participation 

Rate

1996-1997

TABLE III.3

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION AND SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS, HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS

Change in 

Participation 

Rate (Point)

1996 1997 Change

Eligible Participating

Participaton 

Rate
Change in 

Eligibility 

(Percent)

Change in 

Participation 

(Percent)

All Individuals 27,585 20,076 72.8 26,378 18,505 70.2 -4.4 -7.8 -2.6

Married-Couple Households With Children 5,042 3,573 70.9 4,843 3,070 63.4 -3.9 -14.1 -7.5

With Earnings 3,640 2,162 59.4 3,270 1,982 60.6 -10.2 -8.3 1.2

with AFDC/TANF 532 372 69.8 483 230 47.7 -9.3 -38.1 -22.2

without AFDC/TANF 3,108 1,790 57.6 2,787 1,751 62.8 -10.3 -2.1 5.2

Without Earnings 1,402 1,412 100.7 1,573 1,088 69.2 12.2 -22.9 -31.5

with AFDC/TANF 454 798 176.0 458 589 128.7 0.9 -26.2 -47.3

without AFDC/TANF 948 613 64.7 1,115 499 44.8 17.6 -18.7 -19.9

With AFDC/TANF 986 1,170 118.7 941 820 87.1 -4.6 -29.9 -31.6

Without AFDC/TANF 4,056 2,403 59.3 3,902 2,250 57.7 -3.8 -6.4 -1.6

With No Income 327 154 47.1 391 141 36.0 19.4 -8.6 -11.0

Other Multiple-Adult Households With Children 1,987 1,633 82.2 1,818 1,504 82.7 -8.5 -7.9 0.5

With Earnings 1,162 603 51.9 1,088 732 67.3 -6.4 21.3 15.4

with AFDC/TANF 143 188 131.2 140 283 202.2 -1.9 51.1 70.9

without AFDC/TANF 1,020 416 40.8 948 449 47.3 -7.0 7.9 6.5

Without Earnings 824 1,030 124.9 730 772 105.7 -11.4 -25.0 -19.2

with AFDC/TANF 301 747 247.7 209 585 279.5 -30.6 -21.7 31.8

without AFDC/TANF 523 283 54.1 521 187 35.9 -0.3 -33.9 -18.2

With AFDC/TANF 444 934 210.2 349 868 248.5 -21.4 -7.1 38.2

Without AFDC/TANF 1,542 699 45.3 1,469 636 43.3 -4.7 -9.0 -2.0

With No Income 135 69 51.0 191 18 9.4 41.4 -74.1 -41.7

Households Without Childrena8,333 3,347 40.2 8,111 3,277 40.4 -2.7 -2.1 0.2

With Earnings 1,303 297 22.8 1,203 355 29.5 -7.7 19.4 6.7

with AFDC/TANF 75 3 3.5 32 112 347.8 -57.1 4,108.9 344.3

without AFDC/TANF 1,228 294 24.0 1,171 243 20.8 -4.6 -17.4 -3.2

Without Earnings 7,030 3,050 43.4 6,908 2,922 42.3 -1.7 -4.2 -1.1

with AFDC/TANF 126 71 56.7 108 14 12.6 -14.0 -80.9 -44.1

without AFDC/TANF 6,904 2,979 43.1 6,800 2,909 42.8 -1.5 -2.3 -0.4

With AFDC/TANF 200 74 36.9 140 125 89.5 -30.1 69.6 52.6

Without AFDC/TANF 8,132 3,273 40.2 7,971 3,152 39.5 -2.0 -3.7 -0.7

With No Income 928 220 23.7 980 222 22.6 5.6 0.7 -1.1

Source: FSP Program Operations Data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.

a

 AFDC/TANF rows have been removed from the Households Without Children category since these households are typically not eligible for AFDC/TANF.

Participating

Participation 

Rate

Change in 

Participation 

Eligible Participating Rate (Point)

Participaton 

Rate Eligible

TABLE III.4

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION AND SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS, HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS

1996-1997

1996 1997 Change
29

TABLE III.5

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES

 BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS, 

HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS,

1994-1997

Individual Participation Rates (Percentages)

Aug.

1994

Aug. Aug. Sept. (1996 to

1995 1996 1997 1997)

Difference

Elderly

Living Alone 35.1 33.6 33.6 35.3 +1.7

Living with Others 21.6 19.4 18.9 19.9 +1.0

29.7 28.2 27.6 29.2 +1.6

Children

Preschool (under age 5) 106.8 108.2 107.0 97.1 -9.9

School-age (age 5-17) 84.1 87.7 82.9 83.8 +0.9

91.5 94.3 90.2 87.8 -2.4

Adults Ages 18 to 59 81.2 80.3 76.6 71.1 -5.5

Household Size

1-2 Persons 57.9 57.3 54.3 52.2 -2.1

3-4 Persons 89.6 91.9 88.6 85.1 -3.5

5 or More Persons 84.0 82.2 83.1 80.5 -2.6

Race/Ethnicity of

Reference Person

White Non-Hispanic 68.8 68.6 66.4 61.5 -4.9

Black Non-Hispanic 80.6 88.2 83.2 81.7 -1.5

Hispanic 95.1 81.1 70.7 75.3 +4.6

Other 103.4 76.3 57.7 71.6 +13.9

Gender

Male 78.3 79.4 73.4 69.3 -4.1

Female 75.2 75.7 72.4 70.7 -1.7

Total 76.5 77.1 72.8 70.2 -2.6

SOURCE: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the

years shown.
30

TABLE III.6

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES

 BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HOUSEHOLD,

HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS,

1994-1997

Individual Participation Rates

Aug. Aug. Aug. Sept. Difference

1994 1995 1996 1997 (1996 to 1997)

Monthly Household Benefits as a Percentage of Maximum Benefit

1 - 25% 38.1 34.1 35.0 41.2 +6.2

26 - 50% 74.6 69.7 65.5 72.9 +7.4

51 - 75% 97.9 94.1 98.4 94.3 -4.1

76 - 99% 110.5 119.9 112.3 105.4 -6.9

100% 60.5 71.0 62.9 49.1 -13.8

Household Income as a Percentage of Poverty

No Income 32.7 41.6 31.7 24.9 -6.8

1 - 50% 100.8 110.7 103.4 94.5 -8.9

51 - 100% 98.1 96.0 95.5 95.2 -0.3

100% or More 32.0 26.4 27.5 29.2 +1.7

Household Income

Earnings 61.4 57.7 55.4 63.0 +7.6

Unemp. Comp 31.7 54.1 37.8 49.5 +11.7

AFDC/TANF 118.0 129.0 126.3 125.7 -0.6

SSI (non-elderly) 106.7 105.2 105.1 104.3 -0.8

SSI (elderly) 86.1 90.5 70.6 82.3 +11.7

Total 76.5 77.1 72.8 70.2 -2.6

SOURCE: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for

the years shown.

NOTE: Participation rates exceeding 100 percent may be due to reporting and

measurement errors in the CPS data file.
31

IV. CONCLUSIONS

The fact that the individual participation rate fell by 5 percentage points to 63 percent from 1996

to 1997 indicates that FSP was reaching fewer eligible individuals in 1997. Because of welfare

reform, the economy, and other factors, both the number of eligibles and participants in all households

fell dramatically. However, over 60 percent of the drop in the number of eligibles is accounted for

by aliens, ABAWDs, and the people who live with them, who made up less than a quarter of the

eligible population in 1996. When we exclude these households from the analysis, the individual

participation rate drops 3 points—from 73 percent in 1996 to 70 percent in 1997. This follows a 5-

point drop in the individual participation rate from 1995 through 1996.

Trends in FSP participation have been affected by the replacement of the AFDC program with

the work-oriented TANF program. Fewer FSP-eligible individuals in single-parent households are

participating in AFDC/TANF. Many of these eligible households have earnings, but others have no

recorded income. Among single-parent households with earnings, participation is increasing, but

among single-parent households without earnings, participation is decreasing. 

The improving economy may account for a portion of the drop in participation. In households

without children, on which welfare reform had little effect, the number of participants fell by 2

percent, leading to little change in the participation rate. The number of individuals in participating

married-couple households fell by 14 percent, leading to an 8-point drop in the participation rate.

Married-couple households may be in a better position than single-parent households to take

advantage of the improving economy, explaining the larger drop in the participation rate for the

former.
32

Among subgroups of the eligible population, children continue to have the highest participation

rate, although it is decreasing, while elderly adults have the lowest participation rate, although it is

increasing. Individuals in households eligible for the highest benefits participate at a higher rate than

individuals in households eligible for lower benefits, but the rates for these two subgroups are also

converging. 
33

REFERENCES

Cody, Scott. “Trends in FSP Participation Rates: Focus on August 1996.” Alexandria, VA: U.S.

Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1998.

Cody, Scott and Carole Trippe. “Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: Focus on 

August 1995.” Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service,

1997.

Council of Economic Advisors. “Economic Report of the President.” Washington, DC: U.S.

Government Printing Office, 1999.

Martini, Alberto. “Participation in the Food Stamp Program: A Multivariate Analysis.” Alexandria,

VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1992.

McConnell, Sheena. "The Increase in Food Stamp Program Participation Between 1989 and 1990:

A Report to Congress." Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer

Service, 1991.

Stavrianos, Michael. “Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: January 1994.” Alexandria, VA: U.S.

Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, 1997.

Trippe, Carole. "Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: Focus on August 1994."

Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, 1996.

____________. "Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: Focus on August 1993."

Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, 1995.

____________. "Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: Focus on August 1992."

Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, 1994.

____________. "CPS-Based Food Stamp Program Participation Rates for August 1991."

Memorandum 530, 1/8/93, to Alana Landey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and

Consumer Service, 1993.

Trippe, Carole, and Pat Doyle. "Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: January 1989." In Current

Perspectives on Food Stamp Program Participation. Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, 1992.

Trippe, Carole, Pat Doyle, and Andrew Asher. "Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates:

January 1976 to 1990." In Current Perspectives on Food Stamp Program Participation.

Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, 1992.
34

Trippe, Carole, and Julie Sykes. "Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: January 1992." In

Current Perspectives on Food Stamp Program Participation. Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department

of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, 1993.

U.S. Bureau of the Census. “Poverty in the United States: 1997,” Current Population Reports, Series

P-60-201. Washington, DC: US Bureau of the Census, 1998

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service, Program Information Division.

Program Operations Data, 1976 to 1994. Alexandria, VA: USDA.

U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means. Overview of Entitlement Programs;

1994 Green Book. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1994.

Wemmerus, Nancy and Kristin Porter. “An Ethnographic Analysis of Zero-Income Households in the

Survey of Income and Program Participation.” Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture,

Food and Consumer Service, 1996.
APPENDIX A

METHODOLOGY
The March 1998 CPS provides income and program participation information for the 1997

1

calendar year.

Thisis the first report that uses September as the sample month (previous reports used August). 2

September is used because it is the first month in which all of the welfare reform provisions affecting

the FSP are in effect. 

Because net income is estimated using a regression equation, the model does not explicitly

3

calculate deductions from gross income. Therefore, we do not explicitly implement changes to

deductions. The updated regression equation coefficients are shown in Appendix C.

The levels of participation rates for some subgroups are still inaccurate. Specifically, because 4

AFDC/TANF is under-reported in the CPS, the participation rate for food stamp households with

(continued...)

37

APPENDIX A

The September 1997 participation rates rely on estimates of persons eligible for food stamps

(eligibles) and persons participating in the FSP (participants). The estimates of eligibles are derived

from a model that uses March 1998 CPS data to simulate the FSP. The estimates of participants are 1

based on the average of August and September 1997 FSP Program Operations data. The resulting

participation rates provide a snapshot of the percentage of individuals eligible for the FSP that

participate in the sample month of September.2

The CPS eligibility file was updated from previous years to reflect the changes to the FSP from

the welfare reform legislation described in Chapter I. Additionally, the following modifications were

made:

C The gross and net income screens were updated to reflect the 1997 FSP regulations.

C The regression equation used to estimate FSP net income was updated using the 1997

QC data.3

The CPS-based rates can now be used to estimate both the levels and the trends in participation

rates. CPS-based estimates have always provided a good measure of trends, but prior to 1995, CPS- 4
(...continued) 4

AFDC/TANF is too high. Typically, the number of households reporting AFDC/TANF in the March

CPS is 84 percent of the Administrative estimates. Because the amount of under-reporting has stayed

relatively constant over time, trends in the participation rates for this subgroup are still accurate.

For a complete discussion of the changes in methodology, see Cody and Trippe, 1997. 5

38

based estimates provided inaccurate measures of levels. The pre-1995 rates were biased downward

because of limitations in the CPS data. In 1995, we improved the methodology used to estimate

participation rates to account for this downward bias.5

In the past, SIPP-based estimates were used to measure the levels of participation rates. SIPP data

contain more of the information needed to estimate eligibility for the FSP, and the methodology used

to estimate eligibility with SIPP data more closely replicates the actual FSP eligibility determination

process. However, SIPP data cover a shorter period than CPS data, and certain types of SIPP data

needed to estimate eligibles are available for only a limited number of years. Furthermore, the most

recent SIPP data available are from 1994. 

The trends identified through the CPS-based data have historically been consistent with those

identified through SIPP-based data (Figure A.1). The change in methodology implemented in the

August 1995 report brings the 1994 CPS-based rates in line with the 1994 SIPP-based rates. 

The remainder of this chapter describes the methodology used to calculate the September 1997

participation rates.

A. DETERMINING FSP ELIGIBLES

We estimate the number of eligibles with a model that uses March 1998 CPS data to simulate the

FSP in September 1997. These data reflect the 1997 income of persons surveyed in March 1998. In

the simulation procedure, FSP eligibility guidelines that were in effect in September 1997 are applied
Trippe et al. (1992) includes a detailed discussion of our model of the FSP eligibility process. 6

See Chapter I for more details on welfare reform provisions. 7

39

to each household in the CPS. The FSP guidelines include unit formation rules, asset limits, and

6

income limits. Because several types of information needed to determine FSP eligibility are missing

from the CPS data, we estimate this information to improve the model estimates of the number of

eligible households. This estimation procedure is explained below.

1. Simulating the Composition of the Food Stamp Unit

In the FSP, the food stamp unit is based on shared living quarters and who purchases and prepares

food together. While the CPS defines the dwelling unit based on shared living quarters, it does not

identify who purchases and prepares food together. As a result, we simulate the formation of food

stamp units within each household. For most households, we simulate all household members to be

in the same food stamp unit. For some households with certain compositions (e.g., multiple family

households, households with unrelated persons, etc.) we simulate two or more groups of people to

form separate food stamp units. The probability that a household will form multiple units is based on

observed rates for similar households from SIPP data. We also use the following rules in identifying

food stamp units:

C We exclude SSI recipients who receive cash instead of food stamps in SSI cashout states

(California).

C We exclude all persons living in group quarters.

2. Identifying Individuals Ineligible Due to Welfare Reform

Not all permanent resident aliens and ABAWDs were made ineligible by welfare reform; some

remained eligible through exemptions. As a result, our estimate of eligibles must include exempt

7

aliens and ABAWDs. Because the CPS does not track all of the information needed to identify
The weighting adjustments reflect the probability that a household of a certain composition is 8

eligible for food stamps. For example, if a household has one alien, we duplicate the record for that

household. In the first copy of the record, we retain the alien and multiply the household weight of

the household by the probability that the alien is eligible for food stamps. In the second copy of the

record, we exclude the alien and multiply the household weight by the probability that the alien is

ineligible. This methodology is used to implement the assumptions for refugees, eligible aliens and

eligible ABAWDs.

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, Statistical Yearbook of the Immigration and

9

Naturalization Service, 1996. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.

We also need to know which non-citizens are undocumented aliens (and therefore ineligible for 10

food stamps). However, because undocumented aliens are less-likely to participate in a government

survey, they are undercovered in the CPS. Since we do not know the extent of this undercoverage,

any attempt to impute whether a non-citizen is undocumented would likely overestimate the number

(continued...)

40

exempt aliens and ABAWDs, we make assumptions about how many and which aliens and ABAWDs

remain eligible. In order to retain sample size, we implement our alien and ABAWD eligibility

assumptions through weighting assumptions.8

a. Identifying Exempt Permanent Resident Aliens

The citizenship status tracked in the CPS only distinguishes between citizens and non-citizens.

Because FPS eligibility rules in 1997 are different for refugee non-citizens than they are for permanent

resident non-citizens, we must impute a more detailed citizenship status. In September 1997, any

refugee who entered the United States after 1991 was eligible for food stamps; any refugee who

entered during or prior to 1991 was subject to the same restrictions as permanent resident aliens.

Therefore, we only impute citizenship status for those non-citizens who entered the U.S. after 1991.

Based on estimates from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), we assume 19 percent of

non-citizens who entered the United States after 1991 are refugees eligible for food stamps. We

9

assume that the remaining 81 percent of non-citizens who entered after 1991—as well as 100 percent

of the non-citizens who entered the United States during or before 1991— are permanent resident

aliens.10
(...continued) 10

of undocumented aliens. For the purposes of this study, we assume that none of the non-citizens in

the CPS sample is an undocumented alien. To the extent that undocumented aliens are present in the

sample, and to the extent that undocumented aliens are systematically different from other noncitizens, the estimates of non-citizens may be biased.

Because any permanent resident alien who is the spouse or child of an exempt individual is also 11

exempt, we apply these exemption at the household level to all permanent resident aliens in a

household.

The population of ABAWDs does include some eligible permanent resident aliens. 12

41

Permanent resident aliens who have a significant work history in the United States or who are

veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from welfare reform’s alien restrictions. However, the

work history and veteran status information in the CPS is insufficient for determining which

individuals are exempt. As a result, we also impute alien exemptions. Based on FNS estimates, we

assume that 20 percent of income-eligible permanent resident aliens meet the exemption criteria. 11

The remaining permanent resident aliens are assumed to be ineligible. We exclude them from the

food stamp unit before determining whether that unit is eligible.

The assumptions used to estimate eligible permanent resident aliens are subject to error. The

refugee assumptions are based on trends for the entire United States, regardless of income level. The

exemption assumptions are based on trends observed in 1994 SIPP data. For a complete discussion

of the impact of these assumptions on the participation rates, see Appendix B.

b. Identifying Exempt ABAWDs 

We identify ABAWDs in September 1997 by looking at basic demographic characteristics in the

CPS. However, we cannot determine which of these ABAWDs remain eligible because they have 12

not reached the time limit. Likewise, we cannot identify which ABAWDs remain eligible because they

live in a waiver area. As a result, we impute this information. 
Specifically, we estimate the proportion that have received no more than three months of

13

benefits and that have no prior receipt of food stamps.

42

We determine the proportion of ABAWDs in each state that have not reached the time limit based

on data from the FY 1996 FSPQC database. We assume that if one ABAWD in a household has no 13

more than three months of benefits, all of the ABAWDs in the household have no more than three

months of benefits. Hence, this imputation is conducted at the household level. We estimate the

proportion of ABAWDs that live in waiver areas in each state based on the states that had requested

waiver areas by September 1997. We impute waived ABAWDs at the household level because it is

impossible for one ABAWD in a household to be waived and another to not be waived. The target

proportions of ABAWDs within the time limit and ABAWDs living in waived areas are presented in

Table A.1.

Because the assumptions used to identify eligible ABAWDs are based on observed patterns and

on reported waiver information, they are considered to be more reliable than the permanent resident

alien assumptions. However, they are still subject to error. For a complete discussion of the impact

of these assumptions on the participation rates, see Appendix B.

3. Determining Asset Eligibility

A food stamp unit is eligible for FSP benefits if its countable assets are less than $2,000. If the

unit contains an elderly person, the asset limit is $3,000. Since asset balances are not included in the

CPS database, we use an equation to impute the probability that non-pure public assistance (PA) units

will pass the asset test. Pure PA units (units in which every member receives AFDC/TANF or SSI) are

automatically eligible for food stamps and are thus not affected by the asset test.

4. Determining Income Eligibility

In addition to meeting asset limits, food stamp units must also meet income limits in order to be

eligible for benefits. Food stamp units that do not contain elderly or disabled members must have a
These changes are summarized in Appendix C along with other FSP eligibility criteria in effect 14

in 1997. FSP guidelines for deductions from gross income in determining FSP net income (such as

the maximum dependent care and excess shelter deductions) are implicitly captured in the net income

equation.

43

gross income below 130 percent of the monthly FSP net income guidelines. There is no gross income

limit for units that contain elderly or disabled members. In addition, all food stamp units must have

a net income below 100 percent of the FSP net income guidelines.

Before determining each household's income eligibility, we estimate monthly income and

household net income as follows, thereby extending the CPS data.

C Estimating Monthly Income. The CPS database includes information on annual income,

but eligibility for the FSP is determined according to monthly income. Therefore, we

distribute annual income to months on the basis of patterns of income receipt shown by

SIPP data and number of weeks worked shown in CPS data. We then sum the monthly

income allocated to September for each person in the unit to determine each household's

gross income for September. Simply dividing annual income by 12 would overestimate

the number of eligibles in any given month. 

C Estimating Net Income. The CPS database does not include information on the expenses

that are deducted from gross income used to compute net income. Therefore, we model

net income as a function of the household's earnings, unearned income, gross income, and

geographic location for each year. This model is based on patterns observed in the August

and September 1997 QC data. The estimated relationships (coefficients) are presented in

Appendix C.

We update the food stamp gross and net income screens and the maximum benefit amounts to

reflect September 1997 regulations. We then determine eligibility for each household based on these 14

regulations. The unweighted counts of eligible households, along with the original sample size for the

March 1998 CPS file, are listed in Appendix E.

B. DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF FSP PARTICIPANTS

The number of participants for the 1997 participation rate comes from the FSP Statistical

Summary of Operations (Program Operations) data for August and September 1997. This database
The FSPQC is a sample of over 50,000 food stamp households. 15

FNS estimates that 47,000 ineligible permanent resident aliens were participating in New York 16

in September 1997.

1998 FSPQC data indicate that many ineligible permanent resident aliens continued to

17

participate in states other than New York. We do not explicitly adjust for these ineligible aliens

because they are captured in the ineligibility rates from Program Operations.

44

provides counts of persons and households that were issued benefits and the total dollar value of these

benefits in each month. We use this database because FSP participation is under-reported in the CPS

data.

We distribute the total number of persons, households, and benefits across subgroups of the

population according to the distribution in the sample of food stamp case records in the Food Stamp

Program Quality Control (FSPQC) data. This is done by multiplying the number of participants in 15

an extract of the FSPQC data, called QC data, by the ratio of the Program Operations total to the QC

weighted total for persons, households, and benefits. We adjust the estimate of FSP participants by

the percent of total participants that are ineligible, as determined by Program Operations.

Because the alien provisions were not completely in effect in August 1997, more permanent

resident aliens were eligible to participate in August than in September. As a result, a straight average

of the number of permanent resident aliens in August and September would overestimate the number

of permanent resident aliens participating in September. We reduce the number of permanent resident

aliens participating in August such that the average equals the number participating in September.

Additionally, in September 1997, the state of New York had not yet implemented the permanent

resident alien provisions. We adjust the number of permanent resident aliens participating in New 16

York to exclude these ineligible persons.17
	

	

	 	

	



 





  

 

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

FIGURE A.1

TRENDS IN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY DATA SOURCE

1984-1997

* There is a break in the time series in August 1994 due to revisions in the methodology for determining eligible

Participation Rate

SIPP-Based Rate

Source: Food Stamp Program Operations data, March CPS data for the years shown.
TABLE A.1

ABAWD ASSUMPTIONS

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

State

State (FIPS) 

Code

Percent of 1996* 

ABAWDs with < 3 

Months FSP and No 

Prior

Percent of ABAWDs 

in Waiver Area

Percent of nonWaived ABAWDs 

Covered by 15% 

Exemption

Percent of nonWaived ABAWDs 

Placed in E&T

Percent of 1997 

ABAWDs Eligible 

for Food Stamps

Alabama 1 7.1 26.3 0.0 0.0 31.53

Alaska 2 11.0 56.5 0.0 0.0 61.32

Arizona 4 24.0 27.8 0.0 0.0 45.09

Arkansas 5 16.2 33.5 0.0 0.0 44.26

California 6 8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.00

Colorado 8 15.9 2.8 0.0 0.0 18.22

Connecticut 9 6.9 63.5 0.0 0.0 66.02

Delaware 10 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 20.00

Dist. of Col. 11 13.5 100.0 0.0 0.0 100.00

Florida 12 4.8 48.0 0.0 0.0 50.46

Georgia 13 20.3 18.5 0.0 0.0 35.03

Hawaii 15 15.8 41.2 0.0 0.0 50.49

Idaho 16 7.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.20

Illinois 17 11.2 45.6 0.0 0.0 51.66

Indiana 18 17.2 11.7 0.0 0.0 26.85

Iowa 19 15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.90

Kansas 20 12.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.40

Kentucky 21 8.4 52.0 0.0 0.0 56.00

Louisiana 22 8.9 66.9 0.0 0.0 69.84

Maine 23 22.4 37.5 0.0 0.0 51.51

Maryland 24 8.1 49.3 0.0 0.0 53.41

Massachusetts 25 10.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.40

Michigan 26 8.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.80

Minnesota 27 11.4 11.9 0.0 0.0 21.96

Mississippi 28 5.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.40

Missouri 29 8.9 36.9 0.0 0.0 42.50

Montana 30 2.5 23.5 0.0 0.0 25.37

Nebraska 31 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00

Nevada 32 20.2 11.2 0.0 0.0 29.12

New Hampshire 33 30.0 6.1 0.0 0.0 34.26

New Jersey 34 19.2 36.5 0.0 0.0 48.68

New Mexico 35 13.8 41.6 0.0 0.0 49.65

New York 36 8.6 55.6 0.0 0.0 59.42

North Carolina 37 5.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.40

North Dakota 38 19.5 11.6 0.0 0.0 28.80

Ohio 39 13.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.40

Oklahoma 40 13.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.10

Oregon 41 19.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 19.60

Pennsylvania 42 8.6 69.0 0.0 0.0 71.68

Rhode Island 44 9.1 59.6 0.0 0.0 63.25

South Carolina 45 16.7 38.5 0.0 0.0 48.75

South Dakota 46 21.1 17.7 0.0 0.0 35.05

Tennessee 47 6.1 11.2 0.0 0.0 16.64

Texas 48 14.8 25.7 0.0 0.0 36.68

Utah 49 24.7 2.0 0.0 0.0 26.21

Vermont 50 6.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.60

Virginia 51 0.0 9.6 0.0 0.0 9.59

Washington 53 9.3 50.8 0.0 0.0 55.35

West Virginia 54 5.5 80.4 0.0 0.0 81.45

Wisconsin 55 13.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.20

Wyoming 56 9.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 9.20

Source: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA

* We use 1996 instead of 1997 because we are applying this to eligibles. 

 47
APPENDIX B

SENSITIVITY OF PARTICIPATION RATES TO 

ALIEN AND ABAWD ASSUMPTIONS
Significant work history is defined as 40 or more quarters (10 or more years) of work

1

experience in the United States and can be accumulated by a permanent resident alien through work

or through that person’s work in combination with the work of his or her spouse and children.

The Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 restored benefits to 2

permanent resident aliens who were in the United States before welfare reform took effect and were

disabled, under age 18, or over 65 in August 1996. It also extended benefits for refugees, deportees,

and those granted asylum to 7 years. However, it did not restore the benefits until November 1,

1998, which is beyond the time frame of this report.

Because we use FSP Program Operations data and FSPQC data, no assumptions are needed to 3

determine participation.

51

APPENDIX B

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996 made the

following major changes to the FSP: 

C Disqualified Many Permanent Resident Aliens from the Program. Only permanent

resident aliens with a significant work history and those with current or former military

service to the United States are exempt, as are their families. Refugees are exempt for 1

five years after entering the United States.2

C Imposed Time Limits for Some Childless Adults. Able-bodied adults without

dependents (ABAWDs) are subject to new work requirements. If they do not meet the

requirements, they are limited to 3 months of benefits in any 36-month period.

Our estimate of eligible individuals in Chapter II must include aliens and ABAWDs who are

exempt from the new restrictions. Because the CPS does not track all of the information needed to

identify the exempt individuals, we make assumptions about how many and which aliens and

ABAWDs remain eligible. To estimate the sensitivity of our participation rates to these assumptions,

we vary the assumptions and recalculate the participation rates. The results of the sensitivity analysis

are reported in this Appendix.3
More details concerning the methodology used to determine alien eligibility is included in

4

Appendix A.

Percentage is based on INS estimates of the number of refugees and individuals granted asylum 5

who entered the United States since 1991.

Percentage is based on FNS estimates of eligible aliens. 6

More details concerning the methodology used to determine ABAWD eligibility is included in 7

Appendix A.

52

Current Assumptions

For the 1997 participation rate estimate, we make the following assumptions for determining

eligibility of aliens:4

C 19 percent of aliens who enter the United States after 1991 are refugees eligible for the

FSP; the remaining aliens are permanent resident aliens.5

C 20 percent of all permanent resident aliens are eligible for the FSP due to work history

or veteran status.6

To identify individuals subject to the ABAWD restrictions in the CPS, we use earnings, disability,

and age information of household members. However, we cannot determine which of these

individuals remain eligible because they have not reached the time limit for the FSP, and we cannot

identify which ABAWDs remain eligible because they live in a waiver area. Instead, we impute this

information in the following ways:7

C By using FSPQC data to determine the proportion of ABAWDs who have not reached

the time limit (Table A.1).

C By using state waiver requests to determine the proportion of ABAWDs living in a

waiver area (Table A.1).
53

The 1997 participation rate for aliens, ABAWDs, and the individuals living with them are shown

in Table B.1.

Sensitivity Analysis

To examine the sensitivity of the overall participation rates to our alien and ABAWD eligibility

assumptions in the CPS, we first establish a minimum participation rate. This is the lowest

participation rate we would expect to see in 1997 with the restrictions in eligibility for aliens and

ABAWDs. Next, we vary each of the assumptions shown above. The results are shown in Table B.2.

Minimum Participation Rate

Participation rates for both aliens and ABAWDs increased substantially from 1996 to 1997 (34

points for aliens and 44 points for ABAWDs). This increase is consistent with large cuts in eligibility

—when many individuals lose eligibility, participation is not likely to decrease as rapidly as eligibility,

so participation rates rise. Without this major increase in the participation rate for aliens and

ABAWDs, the overall rates would have fallen more from 1996 to 1997 than they did. Thus, the 1996

participation rates for aliens and ABAWDs are the minimum participation rates we expect to see in

these two subgroups in 1997. 

To establish a minimum participation rate for all individuals, we determine the number of

additional eligible aliens and ABAWDs needed to keep the alien and ABAWD participation rates at

the 1996 levels. We then add the number of additional eligible aliens and ABAWDs to the baseline

number of eligible individuals and recalculate the participation rate. 

The minimum individual participation rate is 62 percent, which is 1 point lower than the baseline

individual participation rate.
54

Alien and ABAWD Assumptions

The alien and ABAWD populations are a small subset of the overall population, so all of the

variations in assumptions lead to small changes in the individual, household, and benefit participation

rates. 

1. Undocumented Aliens

In our estimate of eligibility, we do not account for undocumented aliens. These are individuals

who have never been eligible for the FSP. FNS estimates that up to 25 percent of the aliens in the

CPS may be undocumented. To reflect this in our eligibility estimate, we reduced the number of

refugees and exempt permanent resident aliens by 25 percent. Accounting for this percentage of

undocumented aliens in the CPS increases the individual participation rate by 0.2 percentage points.

2. No Refugees, Deportees, or Individuals Granted Asylum

We assume that 19 percent of all aliens who entered the United States after 1991 were eligible

refugees. When we change this assumption so that no one was granted refugee, deportee, or asylum

status, the individual participation rate increases by 0.3 percentage points.

3. Change in the Percentage of Eligible Permanent Resident Aliens

We assume that 20 percent of permanent resident aliens are eligible for the FSP due to work

history or veteran status. Changing this assumption to 30 percent being eligible decreases the

individual participation rate by 0.3 percentage points. Changing this assumption to 10 percent

increases the individual participation rate by 0.2 percentage points.
55

4. Change in the Number of ABAWDs within the First Three Months of Participation

We used FSPQC data to determine the number of ABAWDs that are still eligible to participate

in the FSP because they are within the first three months of FSP participation. Increasing the number

by 5 percent decreases the individual participation rate by 0.1 percentage point. Decreasing the

number by 5 percent did not change the individual participation rate.

5. Change in the Number of ABAWDs Living in a Waiver Area

We determined the percentage of ABAWDs living in a waiver area by examining the states that

had submitted waiver requests. If we increase the percentage of ABAWDs living in a waiver area by

10 percent, the individual participation rate decreases by 0.1 percentage points. When we decrease

the percentage of ABAWDs living in a waiver area by 10 percent, the individual participation rate

does not change.

Conclusions

Our estimated 1997 individual participation rate is 63 percent. By assuming that the participation

rate for aliens and ABAWDs is not lower in 1997 than in 1996, we establish a minimum participation

rate of 62 percent. We also establish that the overall individual participation rate is not very sensitive

to the assumptions we make to determine alien and ABAWD eligibility. Varying the assumptions

individually only led to changes of 0.0 to 0.3 percentage points. 
56

TABLE B.1

1997 PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR ALIENS, ABAWDS, 

AND INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH ALIENS OR ABAWDS

1997

Eligible Participating Rate

(000s) (000s) (percent)

Participation

All Individuals 32,372 20,412 63.1

Aliens, ABAWDs, and Individuals in 5,994 1,907 31 8

Households with them.

 Aliens 679 484 71.2

 ABAWDs 471 468 99.4

 Individuals in Households with aliens or 4,844 955 19 7

 ABAWDs

 SOURCE: FSP Program Operations data, FSPQC data, and March CPS data for the years shown.
Baseline Participation

Individuals 32,372 20,412 63.1

Households 15,050 8,461 56.2

Benefits 2,126,277 1,407,849 66.2

Minimum Participation Rate

Individuals 32,968 20,412 61.9

Households 15,158 8,461 55.8

Benefits 2,132,827 1,407,849 66.0

ALIEN ASSUMPTIONS

25% of Aliens are Undocumented

Individuals 32,258 20,412 63.3

Households 15,053 8,461 56.2

Benefits 2,127,598 1,407,849 66.2

No Refugees/Asylees/Deportees

Individuals 32,172 20,412 63.4

Households 15,012 8,461 56.4

Benefits 2,114,652 1,407,849 66.6

30% of Permanent Resident Aliens are Eligible

Individuals 32,493 20,412 62.8

Households 15,025 8,461 56.3

Benefits 2,117,458 1,407,849 66.5

10% of Permanent Resident Aliens are Eligible

Individuals 32,251 20,412 63.3

Households 15,075 8,461 56.1

Benefits 2,135,095 1,407,849 65.9

ABAWD ASSUMPTIONS

5% More ABAWDs Within First 3 Months of FSP Participation

Individuals 32,377 20,412 63.0

Households 15,053 8,461 56.2

Benefits 2,126,749 1,407,849 66.2

5% Less ABAWDs Within First 3 Months of FSP Participation

Individuals 32,368 20,412 63.1

Households 15,047 8,461 56.2

Benefits 2,125,803 1,407,849 66.2

10% More ABAWDs Within Waiver Area

Individuals 32,403 20,412 63.0

Households 15,067 8,461 56.2

Benefits 2,129,232 1,407,849 66.1

10% Less ABAWDs Within Waiver Area

Individuals 32,342 20,412 63.1

Households 15,033 8,461 56.3

Benefits 2,123,320 1,407,849 66.3

Source: FSP Program Operatons Data, FSPQC Data, and March CPS Data

TABLE B.2

SENSITIVITY OF PARTICIPATION RATE TO ASSUMPTIONS FOR ALIEN AND ABAWD EXEMPTIONS

Number of Eligible 

Individuals

Participation 

Rate

Number of 

Participants

 57
APPENDIX C

SELECTED FEATURES OF THE CPS-BASED TRENDS FILE
61

TABLE C.1

CHANGES IN THE MARCH CPS OVER TIME

March Data

Year Year Changes in Design or Weighting from Previous Year

78 77 None

79 78 Changes in metro-nonmetro definitions. New, more detailed income questions were introduced for 2

rotation groups.

80 79 Definition of adult changed from age 14 to age 15. New concept of families and headship status. New

income questions were introduced for all rotation groups.

81 80 New weighting procedure based on 1980 Census was introduced which increased the overall population

by 2.3 percent and had a disproportionate impact on Hispanics.

82 81 Top coding of income variables was increased from $50,000 to $75,000.

83 82 New industry and occupation coding. New definition of group quarters. The poverty index was modified

slightly (deleting the farm/nonfarm dimension).

84 83 The March 1984 file was issued twice. In the second (unofficial) version, the Bureau of the Census

introduced the revised weighting procedure developed for the March 1985 CPS.

85 84 Revised weighting procedures--specifically, the control on Hispanics was changed. This caused a slight

increase in poverty with disproportionate impacts on the Hispanic population, male unrelated individuals,

and persons in related subfamilies. Changes in the designation of metro/nonmetro, farm/nonfarm, central

city/noncentral city statuses.

86 85 More metro/nonmetro changes

87 86 None

88 87 None

89 88 Revised processing procedures increased income overall and reduced poverty. The poverty rate changed

more severely for blacks and persons in selected age ranges.

90 89 None

91 90 None

92 91 None

93 92(r) New population controls based on 1990 census and adjusted for the census undercount. The new

population controls with the adjustments increased the poverty population. The largest increases in poverty

rates were for Hispanic families, families with single female householders, white children, and persons

in unrelated subfamilies.

94 93 Survey was redesigned to improve the measurement of labor force concepts and wording of questions, and

to implement a computerized questionnaire.

95 94 None

96 95 Sample reduction--the CPS national sample was reduced from 56,000 to 50,000; the number of households

on the March 1996 file is 63,339 compared to 72,252 in March 1995. Revised earnings topcoding--instead

of topcoding earnings variables at 99,999, records that were topcoded were assigned the mean earnings

for topcoded individuals with similar characteristics. Revised race edit and allocation--the process for

allocating “other” responses for race into four main race categories was revised to bring estimates in line

with independent estimates. Caution is urged when comparing 1995 and 1996 data on race groups. 

97 96 None

98 97 None
62

TABLE C.2

RESULTS FOR THE FOOD STAMP NET INCOME REGRESSION EQUATIONS

(Standard Error Estimates in Parentheses)

Coefficients Estimated Using Administrative Data For:

Explanatory Variable 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 

Constant -60.0383 * -62.9407 * -125.9960 * -185.4315 * -169.8675 * -186.3751 * -204.8244 *

(2.9524) (3.2940) (3.5619) (4.4493) (3.4631) (3.0435) (2.9655)

Earnings 0.7809 * 0.7422 * 0.7715 * 0.8254 * 0.8062 * 0.7900 * 0.7353 *

(0.0101) (0.0108) (0.0127) (0.0131) (0.0097) (0.0062) (0.0084)

Earnings Squared -0.000102 * -0.000012 0.000067 * 0.000037 * 0.000044 * 0.000020 * 0.000076 *

(0.000013) (0.000012) (0.000015) (0.000013) (0.000009) (0.000004) (0.000008)

Unearned Income 0.9064 * 0.9253 * 0.9562 * 1.0348 * 0.9634 * 0.9440 * 1.0086 *

(0.0157) (0.0171) (0.0187) (0.0184) (0.0124) (0.0097) (0.0054)

Unearned Income Squared 0.0000663 * 0.000025 0.000109 * -0.000026 0.000073 * 0.000087 * 0.000002 

(0.000023) (0.000024) (0.000025) (0.000022) (0.000013) (0.000009) (0.000002)

Flag for Households with Gross Income <_ $100 10.6218 * 18.0543 * 59.9508 * 90.8267 * 92.4235 * 112.8131 * 126.1543 *

(3.6488) (4.4236) (4.7778) (6.2122) (5.4448) (4.7698) (5.6708)

Flag for Households Residing in Alaska NA -60.8075 * -20.6258 * -38.4529 * -42.1620 * -50.9189 * -52.6491 *

(9.7622) (6.8873) (17.3631) (14.9779) (12.6897) (11.8503)

Flag for Households Residing in Hawaii 23.9860 * 5.5784 -1.4705 -38.3475 * -33.7594 * -26.5311 * -39.9692 *

(8.5449) (6.5567) (3.6057) (7.4509) (5.7024) (6.7390) (7.6094)

Flag for Households Residing in the Midwest 24.4276 * 13.5778 * 4.3647 * 26.6802 * 15.9736 * 16.3730 * 16.1722 *

(1.8605) (2.1125) (2.1379) (2.9609) (2.3582) (2.1788) (2.4354)

Flag for Households Residing in the South 36.3114 * 33.0194 * -0.3296 42.4122 * 19.6970 * 25.9688 * 32.5873 *

(1.7108) (1.9284) (2.0657) (2.6281) (2.2891) (2.1389) (2.3697)

Flag for Households Residing in the West 13.9124 * 10.5384 * -1.6665 25.5066 * 18.2787 * 16.1168 * 17.9284 *

(2.0378) (2.4481) (2.7431) (3.0763) (2.6038) (2.2460) (2.5100)

Sample Size 10,690 13,580 3,743 6,345 6,348 10,349 9,942

R 0.8080 0.7380 0.9240 0.8634 0.9196 0.9042 0.8930 2

Adjusted R 0.8078 0.7378 0.9238 0.8632 0.9195 0.9041 0.8929 2

*Indicates significance at the .05 level using a two-tail t-test. Coefficients identified as significant at the .05 level are those with t-values greater than 1.96.
TABLE C.2 (continued)

63

Coefficients Estimated Using Administrative Data For:

Explanatory Variable 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

Constant -196.4351 * -203.1925 * -229.6667 * -235.1379 * -247.02 * -231.5542 * -236.8964 *

(4.0839) (3.9569) (4.5641) (4.4156) (4.49) (5.5340) (5.5036)

Earnings 0.7049 * 0.7093 * 0.7027 * 0.17165 * 0.70 * 0.672 * 0.674 *

(0.0092) (0.0087) (0.0101) (0.0094) (0.01) (0.0111) (0.0105)

Earnings Squared 0.000076 * 0.000070 * 0.000075 * 0.000059 * 0.00 * 0.000078 * 0.000077 *

(0.000007) (0.000007) (0.0000) (0.0000) (0.00) (0.0000) (0.0000)

Unearned Income 0.8863 * 0.9036 * 0.9165 * 0.9144 * 0.94 * 0.8353 * 0.8593 *

(0.01319) (0.01108) (0.0123) (0.0105) (0.01) (0.0141) (0.0134)

Unearned Income Squared 0.00012 * 0.00008 * 0.00008 * 0.000069 * 0.00 * 0.0001 * 0.0001 *

(0.000012) (0.000009) (0.0000) (0.0000) (0.00) (0.0000) (0.0000)

Flag for Households with Gross Income <_ $100 117.1564 * 123.2110 * 138.5731 * 136.9358 * 146.47 * 139.9977 * 134.4843 *

(6.5974) (6.8090) (8.2793) (8.1730) (9.20) (9.8378) (10.2016)

Flag for Households Residing in Alaska -35.4125 * -74.2323 * -39.4700 * -62.6498 * -46.22 * -24.7218 * -40.7648 *

(11.9143) (11.9268) (15.1555) (14.5088) (15.46) (15.9221) (17.9371)

Flag for Households Residing in Hawaii 12.7144 -8.4060 -5.7395 8.6119 11.21 5.8995 0.4195 

(7.9143) (7.9251) (8.5438) (8.6611) (8.97) (9.2695) (9.5458)

Flag for Households Residing in the Midwest 22.1803 * 20.6143 32.1891 * 34.9161 * 34.05 * 42.4614 * 42.0763 *

(2.6508) (2.7497) (3.1128) (3.2515) (3.66) (3.9347) (4.0704)

Flag for Households Residing in the South 36.7736 * 38.8219 * 51.7001 * 55.2085 * 50.95 * 56.6378 * 60.8916 *

(2.6055) (2.7276) (3.1622) (3.2327) (3.50) (3.7976) (3.8822)

Flag for Households Residing in the West 23.4548 * 15.7282 * 25.7937 * 28.6053 * 28.99 * 41.8034 * 40.3696 *

(2.7491) (2.9337) (3.4385) (3.4847) (3.80) (4.1618) (4.3665)

Sample Size 9,842 9,743 8,753 8,541 8,184 7,524 7,522

R 0.8803 0.8810 0.8746 0.8894 0.88 0 8663 0 8695 2

Adjusted R 0.8801 0.8809 0.8745 0.8892 0.88 0 8661 0 8694 2

*Indicates significance at the .05 level using a two-tail t-test. Coefficients identified as significant at the .05 level are those with t-values greater than 1.96.
TABLE C.2 (continued)

64

Explanatory Variable 1997

Constant -245.125276 *

(5.6031)

Earnings 0.7076*

 (0.0102)

Earnings Squared 0.0001 *

(0.0000)

Unearned Income 0.9128 *

(0.0124)

Unearned Income Squared 0.0001 *

(0.0000)

Flag for Households with Gross Income <_ $100 146.8958 *

(10.8133)

Flag for Households Residing in Alaska -29.1726 

(16.5480)

Flag for Households Residing in Hawaii -0.8701 

(10.0956)

Flag for Households Residing in the Midwest 32.3592 *

(4.3220)

Flag for Households Residing in the South 48.2462 *

(4.0890)

Flag for Households Residing in the West 29.0472 *

(4.5424)

Sample Size 7,183

R 0.8673 2

Adjusted R 0.8671 2

*Indicates significance at the .05 level using a two-tail t-test. Coefficients identified as significant at the .05 level are those with t-values greater than 1.96.
65

TABLE C.3

SELECTED FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY PARAMETERS, 1976 TO 1997

Analysis Year As Amended As Amended 1979 Effective 10/81

September 1976 February 1978 1977; As Amended in 1979 and August 1982

Food Stamp Act of 1964 Food Stamp Act of 1964 1980. Effective late 1978, early OBRA 1981 As Amended in 1981;

August 1980 Food Stamp Act of

Gross Income Eligibility No test No test No test <= 1.3 * Poverty Line

Net Income Eligibility <= Maximum Food Stamp <= Maximum Food Stamp <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line

Income Income

Asset Eligibility $1500; $3000 for aged households of at least 2 persons

Benefit Reduction Rate N/A N/A .3 .3

Minimum Benefit Varies by household size Varies by household size Persons Min Persons Min

 1 $10. 1 $10.

 2 $10. 2 $10.

 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0.

Eligibility of Pure PA Households (AFDC or No Automatic Eligibility Automatically Eligible No Automatic Eligibility No Automatic Eligibility

SSI)

Purchase Requirement Yes Yes No No

Benefit Calculation Benefit = Maximum benefit (household size) - Purchase Benefit = Maximum benefit (household size) - .3 x Food Stamp Net

Requirement (household size and net income) Income

SSI Cashout States California, Wisconsin, Massachusetts

Monthly Food Stamp Net Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI 

Income Screen 1 245 307 273 262 328 286 316 397 365 390 490 450

2 322 413 407 344 447 427 418 524 481 519 650 597

3 433 593 580 460 633 607 520 650 598 647 810 745

4 553 753 740 580 807 773 621 777 715 775 970 892

5 660 893 880 687 960 920 723 904 831 904 1,130 1,040 

6 787 1,073 1,053 827 1,147 1,100 825 1,030 948 1,032 1,290 1,187 

7 873 1,187 1,167 913 1,273 1,220 926 1,157 1,065 1,180 1,450 1,335 

8 993 1,353 1,333 1,047 1,453 1,393 1,028 1,284 1,181 1,289 1,610 1,482 

+ 127 167 166 133 180 173 102 127 117 129 160 142

Monthly Maximum Food Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI 

Stamp Allotment 1 50 68 66 52 72 70 63 98 84 70 108 95

2 92 124 122 96 134 128 115 180 158 128 197 175

3 130 178 174 138 190 182 165 258 226 183 293 250

4 166 226 222 174 242 232 209 327 287 233 359 318

5 198 268 264 206 288 276 248 388 341 277 426 378

6 236 322 316 248 344 330 298 466 409 332 512 453

7 262 356 350 274 382 366 329 515 452 367 565 501

8 298 406 400 314 436 418 376 589 517 419 646 572

+ 38 50 50 40 54 52 47 74 65 53 81 72

NOTE: Eligibility parameters are for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Puerto Rico is excluded from data for 1976 and 1978 in order to be consistent with other years, and Guam and the Virgin Islands

are excluded for all years.
TABLE C.3 (continued)

66

Analysis Year Effective 10/82 Effective 5/86 1987 Homeless Assistance Act; Leland Hunger Prevention Act of 1988

August 1984 August 1986

OBRA As Amended in 1982; Food Security Act of 1985; August 1988 August 1990

Gross Income Eligibility <= 1.3 * Poverty Line <= 1.3 * Poverty Line <= 1.3 * Poverty Line <= 1.3 * Poverty Line

Net Income Eligibility <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line

Asset Eligibility $1,500; $3,000 for aged $2000; $3000 for aged $2000; $3000 for aged households $2000; $3000 for aged households 

households of at least 2 persons households 

Benefit Reduction Rate .3 .3 .3 .3

Minimum Benefit Persons Min Persons Min Persons Min Persons Min

 1 $10. 1 $10. 1 $10. 1 $10.

 2 $10. 2 $10. 2 $10. 2 $10.

 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0.

Eligibility of Pure PA Households (AFDC or No Automatic Eligibility Automatically Eligible Automatically Eligible Automatically Eligible

SSI)

Purchase Requirement No No No No

Benefit Calculation Benefit = Maximum benefit (household size) - .3 x Food Stamp Net Income

SSI Cashout States California, Wisconsin,

Massachusetts California, Wisconsin

Monthly Food Stamp Net Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI 

Income Screen 1 415 520 478 447 559 515 459 572 526 499 624 573

2 560 701 645 604 755 695 617 770 709 699 836 769

3 705 882 811 760 950 875 775 969 891 839 1,049 965

4 850 1,063 978 917 1,146 1,055 934 1,167 1,074 1,009 1,261 1,160 

5 995 1,244 1,145 1,074 1,342 1,235 1,092 1,365 1,256 1,179 1,474 1,356 

6 1,140 1,425 1,311 1,230 1,538 1,415 1,250 1,564 1,439 1,349 1,686 1,552 

7 1,285 1,605 1,478 1,387 1,732 1,595 1,409 1,762 1,621 1,519 1,899 1,748 

8 1,430 1,786 1,645 1,544 1,930 1,775 1,567 1,960 1,804 1,689 2,111 1,944 

+ 145 181 167 157 196 180 158 198 183 170 213 196

Monthly Maximum Food Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI 

Stamp Allotment 1 76 109 108 80 111 124 87 113 133 99 123 151

2 139 200 198 147 204 228 159 207 244 182 227 276

3 199 286 283 211 293 327 228 297 350 260 325 396

4 253 364 360 268 372 415 290 378 444 331 413 503

5 301 432 427 318 442 493 344 448 527 393 490 598

6 361 518 513 382 530 592 413 538 633 472 588 717

7 399 473 567 422 586 654 457 595 700 521 650 793

8 457 655 648 483 670 748 522 680 800 596 743 906

+ 57 82 81 60 84 94 65 85 100 75 93 113

NOTE: Eligibility parameters are for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Puerto Rico is excluded from data for 1976 and 1978 in order to be consistent with other years, and Guam and the Virgin Islands are excluded

for all years.
TABLE C.3 (continued)

67

Analysis Year FACTA of 1991 amendments

August 1991 FACTA of 1991 and FACTA of 1991 and amendments

August 1992 August 1993a

Gross Income Eligibility <= 1.3 * Poverty Line <= 1.3 * Poverty Line <= 1.3 * Poverty Line

Net Income Eligibility <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line

Asset Eligibility $2,000; $3,000 for aged households $2,000; $3,000 for aged households $2,000; $3,000 for aged households

Benefit Reduction Rate .3 .3 .3

Minimum Benefit Persons Min Persons Min Persons Min

 1 $10. 1 $10. 1 $10.

 2 $10. 2 $10. 2 $10.

 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0.

Eligibility of Pure PA Households (AFDC or SSI) Automatically Eligible Automatically Eligible Automatically Eligible

(AFDC, SSI, or GA) (AFDC, SSI, or GA)

Purchase Requirement No No No

Benefit Calculation Benefit = Maximum benefit (household size) - .3 x Food Stamp Net Income

SSI Cashout States California, Wisconsin California only California only

Monthly Food Stamp Net Income Screen Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI

1 524 654 603 552 691 635 568 709 653

2 702 877 808 740 926 851 766 957 881

3 880 1,100 1,013 929 1,161 1,068 965 1,205 1,110 

4 1,059 1,324 1,218 1,117 1,396 1,285 1,163 1,454 1,338 

5 1,237 1,547 1,428 1,305 1,631 1,501 1,361 1,702 1,566 

6 1,415 1,770 1,628 1,494 1,866 1,718 1,560 1,950 1,795 

7 1,594 1,994 1,833 1,682 2,101 1,935 1,758 2,199 2,023 

8 1,772 2,217 2,038 1,870 2,336 2,151 1,956 2,447 2,251 

+ +179 +224 +205 +189 +235 +217 +199 +249 +229 

Monthly Maximum Food Stamp Benefits Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI

1 105 137 172 111 142 181 111 143 182

2 193 252 316 203 261 333 203 262 335

3 277 361 452 292 374 477 292 376 480

4 352 459 574 370 475 606 370 477 609

5 418 545 682 440 564 720 440 567 724

6 502 655 819 528 677 864 528 680 868

7 555 723 905 584 748 955 584 752 960

8 634 827 1,034 667 855 1,091 667 859 1,097 

+ +79 +103 +129 +83 +107 +136 +83 +107 +137 

NOTE: Eligibility parameters are for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Puerto Rico is excluded from data for 1976 and 1978 in order to be consistent with other years, and Guam and the Virgin Islands are excluded

for all years.

A reduction in the maximum benefit between 1992 and 1993 was prevented by an amendment to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (P.L. 102-351). a
TABLE C.3 (continued)

68

Analysis Year August 1994 Hunger Releif Act of 1993 August 1996

August 1995

Mickey Leland Childhood 

Gross Income Eligibility <= 1.3 * Poverty Line <= 1.3 * Poverty Line <= 1.3 * Poverty Line

Net Income Eligibility <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line <= Poverty Line

Asset Eligibility $2,000; $3,000 for aged households $2,000; $3,000 for aged households $2,000; $3,000 for aged households

Benefit Reduction Rate .3 .3 .3

Minimum Benefit Persons Min Persons Min Persons Min

 1 $10. 1 $10. 1 $10.

 2 $10. 2 $10. 2 $10.

 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0. 3+ $ 0.

Eligibility of Pure PA Households (AFDC or SSI) Automatically Eligible Automatically Eligible Automatically Eligible

(AFDC, SSI, or GA) (AFDC, SSI, or GA) (AFDC, SSI, or GA)

Purchase Requirement No No No

Benefit Calculation Benefit = Maximum benefit (household size) - .3 x Food Stamp Net Income

SSI Cashout States California only California only California only

Monthly Food Stamp Net Income Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI

Screen 1 581 725 670 614 767 706 623 779 718

2 786 982 905 820 1,025 944 836 1,045 963

3 991 1,239 1,140 1,027 1,284 1,181 1,050 1,312 1,208

4 1,196 1,495 1,375 1,234 1,542 1,419 1,263 1,579 1,453

5 1,401 1,752 1,610 1,440 1,800 1,656 1,476 1,845 1,698

6 1,606 2,009 1,845 1,647 2,059 1,894 1,690 2,112 1,943

7 1,811 2,265 2,080 1,854 2,317 2,131 1,903 2,379 2,188

8 2,016 2,522 2,315 2,060 2,575 2,369 2,116 2,645 2,433

+ +205 +257 +235 +207 +259 +238 +214 +267 +245

Monthly Maximum Food Stamp Unit Size US AK HI US AK HI US AK HI

Benefits 1 112 147 187 115 147 193 119 153 198

2 206 271 343 212 271 354 218 280 364

3 295 388 492 304 388 508 313 401 522

4 375 492 625 386 492 645 397 510 663

5 446 585 742 459 585 766 472 605 787

6 535 702 890 550 702 919 566 726 945

7 591 776 984 608 776 1,016 626 803 1,044 

8 676 887 1,125 695 887 1,161 716 918 1,193 

+ +85 +111 +141 +87 +111 +145 +90 +115 +149 

NOTE: Eligibility parameters are for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Puerto Rico is excluded from data for 1976 and 1978 in order to be consistent with other years, and Guam and the Virgin Islands are excluded

for all years.
TABLE C.3 (continued)

69

Analysis Year September 1997

Gross Income Eligibility <= 1.3 * Poverty Line

Net Income Eligibility <= Poverty Line

Asset Eligibility $2,000; $3,000 for aged households

Benefit Reduction Rate .3

Minimum Benefit Persons Min

 1 $10.

 2 $10.

 3+ $ 0.

Eligibility of Pure PA Households (AFDC or SSI) Automatically Eligible

(AFDC, SSI, or GA)

Purchase Requirement No

Benefit Calculation Benefit = Maximum benefit (household size)

- .3 x Food Stamp Net Income

SSI Cashout States California only

Monthly Food Stamp Net Income Unit Size US AK HI

Screen 1 645 805 743

2 864 1,079 994

3 1,082 1,352 1,245 

4 1,300 1,625 1,495 

5 1,519 1,899 1,746 

6 1,737 2,172 1,997 

7 1,955 2,445 2,248 

8 2,174 2,719 2,499 

+ +219 +274 +251 

Monthly Maximum Food Stamp Unit Size US AK HI

Benefits 1 120 153 198

2 220 280 364

3 315 401 522

4 400 510 663

5 475 605 787

6 570 726 945

7 630 803 1,044 

8 720 918 1,193 

+ +90 +115 +149 

NOTE: Eligibility parameters are for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Puerto Rico is excluded from 

data for 1976 and 1978 in order to be consistent with other years, and Guam and the Virgin Islands 

are excluded for all years.
70

TABLE C.4

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INFLUENCES ON FSP PARTICIPATION RATES: 1976 to 1997

Period of Participation Effect on Number of Participants and Direction of Change in

Rate Change Major Influence Eligibles Participation Rates a

1976 to 1978 Economy (rising Almost no change in participants. Up (by 7 percentage

inflation and Substantial decrease in eligibles due points)

strengthening economy) to the improving economy and rising

inflation. Rising inflation resulted in

more restrictive asset and in-come

guidelines in real terms.

1978 to 1980 Legislation (Food Stamp Substantial increase in participants as Up (by 16 percentage

Act of 1977) a result of eliminating purchase points)

requirement. Decrease in eligibles as

a result of capping income eligibility.

1980 to 1982 Economy (recession) Almost no change in participants. Down (by 3 percentage

Substantial increase in eligibles due points)

to more households meeting the

income eligibility guidelines.

1982 to 1984 Economy (recovery) Slight decline in both participants No change

eligibles.

1984 to 1986 Legislation (1985 Food Almost no change in participants. Down (by about 4

Security Act) Substantial increase in eligibles due percentage points)

to the more generous eligibility

criteria.

1986 to 1988 Economy (growth) Small decline in both participants and No change

eligibles.

1988 to 1990 Medicaid expansion, Increase in participants due to the Up (by 6 percentage

legislation (Homeless expansion in the Medicaid program, points)

Assistance Act), IRCA, increased outreach and expedited

worsening economy service, and immigration laws

granting resident status to certain

aliens. Small decline in eligibles.

1990 to 1991 Continued Medicaid Increase in participants. Smaller Up (by 3 percentage

expansion, economy percent increase in eligibles. points)

(Recession)

1991 to 1992 Continued Medicaid Increase in participants. Smaller Up (by 2 percentage

expansion, economy percent increase in eligibles. points)

(Continued hardship)

1992 to 1993 Economy (improving) Increase in participants. Smaller Up (by 1 percentage

percent increase in eligibles. point)

1993 to 1994 Economy (improving) No change in participants. Small Up (by 1 percentage

drop in eligibles. point)

1994 to 1995 Economy (improving) Decrease in participants. Relatively Down (by 1 percentage

larger decrease in eligibles. point)

1995 to 1996 Economy (improving) No change in eligibles, drop in Down (by 3 percentage

participants points)

1996 to 1997 Welfare reform, Large drop in participants and Down (by 5 percentage

economy (improving) eligibles. Larger drop in participants. points)

The effect on the number of participants and eligibles and the direction of the change in participation rates in this table is based a

on the rates for individuals.
APPENDIX D

SELECTED FEATURES OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

UNDER PAST AND CURRENT LEGISLATION
TABLE D.1

Legislation Maximum Benefit Income Maximum

Food Stamp Act of 1964 as Amended (PL 88-525) Thrifty Food Plan. Indexed since 1971, indexed 

semiannually from 1973-1979 based on BLS food 

price index

Net income <= maximum food stamp net income 

which was tied to the maximum coupon allotment

Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 95-113) Effective 

1/1/79

Thrifty Food Plan. Indexed semiannually based on 

Thrifty Food Plan components

Net income <= poverty line

Food Stamp Amendments of 1979 and 1980 (PL 96-

58 and PL 96-249)

Thrifty Food Plan. Indexed annually in Jan. based 

on Sept. cost of Plan components

Excludes energy assistance as income. Includes 

income of ineligible aliens less prorate share

OBRA of 1981 (PL 86-35) and Food Stamp 

Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1981 

(PL97-98) Effective 10/1/98

Thrifty Food Plan. Indexing frozen until 7/1/83, 

next adjustment 10/1/84 based on June cost of Plan 

components

Gross income <= 1.3 * poverty, except for elderly & 

disabled, who keep previous net income limit

Food Stamp Amendments of 1982 (PL 97-253) 

Effective 10-82 and Continuing Resolution of 1984 

(PL 84-473)

Indexing to 99% rather than 100% of Thrifty Food 

Plan cost. Changed back to 100% by PL 98-473. 

Last step in benefit calculation rounded down

Nonelderly and nondisabled subject to both net and 

gross income limits

1985 Food Security Act (PL 99-198) Effective 5-86 No Change No Change

1987 Homeless Assistance Act (PL 100-97) No Change No Change

Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 (PL 100-435) Incremental indexing to 103% of Thrifty Food Plan 

by FY 1991 and therafter.

No Change

Farm, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 

1990 and 1991 - FACTA (PL 101-624)

No Change No Change

Amendments to FACTA of 1991 No Change* No Change

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act of 

1993 (PL 103-66)

No Change Earnings of students are excluded from income 

through age 21. Previously students earnings were 

excluded through age 17. Excludes as income 100% 

of vendor payments made to transitional housing 

facilities on behalf of homeless households and GA 

vendor payments for utility-cost assistance.

The Personal Responsibility and Work 

Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193)

Reduced to 100% of Thrifty Food Plan for 

Continental U.S. and District of Columbia; Alaska 

and Hawaii remained at 1996 levels

Earnings of students are excluded from income 

through age 17 

*A reduction to the maximum benefit was prevented by an amendment to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 102-351)

73
TABLE D.1

Legislation

Food Stamp Act of 1964 as Amended (PL 88-525)

Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 95-113) Effective 

1/1/79

Food Stamp Amendments of 1979 and 1980 (PL 96-

58 and PL 96-249)

OBRA of 1981 (PL 86-35) and Food Stamp 

Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1981 

(PL97-98) Effective 10/1/98

Food Stamp Amendments of 1982 (PL 97-253) 

Effective 10-82 and Continuing Resolution of 1984 

(PL 84-473)

1985 Food Security Act (PL 99-198) Effective 5-86

1987 Homeless Assistance Act (PL 100-97)

Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 (PL 100-435)

Farm, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 

1990 and 1991 - FACTA (PL 101-624)

Amendments to FACTA of 1991

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act of 

1993 (PL 103-66)

The Personal Responsibility and Work 

Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193)

Itemized Deductions Standard Deduction Benefit Reduction Rate

Payroll, 10% of earnings to $30, child caare, 

education, medical over $10, alimony or child 

support, casualty losses, shelter in excess of 30% 

of net

None Basis of issuance tables (average 

30% above lowest levels)

20% of earnings, child care up to $75, shelter in 

excess of 50% of net not to exceed $75 in 

combination with child care. Limit indexed 

annually in July based on shelter-fuel-utilities 

component of the CPI

$60. Indexed semiannually to CPInonfood components 

change

30%

1980 Act: shelter/child care cap indexed annually 

in Jan. based on Sept./Sept. change; 1979 Act: 

medical expenses over $35 for elderly and 

disabled allowed, elderly and disabled not subject 

to the shelter deduction maximum

Indexed annually in 

January based on 

September to 

September

No Change

18% of earnings, shelter/child care cap set at $115 

with next inflation adjustment on 7/1/83, with 

following adjustment 10/1/84, each Oct. thereafter

No Change No Change

Next inflation adjustment delayed until 10/1/83; 

limits on the use of standard utility expense 

allowances

$89. Next inflation 

adjustment delayed 

until 10/1/83

No Change

20% of earnings. Separate cap on shelter 

deduction of $147, with indexed increases. 

Separate cap on dependent care of $160, not 

indexed

No Change No Change

Increased cap on shelter deduction for all 

households certified after 10/1/87

No Change No Change

Dependent care deduction increased to $160 per 

month per dependent , rather than per household

No Change No Change

No Change No Change No Change

No Change No Change No Change

Increased cap on shelter deductions for all 

households to $231 after 7/1/94 and to $247 after 

10/1/95. Raised the dependent care deduction cap 

to $200 a month for each child under the age of 

two and $175 a month for all other dependents.

No Change No Change

Raises excess shelter deduction to $250 on 1/1/97, 

to $275 on 10/1/98, to $300 on 10/1/00

Frozen at current 

levels

No Change

efit was prevented by an amendment to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 102-351)

74
TABLE D.1

Legislation

Food Stamp Act of 1964 as Amended (PL 88-525)

Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 95-113) Effective 

1/1/79

Food Stamp Amendments of 1979 and 1980 (PL 96-

58 and PL 96-249)

OBRA of 1981 (PL 86-35) and Food Stamp 

Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1981 

(PL97-98) Effective 10/1/98

Food Stamp Amendments of 1982 (PL 97-253) 

Effective 10-82 and Continuing Resolution of 1984 

(PL 84-473)

1985 Food Security Act (PL 99-198) Effective 5-86

1987 Homeless Assistance Act (PL 100-97)

Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 (PL 100-435)

Farm, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 

1990 and 1991 - FACTA (PL 101-624)

Amendments to FACTA of 1991

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act of 

1993 (PL 103-66)

The Personal Responsibility and Work 

Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193)

Accounting Period Eligibility of Public Assistance Households

Prospective month Automatically eligible

Prospective month Must met same conditions as other households

States' option: prospective or retrospective w/monthly 

report

No Change

Retrospective becomes mandatory 10/1/83 for some 

households, prospective for others

No Change

Migrant workers, elderly and disabled households with 

no earnings exempt from monthly reporting

No Change

Retrospective budgeting and monthly reporting 

required for households with earnings or work history 

except migrant farmers and elderly or disabled with 

earnings

Automatic eligibility for pure AFDC or SSI 

households

Exempts from monthly reporting requirements 

seasonal farm workers and households in which all 

members are homeless

No Change

No Change No Change

No Change Expanded categorical eligibility to recipients of 

certain state and local general assistance payments

No Change No Change

No Change No Change

No Change No Change

75
TABLE D.1

Legislation

Food Stamp Act of 1964 as Amended (PL 88-525)

Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 95-113) Effective 

1/1/79

Food Stamp Amendments of 1979 and 1980 (PL 96-

58 and PL 96-249)

OBRA of 1981 (PL 86-35) and Food Stamp 

Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1981 

(PL97-98) Effective 10/1/98

Food Stamp Amendments of 1982 (PL 97-253) 

Effective 10-82 and Continuing Resolution of 1984 

(PL 84-473)

1985 Food Security Act (PL 99-198) Effective 5-86

1987 Homeless Assistance Act (PL 100-97)

Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 (PL 100-435)

Farm, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 

1990 and 1991 - FACTA (PL 101-624)

Amendments to FACTA of 1991

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act of 

1993 (PL 103-66)

The Personal Responsibility and Work 

Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193)

Asset Limits Minimum Bonus

$1,500; $3,000 for elderly household of at least two 

persons

Minimum bonus for all, amount 

varied by household size

$1,750; $3,000 for elderly household of at least two 

persons

$10 for one-and two-person 

households only

$1,500; $3,000 for elderly household of at least two 

persons. Excludes vehicles used for handicapped

No Change

No Change No Change

States' option: waive asset test for pure AFDC 

households passing gross income test. IRA KEOGH 

accounts counted as assets

No Change

$2,000; $3,000 for households with elderly 

member(s) (including one-person households). 

Changed definition of countable resources.

No Change

No Change No Change

No Change No Change

No Change No Change

Same limits. Asset holding of AFDC and SSI 

recipients are not counted

No Change

Earned Income Tax Credits excluded from 

consideration as part of a household's assets. 

Effective 9/1/94. Raises the vehicular asset limit to 

$4,550 on 9/1/94 to $4,600 on 10/1/95 and $5,000 

on 10/1/96. Excludes vehicles necessary to carry 

food or water.

No Change

Same limits. Vehicle allowance raised to $4,650, 

with no planned future adjustments

Removed requirement for inflation 

indexing of minimum benefit

76
TABLE D.1

Legislation

Food Stamp Act of 1964 as Amended (PL 88-525)

Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 95-113) Effective 

1/1/79

Food Stamp Amendments of 1979 and 1980 (PL 96-

58 and PL 96-249)

OBRA of 1981 (PL 86-35) and Food Stamp 

Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1981 

(PL97-98) Effective 10/1/98

Food Stamp Amendments of 1982 (PL 97-253) 

Effective 10-82 and Continuing Resolution of 1984 

(PL 84-473)

1985 Food Security Act (PL 99-198) Effective 5-86

1987 Homeless Assistance Act (PL 100-97)

Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 (PL 100-435)

Farm, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 

1990 and 1991 - FACTA (PL 101-624)

Amendments to FACTA of 1991

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act of 

1993 (PL 103-66)

The Personal Responsibility and Work 

Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193)

Treatment of Permanent Resident Aliens Work Requirements

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

No disqualifications No requirement

Permanent resident aliens are disqualifed unless 

they have 40 quarters of qualified work history in 

the United States, are currently or were formerly 

members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Members of 

their family are also exempt. Refugees, asylees, 

and deportees are eligible for 5 years after entering 

the United States

Able-bodied adults without dependents required to work at 

least 20 hours per week in a job or qualified training 

program. If individual is subject to, but not complying 

with the requirement, they are limited to 3 months of 

benefits in any 36-month period 

77
TABLE D.1

Legislation

Food Stamp Act of 1964 as Amended (PL 88-525)

Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 95-113) Effective 

1/1/79

Food Stamp Amendments of 1979 and 1980 (PL 96-

58 and PL 96-249)

OBRA of 1981 (PL 86-35) and Food Stamp 

Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1981 

(PL97-98) Effective 10/1/98

Food Stamp Amendments of 1982 (PL 97-253) 

Effective 10-82 and Continuing Resolution of 1984 

(PL 84-473)

1985 Food Security Act (PL 99-198) Effective 5-86

1987 Homeless Assistance Act (PL 100-97)

Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 (PL 100-435)

Farm, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 

1990 and 1991 - FACTA (PL 101-624)

Amendments to FACTA of 1991

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act of 

1993 (PL 103-66)

The Personal Responsibility and Work 

Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193)

Other Changes

Nationwide program

Elimination of purchase requirement

Increased state incentives for reducing error. SSNs required. Limits on eligible students; residents of shelters 

for battered women & disabled in small groups may participate.

Tighter definition of household, no extra benefits for strikers, prorated first month benefits, Puerto Rico block 

grant exempt from work registration for selected persons with young children

Incentives for error rate reduction, limits student eligibility, benefits rounded down, job search requirements, 

Puerto Rico cashout prohibited. Household unit definition altered. No initial month benefits less than $10. SSU 

and SS COLA adjustments disregarded up to 3 months. New definition of disabled.

Selected changes include: new definition of disabled, minor changes in treatment of income, tougher work 

requirement provisions, new employment and training provision, Puerto Rico block grant funds, students in 

JTPA exempt from categorical restriction; residents of publicly operated mental health centers may participate

Outreach efforts for homeless persons and other hard-to-serve groups. Simplified application process for these 

groups. Expanded eligibility for expedited source. Moved annual adjustment in income eligibility guidelines to 

October 1 of each year from July 1

Expanded the definition of disabled. Excluded advanced EITC payments as income.

Automatic eligibility expanded to pure GA households. Non-liquid resources and those exempted by AFDC 

and SSI are not counted. Certain types of educational assistance are not counted as income. Rules for student 

eligibility were modified.

All Title IV payments and Bureau of Indian Affairs educational assistance is excluded from food stamp 

countable income (Higher Education Amendments of 1992 (PL 102-325)

Simplifies the household definition by allowing persons who live together but do not purchase and prepare food 

together to be in separate food stamp units. Spouses must still be in the same household. Effective 9/1/94

Children under age 22 living with parents must apply as part of the parents household even if the child is 

married or has children of his/her own.

78
APPENDIX E

UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE SIZES FOR THE FSPQC CASE

RECORDS AND UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE

SIZES FOR THE CPS
81

TABLE E.1

UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE SIZES

FOR THE FSPQC CASE RECORDS

Month/Year FSPQC Case Records

September 1976 11,038

February 1978 14,211

August 1980 4,140

August 1982 7,224

August 1984 6,918

July/August 1986 11,010

July/August 1988 10,695

July/August 1990 10,639

July/August 1991 10,602

July/August 1992 9,586

July/August 1993 9,389

July/August 1994 8,981

July/August 1995 8,426

July/August 1996 8,325

August/September 1997 7,907
82

TABLE E.2 

UNWEIGHTED SAMPLE SIZES

FOR THE CPS

Analysis Year Households Units Households a

Eligible Eligible All

b b

1976 12,276 12,276 68,294

1978 10,122 10,122 68,455

1980 11,372 11,372 81,451

1982 10,335 10,335 73,195

1984 9,719 9,719 74,568

1986 9,953 9,953 73,843

1988 8,751 8,751 70,454

1990 9,348 9,348 75,076

1991 9,714 9,714 74,236

1992 10,280 10,280 73,878

1993 10,172 10,172 73,126

1994 (o) 9,992 9,992 72,152

1994 (r) 8,770 9,312 72,152

1995 7,961 8,130 63,339

 1996 7,761 8,235 64,046

1997 7,242 9,723 64,659

There are two estimates for 1994 due to the revised methodology for determining food stamp eligibility. This a

new methodology incorporates a new asset test algorithm, an improved food stamp unit definition, and an

enhanced pure PA unit definition. The original estimate (o) is based on the methodology employed in all

previous trends studies, while the revised estimate (r) is based on the new methodology.

The sample sizes of eligible households and of eligible units are identical under the methodology employed b

from 1976 until 1994(o) because only one unit could exist per household. Under the revised methodology that

is used in 1994(r) and 1995, some households are simulated to form multiple units. 
APPENDIX F

NUMBERS OF FSP PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBLES

USED TO CALCULATE PARTICIPATION RATES

IN 1994 THROUGH 1997
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 27,515,146 26,437,020 36,669,396 72.10% 26,437 36,669 72.10%

Food Stamp Units 11,010,693 10,693,829 15,945,479 67.06% 10,694 15,945 67.06%

Benefits 1,811,885,588 1,780,629,681 2,200,066,003 80.94% 1,780,630 2,200,066 80.94%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.50 2.47 2.30

Average Per Capita Benefit 65.85 67.35 60.00

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 3,766,171 3,657,789 6,647,624 55.02% 3,658 6,648 55.02%

 2 People 2,630,040 2,554,353 3,744,379 68.22% 2,554 3,744 68.22%

 3 People 2,003,896 1,946,228 2,309,500 84.27% 1,946 2,310 84.27%

 4 People 1,410,472 1,369,882 1,731,059 79.14% 1,370 1,731 79.14%

 5 People 687,849 668,054 887,064 75.31% 668 887 75.31%

 6 or More People 512,265 497,523 625,853 79.50% 498 626 79.50%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 11,010,693 10,693,829 15,945,479

1994 PARTICIPATION RATES

TABLE F.1

1994 Participaton Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Total Individuals W/O Missing 27488533

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1958122 1,960,018 1,883,218 5,686,159 33.12% 1,883 5,686 33.12%

 Living Alone 1302992 1,308,258 1,256,997 3,197,655 39.31% 1,257 3,198 39.31%

 Living with Others 655130 655,603 629,914 2,488,504 25.31% 630 2,489 25.31%

 Children Under Age 18 13954718 13,969,265 13,421,907 15,758,154 85.17% 13,422 15,758 85.17%

 Preschool 5255112 5,270,929 5,064,398 5,195,196 97.48% 5,064 5,195 97.48%

 School-age 8699606 8,705,599 8,364,487 10,562,958 79.19% 8,364 10,563 79.19%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 11575693 11,589,000 11,134,908 15,225,083 73.14% 11,135 15,225 73.14%

 Missing Age 26613.37 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 27515146.37 36,669,396

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3560543 5,281,751 5,074,796 8,785,016 57.77% 5,075 8,785 57.77%

 Less than 12 years 2419325 3,588,855 3,448,233 6,440,066 53.54% 3,448 6,440 53.54%

 Missing Education 5595825 0 0 1

Total Number of Adults 11575693 15,225,083

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 2162169 2,209,792 2,123,206 4,822,351 44.03% 2,123 4,822 44.03%

 Unemployed 1198397 1,224,793 1,176,801 1,727,300 68.13% 1,177 1,727 68.13%

 Not in the Labor Force 7965659 8,141,108 7,822,115 8,675,432 90.16% 7,822 8,675 90.16%

 Missing Employment Status 249468 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 11575693 15,225,083

1994 Participaton Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 11531167 11,680,875 11,223,183 16,680,837 67.28% 11,223 16,681 67.28%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 8920209 9,036,019 8,681,960 10,543,870 82.34% 8,682 10,544 82.34%

 Hispanic Head 5270068 5,338,489 5,129,310 8,227,879 62.34% 5,129 8,228 62.34%

 Other Head 1436476 1,455,126 1,398,109 1,216,811 114.90% 1,398 1,217 114.90%

 Missing Race or Head 357225.74 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 27515145.74 36,669,397

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 13,571,993 13,040,201 14,540,219 89.68% 13,040 14,540 89.68%

 One Female with Kids 12,912,141 12,406,204 12,406 0

 One Male with Kids 659,852 633,997 634 0

 Two or More Adults with Kids 8,274,912 7,950,676 11,296,136 70.38% 7,951 11,296 70.38%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 5,124,826 4,924,020 10,750,392 45.80% 4,924 10,750 45.80%

 Kids Only 543,415 522,123 82,649 522 83

Total Number of Individuals 27,515,146 36,669,396

Gender of Individual

 Male 11,476,315 11,026,638 15,030,533 73.36% 11,027 15,031 73.36%

 Female 16,038,832 15,410,382 21,638,863 71.22% 15,410 21,639 71.22%

Total Number of Individuals 27,515,147 36,669,396

1994 Participaton Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 24,713,589 23,745,236 27,923,970 85.04% 23,745 27,924 85.04%

 0 % 1,702,001 1,635,311 4,079,014 40.09% 1,635 4,079 40.09%

 1-50 % 9,846,563 9,460,745 10,276,286 92.06% 9,461 10,276 92.06%

 51-100% 13,165,025 12,649,179 13,568,670 93.22% 12,649 13,569 93.22%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 2,801,558 2,691,784 8,745,426 30.78% 2,692 8,745 30.78%

 101-130 % 2,675,517 2,570,682 7,037,580 36.53% 2,571 7,038 36.53%

 131 % or More 126,041 121,102 1,707,846 7.09% 121 1,708 7.09%

Total Number of Individuals 27,515,147 36,669,396

Monthly Unit Benefit

 $10 or Less 639,782 614,713 3,149,772 19.52% 615 3,150 19.52%

 $11-25 627,905 603,301 1,012,222 59.60% 603 1,012 59.60%

 $26-50 1,093,818 1,050,959 2,051,994 51.22% 1,051 2,052 51.22%

 $51-75 1,210,509 1,163,078 1,966,804 59.14% 1,163 1,967 59.14%

 $76-100 1,252,781 1,203,693 2,212,377 54.41% 1,204 2,212 54.41%

 $101-150 4,041,420 3,883,065 5,435,567 71.44% 3,883 5,436 71.44%

 $151-200 3,778,866 3,630,799 4,017,158 90.38% 3,631 4,017 90.38%

 $ 201 or More 14,870,066 14,287,412 16,823,501 84.93% 14,287 16,824 84.93%

Total Number of Individuals 27,515,147 36,669,395

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,742,252 2,634,802 6,937,143 37.98% 2,635 6,937 37.98%

 26 - 50 % 4,678,650 4,495,326 6,927,605 64.89% 4,495 6,928 64.89%

 51 - 75 % 7,492,559 7,198,978 7,807,671 92.20% 7,199 7,808 92.20%

 76 - 99 % 7,765,943 7,461,650 7,115,617 104.86% 7,462 7,116 104.86%

 100 % 4,835,742 4,646,263 7,881,360 58.95% 4,646 7,881 58.95%

Total Number of Individuals 27,515,146 36,669,396

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 7,930,452 7,619,713 14,138,294 53.89% 7,620 14,138 53.89%

 Unemployment Compensation 638,098 613,095 1,638,774 37.41% 613 1,639 37.41%

 AFDC Benefits 13,826,801 13,285,025 11,301,049 117.56% 13,285 11,301 117.56%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 3,921,645 3,767,983 3,442,702 109.45% 3,768 3,443 109.45%

1994 Participaton Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 25,882,666 25,299,091 35,663,485 70.94% 25,299 35,663 70.94%

Food Stamp Units 10,610,477 10,377,506 15,544,496 66.76% 10,378 15,544 66.76%

Benefits 1,794,924,230 1,752,232,031 2,175,871,357 80.53% 1,752,232 2,175,871 80.53%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.44 2.44 2.29

Average Per Capita Benefit 69.35 69.26 61.01

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 3,842,171 3,757,810 6,456,479 58.20% 3,758 6,456 58.20%

 2 People 2,434,926 2,381,463 3,751,952 63.47% 2,381 3,752 63.47%

 3 People 1,963,071 1,919,968 2,252,642 85.23% 1,920 2,253 85.23%

 4 People 1,305,484 1,276,820 1,575,233 81.06% 1,277 1,575 81.06%

 5 People 633,978 620,058 861,620 71.96% 620 862 71.96%

 6 or More People 430,848 421,388 646,569 65.17% 421 647 65.17%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 10,610,478 10,377,507 15,544,495

1995 PARTICIPATION RATES

TABLE F.2

 1995 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1,755,479 1,757,292 1,717,670 5,516,951 31.13% 1,718 5,517 31.13%

 Living Alone 1,237,376 1,238,654 1,210,726 3,129,408 38.69% 1,211 3,129 38.69%

 Living with Others 518,103 518,638 506,944 2,387,543 21.23% 507 2,388 21.23%

 Children Under Age 18 13,176,682 13,190,290 12,892,889 15,112,091 85.32% 12,893 15,112 85.32%

 Preschool 4,682,614 4,687,450 4,581,762 4,850,790 94.45% 4,582 4,851 94.45%

 School-age 8,494,068 8,502,840 8,311,127 10,261,301 80.99% 8,311 10,261 80.99%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 10,923,803 10,935,084 10,688,531 15,034,442 71.09% 10,689 15,034 71.09%

 Missing Age 26,702 0 0 1

Total Number of Individuals 25,882,666 25,882,666 25,299,091 35,663,485

ABAWD/Alien Status

 ABAWD 1,018,052 995,098 1,533,116 64.91% 995 1,533 64.91%

 Permanent Resident Alien 1,361,409 1,330,713 3,693,401 36.03% 1,331 3,693 36.03%

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3,789,324 6,759,318 6,606,916 8,552,569 77.25% 6,607 8,553 77.25%

 Less than 12 years* 2,334,641 4,164,485 4,070,588 6,481,874 62.80% 4,071 6,482 62.80%

 Missing Education* 4,799,838 0 0 -1

Total Number of Adults 10,923,803 10,923,803 10,677,505 15,034,442

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 2,097,806 2,158,132 2,109,473 5,014,546 42.07% 2,109 5,015 42.07%

 Unemployed 1,110,035 1,141,956 1,116,208 1,551,296 71.95% 1,116 1,551 71.95%

 Not in the Labor Force 7,410,609 7,623,715 7,451,823 8,468,600 87.99% 7,452 8,469 87.99%

 Missing Employment Status 305,353 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 10,923,803 10,923,803 10,677,505 15,034,442

 1995 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 10,457,027 10,599,705 10,360,714 15,318,164 67.64% 10,361 15,318 67.64%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 9,069,421 9,193,166 8,985,888 10,305,718 87.19% 8,986 10,306 87.19%

 Hispanic Head 4,635,736 4,698,987 4,593,039 8,436,828 54.44% 4,593 8,437 54.44%

 Other Head 1,372,087 1,390,808 1,359,450 1,602,774 84.82% 1,359 1,603 84.82%

 Missing Race or Head 348,395 0 0 1

Total Number of Individuals 25,882,666 25,882,666 25,299,091 35,663,485

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 13,290,404 12,990,746 13,833,215 93.91% 12,991 13,833 93.91%

 One Female with Kids 12,707,177 12,420,669 12,421

 One Male with Kids 583,227 570,077 570

 Two or More Adults with Kids 7,093,078 6,933,151 11,024,845 62.89% 6,933 11,025 62.89%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 504,343 492,972 10,712,281 4.60% 493 10,712 4.60%

 Kids Only 15,245 14,901 93,144 15 93

 Missing 4,979,596 4,867,322 13,833,215

Total Number of Individuals 25,882,666 20,431,769 35,663,485

Gender of Individual

 Male 10,435,864 10,442,140 10,206,701 14,340,622 71.17% 10,207 14,341 71.17%

 Female 15,431,247 15,440,526 15,092,390 21,322,863 70.78% 15,092 21,323 70.78%

 Missing 15,555 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 25,882,666 25,882,666 25,299,091 35,663,485

 1995 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 23,628,097 23,095,356 27,027,827 85.45% 23,095 27,028 85.45%

 0 % 1,815,511 1,774,577 4,143,984 42.82% 1,775 4,144 42.82%

 1-50 % 9,404,822 9,192,772 9,121,582 100.78% 9,193 9,122 100.78%

 51-100% 12,407,764 12,128,007 13,762,261 88.13% 12,128 13,762 88.13%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 2,254,569 2,203,735 8,635,658 25.52% 2,204 8,636 25.52%

 101-130 % 2,206,151 2,156,409 7,155,386 30.14% 2,156 7,155 30.14%

 131 % or More 48,418 47,326 1,480,272 3.20% 47 1,480 3.20%

Total Number of Individuals 25,882,666 25,299,091 35,663,485

Monthly Unit Benefit

 $10 or Less 548,154 535,795 3,121,842 17.16% 536 3,122 17.16%

 $11-25 537,908 525,780 955,088 55.05% 526 955 55.05%

 $26-50 880,642 860,786 1,764,309 48.79% 861 1,764 48.79%

 $51-75 995,679 973,229 2,047,455 47.53% 973 2,047 47.53%

 $76-100 1,100,286 1,075,478 2,162,621 49.73% 1,075 2,163 49.73%

 $101-150 4,094,440 4,002,123 5,256,028 76.14% 4,002 5,256 76.14%

 $151-200 3,256,245 3,182,827 3,650,648 87.19% 3,183 3,651 87.19%

 $ 201 or More 14,469,312 14,143,073 16,705,494 84.66% 14,143 16,705 84.66%

Total Number of Individuals 25,882,666 25,299,091 35,663,485

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,320,772 2,268,446 6,906,972 32.84% 2,268 6,907 32.84%

 26 - 50 % 4,238,017 4,142,463 6,688,636 61.93% 4,142 6,689 61.93%

 51 - 75 % 6,953,545 6,796,764 8,066,001 84.26% 6,797 8,066 84.26%

 76 - 99 % 7,267,676 7,103,812 6,464,455 109.89% 7,104 6,464 109.89%

 100 % 5,102,656 4,987,607 7,537,421 66.17% 4,988 7,537 66.17%

Total Number of Individuals 25,882,666 25,299,091 35,663,485

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 7,282,276 7,118,083 14,862,658 47.89% 7,118 14,863 47.89%

 Unemployment Compensation 730,175 713,712 1,397,356 51.08% 714 1,397 51.08%

 AFDC Benefits 12,971,512 12,679,044 10,122,242 125.26% 12,679 10,122 125.26%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 3,722,956 3,639,015 3,438,296 105.84% 3,639 3,438 105.84%

 1995 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 5: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDREN

Households with children 20,903,069 20,431,769 24,951,204 81.89% 20,432 24,951 81.89%

Households with zero income 968,377 946,543 2,195,888 43.11% 947 2,196 43.11%

Households with earnings 6,730,320 6,578,572 12,611,420 52.16% 6,579 12,611 52.16%

Households with AFDC/TANF 12,878,228 12,587,863 9,888,785 127.29% 12,588 9,889 127.29%

Households with Social Security 1,565,787 1,530,483 2,567,860 59.60% 1,530 2,568 59.60%

Households with non-elderly SSI 2,577,542 2,519,426 2,217,514 113.61% 2,519 2,218 113.61%

Households with elderly SSI 197,989 193,525 133,571 144.89% 194 134 144.89%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 19,217,592 18,784,294 19,911,729 94.34% 18,784 19,912 94.34%

 0 % 968,377 946,543 2,350,495 40.27% 947 2,350 40.27%

 1-50 % 8,646,357 8,451,408 7,892,027 107.09% 8,451 7,892 107.09%

 51-100% 9,602,858 9,386,343 9,669,207 97.07% 9,386 9,669 97.07%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 1,685,477 1,647,475 5,039,475 32.69% 1,647 5,039 32.69%

 101-130 % 1,678,526 1,640,680 4,544,687 36.10% 1,641 4,545 36.10%

 131 % or More 6,951 6,794 494,788 1.37% 7 495 1.37%

Total Number of Individuals 20,903,069 20,431,769 24,951,204 81.89% 20,432 24,951 81.89%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 19,993,474 19,542,682 21,434,047 91.18% 19,543 21,434 91.18%

 0 % 14,172,750 13,853,198 12,341,237 112.25% 13,853 12,341 112.25%

 1-50 % 2,362,111 2,308,853 2,863,253 80.64% 2,309 2,863 80.64%

 51-100% 3,458,613 3,380,632 6,229,557 54.27% 3,381 6,230 54.27%

 101-130 % 909,595 889,086 3,329,925 26.70% 889 3,330 26.70%

 131 % or More 0 0 187,232 0.00% 0 187 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 20,903,069 20,431,769 24,951,204 81.89% 20,432 24,951 81.89%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 13,176,681 12,879,587 15,112,091 85.23% 12,880 15,112 85.23%

Adult age 18-59 7,572,980 7,402,232 9,561,485 77.42% 7,402 9,561 77.42%

Elderly age 60 or over 135,097 132,051 277,628 47.56% 132 278 47.56%

 Missing Age 18,311 17,898 0 #DIV/0! 18 0 #DIV/0!

Total Number of Individuals 20,903,069 20,431,769 24,951,204 81.89% 20,432 24,951 81.89%

 1995 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households without children 4,979,597 4,867,322 10,712,281 45.44% 4,867 10,712 45.44%

Households with zero income 843,900 824,873 1,712,591 48.17% 825 1,713 48.17%

Households with earnings 551,956 539,511 2,251,238 23.97% 540 2,251 23.97%

Households with AFDC/TANF 93,284 91,181 233,457 39.06% 91 233 39.06%

Households with Social Security 1,829,656 1,788,403 5,514,823 32.43% 1,788 5,515 32.43%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,145,414 1,119,588 1,220,782 91.71% 1,120 1,221 91.71%

Households with elderly SSI 1,088,973 1,064,420 1,174,175 90.65% 1,064 1,174 90.65%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 4,410,505 4,311,062 7,116,099 60.58% 4,311 7,116 60.58%

 0 % 847,134 828,034 1,793,490 46.17% 828 1,793 46.17%

 1-50 % 758,465 741,364 1,229,555 60.30% 741 1,230 60.30%

 51-100% 2,804,906 2,741,664 4,093,054 66.98% 2,742 4,093 66.98%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 569,092 556,261 3,596,183 15.47% 556 3,596 15.47%

 101-130 % 527,626 515,730 2,610,699 19.75% 516 2,611 19.75%

 131 % or More 41,466 40,531 985,484 4.11% 41 985 4.11%

Total Number of Individuals 4,979,597 4,867,322 10,712,282 45.44% 4,867 10,712 45.44%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 4,883,775 4,773,661 9,846,877 48.48% 4,774 9,847 48.48%

 0 % 4,427,641 4,327,811 8,465,736 51.12% 4,328 8,466 51.12%

 1-50 % 245,346 239,814 537,882 44.58% 240 538 44.58%

 51-100% 210,788 206,035 843,259 24.43% 206 843 24.43%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 95,823 93,662 865,404 10.82% 94 865 10.82%

 101-130 % 94,252 92,127 695,241 13.25% 92 695 13.25%

 131 % or More 1,571 1,536 170,163 0.90% 2 170 0.90%

Total Number of Individuals 4,979,598 4,867,323 10,712,281 45.44% 4,867 10,712 45.44%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Adult age 18-59 3,350,823 3,275,272 5,472,957 59.84% 3,275 5,473 59.84%

Elderly age 60 or over 1,620,383 1,583,848 5,239,324 30.23% 1,584 5,239 30.23%

 Missing Age 8,392 8,203 0 0.00% 8 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,979,598 4,867,323 10,712,281 45.44% 4,867 10,712 45.44%

 1995 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 25,265,403 24,272,688 35,662,325 68.06% 24,273 35,662 68.06%

Food Stamp Units 10,324,950 10,064,497 15,894,054 63.32% 10,064 15,894 63.32%

Benefits 1,769,765,921 1,736,783,607 2,227,615,700 77.97% 1,736,784 2,227,616 77.97%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.45 2.41 2.24

Average Per Capita Benefit 70.05 71.55 62.46

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 3,738,985 3,644,667 6,787,454 53.70% 3,645 6,787 53.70%

 2 People 2,365,767 2,306,089 3,871,903 59.56% 2,306 3,872 59.56%

 3 People 1,887,672 1,840,054 2,297,164 80.10% 1,840 2,297 80.10%

 4 People 1,270,580 1,238,529 1,485,218 83.39% 1,239 1,485 83.39%

 5 People 633,045 617,076 844,655 73.06% 617 845 73.06%

 6 or More People 428,902 418,083 607,660 68.80% 418 608 68.80%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 10,324,951 10,064,498 15,894,054

1996 PARTICIPATION RATES

TABLE F.3

 1996 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1,885,473 1,887,588 1,813,422 5,981,954 30.31% 1,813 5,982 30.31%

 Living Alone 1,271,537 1,272,963 1,222,947 3,327,713 36.75% 1,223 3,328 36.75%

 Living with Others 613,936 614,625 590,475 2,654,241 22.25% 590 2,654 22.25%

 Children Under Age 18 12,786,386 12,800,727 12,297,767 14,741,521 83.42% 12,298 14,742 83.42%

 Preschool 4,478,257 4,483,280 4,307,125 4,560,245 94.45% 4,307 4,560 94.45%

 School-age 8,308,129 8,317,447 7,990,642 10,181,276 78.48% 7,991 10,181 78.48%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 10,565,239 10,577,089 10,161,499 14,938,849 68.02% 10,161 14,939 68.02%

 Missing Age 28,305 0 0 1

Total Number of Individuals 25,265,403 25,265,403 24,272,688 35,662,325

ABAWD/Alien Status

 ABAWD 870,131 835,942 1,496,784 55.85% 836 1,497 55.85%

 Permanent Resident Alien 1,372,818 1,318,878 3,503,445 37.65% 1,319 3,503 37.65%

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3,942,653 6,259,305 6,013,368 8,537,968 70.43% 6,013 8,538 70.43%

 Less than 12 years* 2,719,714 4,317,783 4,148,131 6,400,881 64.81% 4,148 6,401 64.81%

 Missing Education* 3,914,722 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 10,577,089 10,577,089 10,161,499 14,938,849

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 2,082,293 2,143,374 2,059,158 5,029,817 40.94% 2,059 5,030 40.94%

 Unemployed 988,493 1,017,489 977,510 1,516,777 64.45% 978 1,517 64.45%

 Not in the Labor Force 7,204,880 7,416,225 7,124,831 8,392,255 84.90% 7,125 8,392 84.90%

 Missing Employment Status 301,423 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 10,577,089 10,577,089 10,161,499 14,938,849

 1996 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 10,488,647 10,607,765 10,190,971 15,597,777 65.34% 10,191 15,598 65.34%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 8,604,963 8,702,689 8,360,747 10,006,590 83.55% 8,361 10,007 83.55%

 Hispanic Head 4,607,429 4,659,755 4,476,666 8,485,461 52.76% 4,477 8,485 52.76%

 Other Head 1,280,650 1,295,194 1,244,304 1,572,496 79.13% 1,244 1,572 79.13%

 Missing Race or Head 283,714 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 25,265,403 25,265,403 24,272,688 35,662,325

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 12,505,662 12,014,296 13,509,753 88.93% 12,014 13,510 88.93%

 One Female with Kids 12,033,446 11,560,634 11,561

 One Male with Kids 472,216 453,662 454

 Two or More Adults with Kids 7,277,086 6,991,159 10,884,195 64.23% 6,991 10,884 64.23%

 Married Couple Household 5,293,655 5,085,660 8,392,043 60.60% 5,086 8,392 60.60%

 Other Multiple Adult Household 1,983,431 1,905,499 2,492,151 76.46% 1,905 2,492 76.46%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 4,951,472 4,756,921 11,167,727 42.60% 4,757 11,168 42.60%

 Kids Only 531,182 510,311 100,651 510 101

Total Number of Individuals 25,265,402 24,272,687 35,662,325

Gender of Individual

 Male 10,056,712 10,059,424 9,664,174 14,412,195 67.06% 9,664 14,412 67.06%

 Female 15,201,880 15,205,979 14,608,514 21,250,130 68.75% 14,609 21,250 68.75%

Missing 6,811 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 25,265,403 25,265,403 24,272,688 35,662,325

 1996 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 22,897,250 21,997,583 26,738,116 82.27% 21,998 26,738 82.27%

 0 % 1,638,741 1,574,352 4,441,099 35.45% 1,574 4,441 35.45%

 1-50 % 8,960,676 8,608,598 9,009,769 95.55% 8,609 9,010 95.55%

 51-100% 12,297,833 11,814,633 13,287,248 88.92% 11,815 13,287 88.92%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 2,368,153 2,275,105 8,924,208 25.49% 2,275 8,924 25.49%

 101-130 % 2,292,379 2,202,308 7,231,471 30.45% 2,202 7,231 30.45%

 131 % or More 75,774 72,797 1,692,737 4.30% 73 1,693 4.30%

Total Number of Individuals 25,265,403 24,272,688 35,662,325

Monthly Unit Benefit

 $10 or Less 651,076 625,495 3,352,018 18.66% 625 3,352 18.66%

 $11-25 640,140 614,988 990,446 62.09% 615 990 62.09%

 $26-50 885,452 850,661 1,800,905 47.24% 851 1,801 47.24%

 $51-75 907,589 871,929 2,051,308 42.51% 872 2,051 42.51%

 $76-100 1,039,433 998,592 1,934,181 51.63% 999 1,934 51.63%

 $101-150 3,666,419 3,522,360 5,519,628 63.82% 3,522 5,520 63.82%

 $151-200 3,185,593 3,060,426 3,454,965 88.58% 3,060 3,455 88.58%

 $ 201 or More 14,289,701 13,728,238 16,558,874 82.91% 13,728 16,559 82.91%

Total Number of Individuals 25,265,403 24,272,688 35,662,325

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,557,482 2,456,995 7,326,169 33.54% 2,457 7,326 33.54%

 26 - 50 % 4,163,637 4,000,042 7,045,305 56.78% 4,000 7,045 56.78%

 51 - 75 % 6,854,811 6,585,475 7,272,620 90.55% 6,585 7,273 90.55%

 76 - 99 % 6,903,951 6,632,685 6,298,900 105.30% 6,633 6,299 105.30%

 100 % 4,785,521 4,597,491 7,719,331 59.56% 4,597 7,719 59.56%

Total Number of Individuals 25,265,402 24,272,687 35,662,325

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 7,435,803 7,143,639 14,988,985 47.66% 7,144 14,989 47.66%

 Unemployment Compensation 488,227 469,044 1,394,415 33.64% 469 1,394 33.64%

 AFDC Benefits 11,947,764 11,478,319 9,209,662 124.63% 11,478 9,210 124.63%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 4,020,884 3,862,898 3,594,457 107.47% 3,863 3,594 107.47%

 1996 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 5: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDREN

Households with children 20,313,931 19,515,767 24,494,598 79.67% 19,516 24,495 79.67%

Households with zero income 870,598 836,391 2,417,614 34.60% 836 2,418 34.60%

Households with earnings 6,954,428 6,681,178 12,749,155 52.40% 6,681 12,749 52.40%

Households with AFDC/TANF 11,831,901 11,367,008 8,904,543 127.65% 11,367 8,905 127.65%

Households with Social Security 1,527,157 1,467,153 2,543,618 57.68% 1,467 2,544 57.68%

Households with non-elderly SSI 2,827,572 2,716,473 2,263,472 120.01% 2,716 2,263 120.01%

Households with elderly SSI 181,037 173,924 217,878 79.83% 174 218 79.83%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 18,478,304 17,752,264 19,354,193 91.72% 17,752 19,354 91.72%

 0 % 875,947 841,530 2,533,601 33.21% 842 2,534 33.21%

 1-50 % 8,251,025 7,926,830 7,799,084 101.64% 7,927 7,799 101.64%

 51-100% 9,351,332 8,983,904 9,021,508 99.58% 8,984 9,022 99.58%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 1,835,627 1,763,503 5,140,406 34.31% 1,764 5,140 34.31%

 101-130 % 1,813,696 1,742,433 4,591,712 37.95% 1,742 4,592 37.95%

 131 % or More 21,931 21,069 548,694 3.84% 21 549 3.84%

Total Number of Individuals 20,313,931 19,515,767 24,494,599 79.67% 19,516 24,495 79.67%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 19,263,600 18,506,705 20,934,836 88.40% 18,507 20,935 88.40%

 0 % 13,359,503 12,834,588 11,753,913 109.19% 12,835 11,754 109.19%

 1-50 % 2,289,762 2,199,794 3,032,552 72.54% 2,200 3,033 72.54%

 51-100% 3,614,335 3,472,322 6,148,371 56.48% 3,472 6,148 56.48%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 1,050,331 1,009,062 3,559,761 28.35% 1,009 3,560 28.35%

 101-130 % 1,032,415 991,850 3,353,821 29.57% 992 3,354 29.57%

 131 % or More 17,916 17,212 205,940 8.36% 17 206 8.36%

Total Number of Individuals 20,313,931 19,515,767 24,494,597 79.67% 19,516 24,495 79.67%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 12,786,386 12,283,990 14,741,521 83.33% 12,284 14,742 83.33%

Adult age 18-59 7,392,752 7,102,280 9,431,359 75.30% 7,102 9,431 75.30%

Elderly age 60 or over 122,806 117,981 321,717 36.67% 118 322 36.67%

 Missing Age 11,987 11,516 0 0.00% 12 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 20,313,931 19,515,767 24,494,597 79.67% 19,516 24,495 79.67%

 1996 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households without children 4,951,472 4,756,921 11,167,727 42.60% 4,757 11,168 42.60%

Households with zero income 759,186 729,356 1,810,962 40.27% 729 1,811 40.27%

Households with earnings 481,375 462,461 2,239,831 20.65% 462 2,240 20.65%

Households with AFDC/TANF 115,863 111,311 305,119 36.48% 111 305 36.48%

Households with Social Security 1,888,910 1,814,692 5,715,137 31.75% 1,815 5,715 31.75%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,193,312 1,146,425 1,330,985 86.13% 1,146 1,331 86.13%

Households with elderly SSI 1,079,490 1,037,075 1,380,203 75.14% 1,037 1,380 75.14%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 4,418,946 4,245,319 7,383,923 57.49% 4,245 7,384 57.49%

 0 % 762,794 732,823 1,907,497 38.42% 733 1,907 38.42%

 1-50 % 709,651 681,768 1,210,686 56.31% 682 1,211 56.31%

 51-100% 2,946,501 2,830,729 4,265,740 66.36% 2,831 4,266 66.36%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 532,526 511,602 3,783,804 13.52% 512 3,784 13.52%

 101-130 % 478,683 459,875 2,639,760 17.42% 460 2,640 17.42%

 131 % or More 53,843 51,727 1,144,044 4.52% 52 1,144 4.52%

Total Number of Individuals 4,951,472 4,756,921 11,167,727 42.60% 4,757 11,168 42.60%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 4,898,886 4,706,402 10,355,100 45.45% 4,706 10,355 45.45%

 0 % 4,471,414 4,295,726 8,938,614 48.06% 4,296 8,939 48.06%

 1-50 % 234,215 225,012 528,538 42.57% 225 529 42.57%

 51-100% 193,257 185,664 887,948 20.91% 186 888 20.91%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 52,587 50,521 812,627 6.22% 51 813 6.22%

 101-130 % 52,587 50,521 635,823 7.95% 51 636 7.95%

 131 % or More 0 0 176,804 0.00% 0 177 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,951,473 4,756,922 11,167,727 42.60% 4,757 11,168 42.60%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Adult age 18-59 3,172,487 3,047,835 5,507,490 55.34% 3,048 5,507 55.34%

Elderly age 60 or over 1,762,666 1,693,408 5,660,237 29.92% 1,693 5,660 29.92%

 Missing Age 16,320 15,679 0 0.00% 16 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,951,473 4,756,922 11,167,727 42.60% 4,757 11,168 42.60%

 1996 Participation Rates
TABLE F.4

1997 PARTICIPATION RATES

QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 21,060,580 20,411,601 32,372,321 63.05% 20,412 32,372 63.05%

Food Stamp Units 8,678,842 8,461,003 15,050,078 56.22% 8,461 15,050 56.22%

Benefits 1,405,327,121 1,407,849,147 2,126,276,566 66.21% 1,407,849 2,126,277 66.21%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.43 2.41 2.15

Average Per Capita Benefit 66.73 68.97 65.68

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 3,321,948 3,238,567 6,955,452 46.56% 3,239 6,955 46.56%

 2 People 1,830,639 1,784,690 3,456,546 51.63% 1,785 3,457 51.63%

 3 People 1,552,477 1,513,510 2,057,331 73.57% 1,514 2,057 73.57%

 4 People 1,065,475 1,038,732 1,394,774 74.47% 1,039 1,395 74.47%

 5 People 563,562 549,416 728,231 75.45% 549 728 75.45%

 6 or More People 344,741 336,088 457,743 73.42% 336 458 73.42%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 8,678,842 8,461,003 15,050,077

 1997 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Total Individuals W/O Missing 21030842

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1,669,902 1,672,263 1,620,733 5,383,630 30.10% 1,621 5,384 30.10%

 Living Alone 1,191,600 1,193,285 1,156,514 3,105,081 37.25% 1,157 3,105 37.25%

 Living with Others 478,302 478,978 464,219 2,278,549 20.37% 464 2,279 20.37%

 Children Under Age 18 10,936,114 10,951,578 10,614,107 14,972,405 70.89% 10,614 14,972 70.89%

 Preschool 3,560,711 3,565,746 3,455,868 4,736,135 72.97% 3,456 4,736 72.97%

 School-age 7,375,403 7,385,832 7,158,239 10,236,270 69.93% 7,158 10,236 69.93%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 8,424,826 8,436,739 8,176,762 12,016,286 68.05% 8,177 12,016 68.05%

 Missing Age 29,738 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 21,060,580 21,060,580 20,411,601 32,372,321

ABAWD/Alien Status

 ABAWD 482,913 468,032 470,709 99.43% 468 471 99.43%

 Permanent Resident Alien 498,976 483,600 678,820 71.24% 484 679 71.24%

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3,394,120 5,096,308 4,939,266 7,416,120 66.60% 4,939 7,416 66.60%

 Less than 12 years* 2,224,713 3,340,431 3,237,496 4,600,166 70.38% 3,237 4,600 70.38%

 Missing Education* 2,817,906 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 8,436,739 8,436,739 8,176,762 12,016,286

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 1,993,273 2,056,151 1,992,791 4,230,957 47.10% 1,993 4,231 47.10%

 Unemployed 1,012,429 1,044,366 1,012,184 1,133,185 89.32% 1,012 1,133 89.32%

 Not in the Labor Force 5,173,037 5,336,221 5,171,787 6,652,144 77.75% 5,172 6,652 77.75%

 Missing Employment Status 258,000 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 8,436,739 8,436,739 8,176,762 12,016,286

 1997 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 9,024,342 9,102,115 8,821,635 14,560,627 60.59% 8,822 14,561 60.59%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 7,463,691 7,528,014 7,296,039 9,028,329 80.81% 7,296 9,028 80.81%

 Hispanic Head 3,560,161 3,590,843 3,480,192 7,572,185 45.96% 3,480 7,572 45.96%

 Other Head 832,434 839,608 813,736 1,211,181 67.19% 814 1,211 67.19%

 Missing Race or Head 179,952 0 0 (1)

Total Number of Individuals 21,060,580 21,060,580 20,411,601 32,372,321

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 10,711,113 10,381,051 13,029,142 79.68% 10,381 13,029 79.68%

 One Female with Kids 10,440,828 10,119,095 10,119

 One Male with Kids 270,285 261,956 262

 Two or More Adults with Kids 5,529,325 5,358,940 7,729,112 69.33% 5,359 7,729 69.33%

 Married Couple Household 3,903,427 3,783,143 5,727,940 66.05% 3,783 5,728 66.05%

 Other Multiple Adult Household 1,625,898 1,575,796 2,001,172 78.74% 1,576 2,001 78.74%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 4,179,085 4,050,307 9,411,340 43.04% 4,050 9,411 43.04%

 Kids Only 641,057 621,303 2,202,727 621 2,203

Total Number of Individuals 21,060,580 20,411,601 32,372,321

Gender of Individual

 Male 8,296,202 8,302,980 8,047,125 13,153,406 61.18% 8,047 13,153 61.18%

 Female 12,747,185 12,757,600 12,364,476 19,218,915 64.33% 12,364 19,219 64.33%

Missing 17,193 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 21,060,580 21,060,580 20,411,601 32,372,321

 1997 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 18,935,251 18,351,764 25,248,580 72.68% 18,352 25,249 72.68%

 0 % 1,142,061 1,106,869 6,469,845 17.11% 1,107 6,470 17.11%

 1-50 % 7,446,952 7,217,475 7,793,499 92.61% 7,217 7,793 92.61%

 51-100% 10,346,238 10,027,420 10,985,236 91.28% 10,027 10,985 91.28%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 2,125,330 2,059,838 7,123,741 28.92% 2,060 7,124 28.92%

 101-130 % 2,066,986 2,003,292 5,810,030 34.48% 2,003 5,810 34.48%

 131 % or More 58,344 56,546 1,313,711 4.30% 57 1,314 4.30%

Total Number of Individuals 21,060,581 20,411,602 32,372,321

Monthly Unit Benefit

 $10 or Less 831,686 806,058 3,298,139 24.44% 806 3,298 24.44%

 $11-25 428,866 415,651 875,334 47.48% 416 875 47.48%

 $26-50 1,005,772 974,779 1,739,685 56.03% 975 1,740 56.03%

 $51-75 978,629 948,472 1,786,455 53.09% 948 1,786 53.09%

 $76-100 1,125,071 1,090,402 1,543,030 70.67% 1,090 1,543 70.67%

 $101-150 2,986,466 2,894,438 5,055,406 57.25% 2,894 5,055 57.25%

 $151-200 2,610,489 2,530,047 2,399,829 105.43% 2,530 2,400 105.43%

 $ 201 or More 11,093,601 10,751,753 15,674,441 68.59% 10,752 15,674 68.59%

Total Number of Individuals 21,060,580 20,411,601 32,372,319

 1997 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,766,809 2,681,550 6,718,401 39.91% 2,682 6,718 39.91%

 26 - 50 % 4,060,571 3,935,445 5,525,232 71.23% 3,935 5,525 71.23%

 51 - 75 % 5,502,242 5,332,691 5,928,510 89.95% 5,333 5,929 89.95%

 76 - 99 % 5,401,298 5,234,858 5,057,993 103.50% 5,235 5,058 103.50%

 100 % 3,329,661 3,227,058 9,142,185 35.30% 3,227 9,142 35.30%

Total Number of Individuals 21,060,581 20,411,602 32,372,321

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 7,349,253 7,122,787 12,010,718 59.30% 7,123 12,011 59.30%

 without TANF Benefits 5,489,211 5,320,062 10,010,334 53.15% 5,320 10,010 53.15%

 with TANF Benefits 1,860,042 1,802,725 2,000,384 90.12% 1,803 2,000 90.12%

 Unemployment Compensation 526,920 510,683 989,346 51.62% 511 989 51.62%

 TANF Benefits 9,212,664 8,928,777 6,961,698 128.26% 8,929 6,962 128.26%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 3,530,763 3,421,963 3,258,211 105.03% 3,422 3,258 105.03%

 Elderly SSI Benefits 1,166,032 1,130,101 1,332,845 84.79% 1,130 1,333 84.79%

 1997 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 5: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDREN

Households with children 16,881,496 16,361,295 20,758,254 78.82% 16,361 20,758 78.82%

Households with zero income 630,840 611,401 2,780,654 21.99% 611 2,781 21.99%

Households with earnings 6,882,832 6,670,739 10,341,463 64.50% 6,671 10,341 64.50%

Households with AFDC/TANF 9,058,008 8,778,887 6,785,984 129.37% 8,779 6,786 129.37%

Households with Social Security 1,521,109 1,474,236 2,245,161 65.66% 1,474 2,245 65.66%

Households with non-elderly SSI 2,502,846 2,425,721 1,989,411 121.93% 2,426 1,989 121.93%

Households with elderly SSI 182,228 176,613 165,879 106.47% 177 166 106.47%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 15,222,081 14,753,015 16,817,742 87.72% 14,753 16,818 87.72%

 0 % 643,550 623,719 2,954,032 21.11% 624 2,954 21.11%

 1-50 % 6,875,357 6,663,494 6,796,792 98.04% 6,663 6,797 98.04%

 51-100% 7,703,174 7,465,802 7,066,918 105.64% 7,466 7,067 105.64%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 1,659,414 1,608,279 3,940,512 40.81% 1,608 3,941 40.81%

 101-130 % 1,653,592 1,602,637 3,563,281 44.98% 1,603 3,563 44.98%

 131 % or More 5,822 5,643 377,231 1.50% 6 377 1.50%

Total Number of Individuals 16,881,495 16,361,294 20,758,254 78.82% 16,361 20,758 78.82%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 16,022,365 15,528,638 18,027,687 86.14% 15,529 18,028 86.14%

 0 % 10,008,500 9,700,090 10,425,481 93.04% 9,700 10,425 93.04%

 1-50 % 2,557,546 2,478,736 2,580,567 96.05% 2,479 2,581 96.05%

 51-100% 3,456,319 3,349,813 5,021,639 66.71% 3,350 5,022 66.71%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 859,130 832,656 2,730,567 30.49% 833 2,731 30.49%

 101-130 % 857,211 830,796 2,576,058 32.25% 831 2,576 32.25%

 131 % or More 1,919 1,860 154,509 1.20% 2 155 1.20%

Total Number of Individuals 16,881,495 16,361,294 20,758,254 78.82% 16,361 20,758 78.82%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 10,936,115 10,599,120 12,769,678 83.00% 10,599 12,770 83.00%

Adult age 18-59 5,815,918 5,636,701 7,686,570 73.33% 5,637 7,687 73.33%

Elderly age 60 or over 105,321 102,076 302,006 33.80% 102 302 33.80%

 Missing Age 24,141 23,397 0

Total Number of Individuals 16,881,495 16,361,294 20,758,254 78.82% 16,361 20,758 78.82%

 1997 Participation Rates
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households without children 4,179,086 4,050,308 9,411,340 43.04% 4,050 9,411 43.04%

Households with zero income 497,822 482,482 1,316,469 36.65% 482 1,316 36.65%

Households with earnings 466,421 452,048 1,662,248 27.19% 452 1,662 27.19%

Households with AFDC/TANF 154,655 149,889 175,714 85.30% 150 176 85.30%

Households with Social Security 1,732,941 1,679,541 5,251,518 31.98% 1,680 5,252 31.98%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,027,917 996,242 1,268,000 78.57% 996 1,268 78.57%

Households with elderly SSI 983,804 953,488 1,166,967 81.71% 953 1,167 81.71%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,713,170 3,598,749 6,229,120 57.77% 3,599 6,229 57.77%

 0 % 498,511 483,149 1,373,594 35.17% 483 1,374 35.17%

 1-50 % 571,595 553,981 964,291 57.45% 554 964 57.45%

 51-100% 2,643,064 2,561,618 3,891,235 65.83% 2,562 3,891 65.83%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 465,916 451,559 3,182,219 14.19% 452 3,182 14.19%

 101-130 % 413,394 400,655 2,245,739 17.84% 401 2,246 17.84%

 131 % or More 52,522 50,904 936,480 5.44% 51 936 5.44%

Total Number of Individuals 4,179,086 4,050,308 9,411,339 43.04% 4,050 9,411 43.04%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 4,142,331 4,014,686 8,712,656 46.08% 4,015 8,713 46.08%

 0 % 3,712,986 3,598,571 7,752,000 46.42% 3,599 7,752 46.42%

 1-50 % 297,081 287,926 321,946 89.43% 288 322 89.43%

 51-100% 132,264 128,188 638,710 20.07% 128 639 20.07%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 36,754 35,621 698,683 5.10% 36 699 5.10%

 101-130 % 35,429 34,337 569,818 6.03% 34 570 6.03%

 131 % or More 1,325 1,284 128,865 1.00% 1 129 1.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,179,085 4,050,307 9,411,339 43.04% 4,050 9,411 43.04%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 0 0 0

Adult age 18-59 2,608,908 2,528,515 4,329,716 58.40% 2,529 4,330 58.40%

Elderly age 60 or over 1,564,582 1,516,370 5,081,624 29.84% 1,516 5,082 29.84%

 Missing Age 5,595 5,423 (1)

Total Number of Individuals 4,179,085 4,050,307 9,411,339 43.04% 4,050 9,411 43.04%

 1997 Participation Rates
APPENDIX G

NUMBERS OF FSP PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBLES

USED TO CALCULATE PARTICIPATION RATES

FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ALIENS OR ABAWDS

IN 1994 THROUGH 1997
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,595 76.45% 21,739 28,437 76.45%

Food Stamp Units 8,923,993 8,667,180 12,713,767 68.17% 8,667 12,714 68.17%

Benefits 1,472,135,211 1,446,740,163 1,671,083,111 86.57% 1,446,740 1,671,083 86.57%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.54 2.51 2.24

Average Per Capita Benefit 65.07 66.55 58.77

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 2,799,043 2,718,493 5,477,810 49.63% 2,718 5,478 49.63%

 2 People 2,200,228 2,136,910 2,914,399 73.32% 2,137 2,914 73.32%

 3 People 1,773,698 1,722,655 1,914,795 89.97% 1,723 1,915 89.97%

 4 People 1,223,960 1,188,737 1,335,246 89.03% 1,189 1,335 89.03%

 5 People 568,195 551,844 673,083 81.99% 552 673 81.99%

 6 or More People 358,869 348,542 398,434 87.48% 349 398 87.48%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 8,923,993 8,667,180 12,713,767

1994 PARTICIPATION RATES

TABLE G.1

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1,586,469 1,588,116 1,525,889 5,142,762 29.67% 1,526 5,143 29.67%

 Living Alone 1,122,418 1,123,583 1,079,558 3,077,491 35.08% 1,080 3,077 35.08%

 Living with Others 464,052 464,534 446,332 2,065,271 21.61% 446 2,065 21.61%

 Children Under Age 18 12,012,229 12,024,701 11,553,537 12,627,437 91.50% 11,554 12,627 91.50%

 Preschool 4,587,668 4,592,431 4,412,486 4,131,178 106.81% 4,412 4,131 106.81%

 School-age 7,424,561 7,432,270 7,141,051 8,496,259 84.05% 7,141 8,496 84.05%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 9,003,397 9,012,745 8,659,598 10,666,396 81.19% 8,660 10,666 81.19%

 Missing Age 23,467 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 22,625,562 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,595

ABAWD/Alien Status

 ABAWD 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

 Permanent Resident Alien 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3,026,214 5,485,283 5,270,353 6,682,553 78.87% 5,270 6,683 78.87%

 Less than 12 years* 1,946,090 3,527,462 3,389,245 3,983,843 85.07% 3,389 3,984 85.07%

 Missing Education* 4,040,441 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 9,012,745 9,012,745 8,659,598 10,666,396

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 1,758,333 1,800,765 1,730,205 3,403,256 50.84% 1,730 3,403 50.84%

 Unemployed 798,038 817,296 785,272 1,111,221 70.67% 785 1,111 70.67%

 Not in the Labor Force 6,244,005 6,394,684 6,144,121 6,151,918 99.87% 6,144 6,152 99.87%

 Missing Employment Status 212,369 0 0 1

Total Number of Adults 9,012,745 9,012,745 8,659,598 10,666,396

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 10,587,410 10,700,878 10,281,585 14,938,643 68.83% 10,282 14,939 68.83%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 8,130,135 8,217,268 7,895,290 9,794,381 80.61% 7,895 9,794 80.61%

 Hispanic Head 3,144,426 3,178,126 3,053,597 3,211,539 95.08% 3,054 3,212 95.08%

 Other Head 523,679 529,291 508,552 492,032 103.36% 509 492 103.36%

 Missing Race or Head 239,912 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 22,625,562 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,595

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 12,187,816 11,710,260 12,979,187 90.22% 11,710 12,979 90.22%

 One Female with Kids 11,749,802 11,289,409 11,289

 One Male with Kids 438,014 420,851 421

 Two or More Adults with Kids 6,513,929 6,258,694 7,456,124 83.94% 6,259 7,456 83.94%

 Married Couple Household 4,695,321 4,511,344 5,656,267 79.76% 4,511 5,656 79.76%

 Other Multiple Adult Household 1,818,608 1,747,349 1,799,857 97.08% 1,747 1,800 97.08%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 3,389,822 3,256,999 7,931,279 41.07% 3,257 7,931 41.07%

 Kids Only 533,995 513,071 70,006 513 70

Total Number of Individuals 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,596

Gender of Individual

 Male 9,137,083 9,137,083 8,779,064 11,210,093 78.31% 8,779 11,210 78.31%

 Female 13,488,480 13,488,479 12,959,960 17,226,502 75.23% 12,960 17,227 75.23%

Missing (1) 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 22,625,562 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,595

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 20,314,305 19,518,329 21,487,024 90.84% 19,518 21,487 90.84%

 0 % 928,336 891,961 2,725,540 32.73% 892 2,726 32.73%

 1-50 % 8,637,241 8,298,808 8,234,646 100.78% 8,299 8,235 100.78%

 51-100% 10,748,728 10,327,560 10,526,838 98.11% 10,328 10,527 98.11%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 2,311,257 2,220,695 6,949,571 31.95% 2,221 6,950 31.95%

 101-130 % 2,205,514 2,119,095 5,450,513 38.88% 2,119 5,451 38.88%

 131 % or More 105,743 101,600 1,499,058 6.78% 102 1,499 6.78%

Total Number of Individuals 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,595

Monthly Unit Benefit

 $10 or Less 592,478 569,263 2,932,513 19.41% 569 2,933 19.41%

 $11-25 582,721 559,888 962,099 58.19% 560 962 58.19%

 $26-50 921,679 885,565 1,659,586 53.36% 886 1,660 53.36%

 $51-75 1,016,891 977,046 1,604,203 60.91% 977 1,604 60.91%

 $76-100 1,098,497 1,055,455 1,616,298 65.30% 1,055 1,616 65.30%

 $101-150 2,982,427 2,865,566 4,080,256 70.23% 2,866 4,080 70.23%

 $151-200 3,080,464 2,959,762 2,588,580 114.34% 2,960 2,589 114.34%

 $ 201 or More 12,350,405 11,866,479 12,993,061 91.33% 11,866 12,993 91.33%

Total Number of Individuals 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,596

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,374,511 2,281,470 5,985,543 38.12% 2,281 5,986 38.12%

 26 - 50 % 4,023,821 3,866,155 5,184,072 74.58% 3,866 5,184 74.58%

 51 - 75 % 5,856,973 5,627,479 5,751,421 97.85% 5,627 5,751 97.85%

 76 - 99 % 6,897,065 6,626,817 5,995,411 110.53% 6,627 5,995 110.53%

 100 % 3,473,192 3,337,102 5,520,148 60.45% 3,337 5,520 60.45%

Total Number of Individuals 22,625,562 21,739,024 28,436,595

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 6,384,581 6,134,414 9,998,117 61.36% 6,134 9,998 61.36%

 without TANF Benefits 4,865,232 4,674,597 8,038,699 58.15% 4,675 8,039 58.15%

 with TANF Benefits 1,519,349 1,459,816 1,959,418 74.50% 1,460 1,959 74.50%

 Unemployment Compensation 395,955 380,440 1,198,901 31.73% 380 1,199 31.73%

 AFDC Benefits 11,867,404 11,402,403 9,666,360 117.96% 11,402 9,666 117.96%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 3,586,995 3,446,446 3,229,062 106.73% 3,446 3,229 106.73%

 Elderly SSI Benefits 1,087,931 1,045,303 1,213,774 86.12% 1,045 1,214 86.12%

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 5: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDREN

Households with single parents 12,187,816 11,710,260 12,979,187 90.22% 11,710 12,979 90.22%

Households with zero income 273,707 262,982 1,263,436 20.81% 263 1,263 20.81%

Households with no earnings 9,623,072 9,246,011 8,829,055 104.72% 9,246 8,829 104.72%

Households with earnings 2,564,744 2,464,250 4,150,132 59.38% 2,464 4,150 59.38%

Households with AFDC/TANF 9,093,733 8,737,413 7,467,590 117.00% 8,737 7,468 117.00%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 890,760 855,857 1,213,773 70.51% 856 1,214 70.51%

Households with Social Security 763,588 733,668 1,087,854 67.44% 734 1,088 67.44%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,496,019 1,437,400 1,278,465 112.43% 1,437 1,278 112.43%

Households with elderly SSI 74,555 71,634 32,648 219.41% 72 33 219.41%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 11,336,593 10,892,391 10,993,828 99.08% 10,892 10,994 99.08%

 0 % 273,707 262,982 1,329,397 19.78% 263 1,329 19.78%

 1-50 % 6,061,840 5,824,319 5,527,128 105.38% 5,824 5,527 105.38%

 51-100% 5,001,046 4,805,090 4,137,303 116.14% 4,805 4,137 116.14%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 851,224 817,870 1,985,359 41.20% 818 1,985 41.20%

 101-130 % 817,952 785,902 1,533,889 51.24% 786 1,534 51.24%

 131 % or More 33,272 31,968 451,470 7.08% 32 451 7.08%

Total Number of Individuals 12,187,817 11,710,261 12,979,187 90.22% 11,710 12,979 90.22%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 11,843,126 11,379,076 11,693,478 97.31% 11,379 11,693 97.31%

 0 % 9,624,162 9,247,058 8,834,213 104.67% 9,247 8,834 104.67%

 1-50 % 1,005,613 966,210 993,267 97.28% 966 993 97.28%

 51-100% 1,213,351 1,165,808 1,865,998 62.48% 1,166 1,866 62.48%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 344,691 331,185 1,285,710 25.76% 331 1,286 25.76%

 101-130 % 344,691 331,185 1,126,859 29.39% 331 1,127 29.39%

 131 % or More 0 0 158,851 0.00% 0 159 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 12,187,817 11,710,261 12,979,188 90.22% 11,710 12,979 90.22%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 8,085,351 7,768,542 8,669,437 89.61% 7,769 8,669 89.61%

Adult age 18-59 4,042,034 3,883,655 4,224,135 91.94% 3,884 4,224 91.94%

Elderly age 60 or over 52,582 50,522 85,615 59.01% 51 86 59.01%

 Missing Age 7,850 7,542 1 754241.32% 8 0 754241.32%

Total Number of Individuals 12,187,817 11,710,261 12,979,188 90.22% 11,710 12,979 90.22%

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households with married-couple parents 4,695,321 4,511,344 5,656,267 79.76% 4,511 5,656 79.76%

Households with zero income 220,003 211,383 308,498 68.52% 211 308 68.52%

Households with no earnings 1,846,805 1,774,442 1,919,866 92.43% 1,774 1,920 92.43%

Households with earnings 2,848,516 2,736,903 3,736,400 73.25% 2,737 3,736 73.25%

Households with AFDC/TANF 1,503,789 1,444,866 1,522,013 94.93% 1,445 1,522 94.93%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 362,670 348,459 538,038 64.76% 348 538 64.76%

Households with Social Security 493,582 474,242 653,612 72.56% 474 654 72.56%

Households with non-elderly SSI 597,075 573,680 592,111 96.89% 574 592 96.89%

Households with elderly SSI 35,521 34,129 17,243 197.93% 34 17 197.93%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,946,858 3,792,208 4,048,610 93.67% 3,792 4,049 93.67%

 0 % 221,691 213,004 334,224 63.73% 213 334 63.73%

 1-50 % 1,277,570 1,227,511 1,266,409 96.93% 1,228 1,266 96.93%

 51-100% 2,447,597 2,351,693 2,447,977 96.07% 2,352 2,448 96.07%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 748,464 719,137 1,607,656 44.73% 719 1,608 44.73%

 101-130 % 748,464 719,137 1,470,186 48.91% 719 1,470 48.91%

 131 % or More 0 0 137,470 0.00% 0 137 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,695,322 4,511,345 5,656,266 79.76% 4,511 5,656 79.76%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 4,157,646 3,994,737 4,393,459 90.92% 3,995 4,393 90.92%

 0 % 1,848,493 1,776,063 1,920,413 92.48% 1,776 1,920 92.48%

 1-50 % 868,149 834,132 726,956 114.74% 834 727 114.74%

 51-100% 1,441,004 1,384,541 1,746,090 79.29% 1,385 1,746 79.29%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 537,675 516,607 1,262,808 40.91% 517 1,263 40.91%

 101-130 % 537,675 516,607 1,200,575 43.03% 517 1,201 43.03%

 131 % or More 0 0 62,233 0.00% 0 62 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,695,321 4,511,344 5,656,267 79.76% 4,511 5,656 79.76%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 2,511,501 2,413,093 3,010,507 80.16% 2,413 3,011 80.16%

Adult age 18-59 2,149,306 2,065,090 2,551,924 80.92% 2,065 2,552 80.92%

Elderly age 60 or over 31,406 30,175 93,835 32.16% 30 94 32.16%

 Missing Age 3,108 2,986 1 298621.91% 3 0 298621.91%

Total Number of Individuals 4,695,321 4,511,344 5,656,267 79.76% 4,511 5,656 79.76%

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Other multiple-adult households with children 1,818,608 1,747,349 1,799,857 97.08% 1,747 1,800 97.08%

Households with zero income 37,374 35,910 149,150 24.08% 36 149 24.08%

Households with no earnings 1,179,668 1,133,445 890,114 127.34% 1,133 890 127.34%

Households with earnings 638,940 613,904 909,743 67.48% 614 910 67.48%

Households with AFDC/TANF 1,171,320 1,125,424 507,686 221.68% 1,125 508 221.68%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 262,203 251,929 171,330 147.04% 252 171 147.04%

Households with Social Security 361,254 347,099 351,818 98.66% 347 352 98.66%

Households with non-elderly SSI 558,019 536,154 361,952 148.13% 536 362 148.13%

Households with elderly SSI 104,585 100,487 45,934 218.76% 100 46 218.76%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,647,429 1,582,878 1,409,753 112.28% 1,583 1,410 112.28%

 0 % 37,374 35,910 149,702 23.99% 36 150 23.99%

 1-50 % 784,686 753,940 571,837 131.85% 754 572 131.85%

 51-100% 825,369 793,029 688,214 115.23% 793 688 115.23%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 171,180 164,473 390,103 42.16% 164 390 42.16%

 101-130 % 171,180 164,473 380,660 43.21% 164 381 43.21%

 131 % or More 0 0 9,443 0.00% 0 9 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,818,609 1,747,350 1,799,856 97.08% 1,747 1,800 97.08%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,781,880 1,712,061 1,550,414 110.43% 1,712 1,550 110.43%

 0 % 1,179,668 1,133,445 891,750 127.10% 1,133 892 127.10%

 1-50 % 240,866 231,428 286,613 80.75% 231 287 80.75%

 51-100% 361,346 347,187 372,051 93.32% 347 372 93.32%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 36,729 35,290 249,443 14.15% 35 249 14.15%

 101-130 % 36,729 35,290 247,688 14.25% 35 248 14.25%

 131 % or More 0 0 1,755 0.00% 0 2 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,818,609 1,747,350 1,799,857 97.08% 1,747 1,800 97.08%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 881,382 846,847 877,487 96.51% 847 877 96.51%

Adult age 18-59 900,256 864,981 866,706 99.80% 865 867 99.80%

Elderly age 60 or over 35,954 34,545 55,664 62.06% 35 56 62.06%

 Missing Age 1,017 977 0 0.00% 1 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,818,609 1,747,350 1,799,857 97.08% 1,747 1,800 97.08%

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households without children 3,389,822 3,256,999 7,931,279 41.07% 3,257 7,931 41.07%

Households with zero income 247,995 238,278 808,517 29.47% 238 809 29.47%

Households with no earnings 3,120,167 2,997,909 6,730,884 44.54% 2,998 6,731 44.54%

Households with earnings 269,655 259,089 1,200,395 21.58% 259 1,200 21.58%

Households with AFDC/TANF 50,009 48,049 169,070 28.42% 48 169 28.42%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 2,191 2,105 36,277 5.80% 2 36 5.80%

Households with Social Security 1,647,741 1,583,178 4,947,539 32.00% 1,583 4,948 32.00%

Households with non-elderly SSI 930,350 893,896 996,533 89.70% 894 997 89.70%

Households with elderly SSI 873,270 839,053 1,117,948 75.05% 839 1,118 75.05%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 2,866,183 2,753,877 4,964,827 55.47% 2,754 4,965 55.47%

 0 % 247,995 238,278 862,609 27.62% 238 863 27.62%

 1-50 % 375,039 360,344 850,321 42.38% 360 850 42.38%

 51-100% 2,243,149 2,155,256 3,251,897 66.28% 2,155 3,252 66.28%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 523,638 503,120 2,966,453 16.96% 503 2,966 16.96%

 101-130 % 451,167 433,489 2,065,778 20.98% 433 2,066 20.98%

 131 % or More 72,471 69,631 900,675 7.73% 70 901 7.73%

Total Number of Individuals 3,389,821 3,256,998 7,931,280 41.07% 3,257 7,931 41.07%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,347,149 3,215,998 7,434,662 43.26% 3,216 7,435 43.26%

 0 % 3,120,167 2,997,909 6,732,079 44.53% 2,998 6,732 44.53%

 1-50 % 119,773 115,080 187,902 61.24% 115 188 61.24%

 51-100% 107,209 103,008 514,681 20.01% 103 515 20.01%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 42,672 41,000 496,619 8.26% 41 497 8.26%

 101-130 % 34,816 33,452 373,996 8.94% 33 374 8.94%

 131 % or More 7,856 7,548 122,623 6.16% 8 123 6.16%

Total Number of Individuals 3,389,821 3,256,998 7,931,281 41.07% 3,257 7,931 41.07%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Adult age 18-59 1,911,801 1,836,891 3,023,631 60.75% 1,837 3,024 60.75%

Elderly age 60 or over 1,466,527 1,409,064 4,907,648 28.71% 1,409 4,908 28.71%

 Missing Age 11,493 11,043 2 552133.47% 11 0 552133.47%

Total Number of Individuals 3,389,821 3,256,998 7,931,281 41.07% 3,257 7,931 41.07%

 1994 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 21,513,479 21,028,416 27,276,804 77.09% 21,028 27,277 77.09%

Food Stamp Units 8,578,621 8,390,263 12,365,974 67.85% 8,390 12,366 67.85%

Benefits 1,477,550,052 1,442,406,584 1,636,033,083 88.16% 1,442,407 1,636,033 88.16%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.51 2.51 2.21

Average Per Capita Benefit 68.68 68.59 59.98

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 2,830,970 2,768,811 5,463,483 50.68% 2,769 5,463 50.68%

 2 People 2,017,991 1,973,683 2,825,561 69.85% 1,974 2,826 69.85%

 3 People 1,702,485 1,665,104 1,847,027 90.15% 1,665 1,847 90.15%

 4 People 1,156,247 1,130,860 1,193,925 94.72% 1,131 1,194 94.72%

 5 People 536,631 524,848 639,115 82.12% 525 639 82.12%

 6 or More People 334,299 326,958 396,864 82.39% 327 397 82.39%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 8,578,622 8,390,264 12,365,975

1995 PARTICIPATION RATES

TABLE G.2

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1,404,402 1,405,993 1,374,292 4,880,449 28.16% 1,374 4,880 28.16%

 Living Alone 1,032,998 1,034,168 1,010,851 3,005,445 33.63% 1,011 3,005 33.63%

 Living with Others 371,404 371,825 363,441 1,875,004 19.38% 363 1,875 19.38%

 Children Under Age 18 11,531,158 11,544,217 11,283,930 11,972,733 94.25% 11,284 11,973 94.25%

 Preschool 4,216,054 4,220,829 4,125,662 3,814,640 108.15% 4,126 3,815 108.15%

 School-age 7,315,103 7,323,388 7,158,268 8,158,093 87.74% 7,158 8,158 87.74%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 8,553,582 8,563,269 8,370,194 10,423,622 80.30% 8,370 10,424 80.30%

 Missing Age 24,337 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 21,513,479 21,513,479 21,028,416 27,276,804

ABAWD/Alien Status

 ABAWD 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

 Permanent Resident Alien 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3,280,288 5,493,876 5,370,006 6,406,710 83.82% 5,370 6,407 83.82%

 Less than 12 years* 1,832,676 3,069,393 3,000,188 4,016,913 74.69% 3,000 4,017 74.69%

 Missing Education* 3,450,305 0 0 -1

Total Number of Adults 8,563,269 8,563,269 8,370,194 10,423,622

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 1,700,668 1,755,637 1,716,053 3,522,287 48.72% 1,716 3,522 48.72%

 Unemployed 806,621 832,693 813,918 1,000,032 81.39% 814 1,000 81.39%

 Not in the Labor Force 5,787,863 5,974,939 5,840,223 5,901,303 98.96% 5,840 5,901 98.96%

 Missing Employment Status 268,117 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 8,563,269 8,563,269 8,370,194 10,423,622

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 9,532,910 9,633,109 9,415,912 13,729,283 68.58% 9,416 13,729 68.58%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 8,315,547 8,402,951 8,213,490 9,312,975 88.19% 8,213 9,313 88.19%

 Hispanic Head 2,882,568 2,912,866 2,847,190 3,511,569 81.08% 2,847 3,512 81.08%

 Other Head 558,680 564,552 551,823 722,978 76.33% 552 723 76.33%

 Missing Race or Head 223,773 0 0 (1)

Total Number of Individuals 21,513,478 21,513,478 21,028,415 27,276,804

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 12,233,891 11,958,054 12,400,560 96.43% 11,958 12,401 96.43%

 One Female with Kids 11,684,061 11,420,621 11,421

 One Male with Kids 549,830 537,433 537

 Two or More Adults with Kids 5,569,906 5,444,322 7,032,482 77.42% 5,444 7,032 77.42%

 Married Couple Household 4,003,401 3,913,137 4,994,955 78.34% 3,913 4,995 78.34%

 Other Multiple Adult Household 1,566,505 1,531,185 2,037,527 75.15% 1,531 2,038 75.15%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 3,275,501 3,201,648 7,773,362 41.19% 3,202 7,773 41.19%

 Kids Only 434,180 424,390 70,401 424 70

Total Number of Individuals 21,513,478 21,028,415 27,276,805

Gender of Individual

 Male 8,477,600 8,477,722 8,286,575 10,440,693 79.37% 8,287 10,441 79.37%

 Female 13,035,569 13,035,757 12,741,840 16,836,111 75.68% 12,742 16,836 75.68%

Missing 310 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 21,513,479 21,513,479 21,028,416 27,276,804

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 19,674,421 19,230,823 20,468,200 93.95% 19,231 20,468 93.95%

 0 % 1,166,655 1,140,350 2,743,742 41.56% 1,140 2,744 41.56%

 1-50 % 8,308,450 8,121,120 7,339,735 110.65% 8,121 7,340 110.65%

 51-100% 10,199,316 9,969,353 10,384,723 96.00% 9,969 10,385 96.00%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 1,839,058 1,797,593 6,808,603 26.40% 1,798 6,809 26.40%

 101-130 % 1,792,959 1,752,533 5,533,209 31.67% 1,753 5,533 31.67%

 131 % or More 46,099 45,060 1,275,394 3.53% 45 1,275 3.53%

Total Number of Individuals 21,513,479 21,028,416 27,276,803

Monthly Unit Benefit

 $10 or Less 512,353 500,801 2,851,558 17.56% 501 2,852 17.56%

 $11-25 507,719 496,272 841,826 58.95% 496 842 58.95%

 $26-50 742,261 725,525 1,532,118 47.35% 726 1,532 47.35%

 $51-75 831,435 812,689 1,644,087 49.43% 813 1,644 49.43%

 $76-100 932,486 911,461 1,657,061 55.00% 911 1,657 55.00%

 $101-150 2,849,991 2,785,732 3,659,125 76.13% 2,786 3,659 76.13%

 $151-200 2,649,878 2,590,131 2,735,596 94.68% 2,590 2,736 94.68%

 $ 201 or More 12,487,357 12,205,805 12,355,434 98.79% 12,206 12,355 98.79%

Total Number of Individuals 21,513,480 21,028,416 27,276,805

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,028,360 1,982,627 5,814,772 34.10% 1,983 5,815 34.10%

 26 - 50 % 3,597,263 3,516,156 5,041,906 69.74% 3,516 5,042 69.74%

 51 - 75 % 5,535,292 5,410,488 5,751,481 94.07% 5,410 5,751 94.07%

 76 - 99 % 6,390,485 6,246,399 5,209,946 119.89% 6,246 5,210 119.89%

 100 % 3,962,079 3,872,746 5,458,699 70.95% 3,873 5,459 70.95%

Total Number of Individuals 21,513,479 21,028,416 27,276,804

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 6,129,433 5,991,233 10,382,974 57.70% 5,991 10,383 57.70%

 without TANF Benefits 4,676,687 4,571,242 8,310,362 55.01% 4,571 8,310 55.01%

 with TANF Benefits 1,452,746 1,419,991 2,072,612 68.51% 1,420 2,073 68.51%

 Unemployment Compensation 576,297 563,303 1,041,265 54.10% 563 1,041 54.10%

 AFDC Benefits 11,192,944 10,940,577 8,482,697 128.98% 10,941 8,483 128.98%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 3,305,236 3,230,713 3,069,862 105.24% 3,231 3,070 105.24%

 Elderly SSI Benefits 982,493 960,341 1,061,188 90.50% 960 1,061 90.50%

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 5: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDREN

Households with single parents 12,233,891 11,958,054 12,400,560 96.43% 11,958 12,401 96.43%

Households with zero income 473,145 462,477 1,170,496 39.51% 462 1,170 39.51%

Households with no earnings 9,253,793 9,045,148 7,942,900 113.88% 9,045 7,943 113.88%

Households with earnings 2,980,098 2,912,906 4,457,660 65.35% 2,913 4,458 65.35%

Households with AFDC/TANF 8,612,675 8,418,485 6,590,774 127.73% 8,418 6,591 127.73%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 947,104 925,750 1,293,824 71.55% 926 1,294 71.55%

Households with Social Security 743,040 726,287 1,141,163 63.64% 726 1,141 63.64%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,265,508 1,236,975 1,138,034 108.69% 1,237 1,138 108.69%

Households with elderly SSI 57,222 55,932 46,568 120.11% 56 47 120.11%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 11,494,837 11,235,664 10,448,381 107.53% 11,236 10,448 107.53%

 0 % 473,145 462,477 1,259,069 36.73% 462 1,259 36.73%

 1-50 % 6,306,814 6,164,615 5,085,948 121.21% 6,165 5,086 121.21%

 51-100% 4,714,878 4,608,572 4,103,364 112.31% 4,609 4,103 112.31%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 739,054 722,391 1,952,178 37.00% 722 1,952 37.00%

 101-130 % 732,103 715,596 1,658,818 43.14% 716 1,659 43.14%

 131 % or More 6,951 6,794 293,360 2.32% 7 293 2.32%

Total Number of Individuals 12,233,891 11,958,054 12,400,559 96.43% 11,958 12,401 96.43%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 11,893,018 11,624,867 11,202,383 103.77% 11,625 11,202 103.77%

 0 % 9,253,793 9,045,148 7,942,900 113.88% 9,045 7,943 113.88%

 1-50 % 1,099,325 1,074,539 1,129,588 95.13% 1,075 1,130 95.13%

 51-100% 1,539,900 1,505,180 2,129,895 70.67% 1,505 2,130 70.67%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 340,873 333,187 1,198,177 27.81% 333 1,198 27.81%

 101-130 % 340,873 333,187 1,073,791 31.03% 333 1,074 31.03%

 131 % or More 0 0 124,386 0.00% 0 124 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 12,233,891 11,958,054 12,400,560 96.43% 11,958 12,401 96.43%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 8,164,923 7,980,829 8,251,898 96.72% 7,981 8,252 96.72%

Adult age 18-59 4,019,816 3,929,181 4,063,511 96.69% 3,929 4,064 96.69%

Elderly age 60 or over 38,669 37,797 85,151 44.39% 38 85 44.39%

 Missing Age 10,483 10,247 0 0.00% 10 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 12,233,891 11,958,054 12,400,560 96.43% 11,958 12,401 96.43%

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households with married-couple parents 4,003,401 3,913,137 4,994,955 78.34% 3,913 4,995 78.34%

Households with zero income 259,926 254,065 342,540 74.17% 254 343 74.17%

Households with no earnings 1,870,326 1,828,156 1,442,880 126.70% 1,828 1,443 126.70%

Households with earnings 2,133,075 2,084,981 3,552,075 58.70% 2,085 3,552 58.70%

Households with AFDC/TANF 1,539,431 1,504,722 1,172,806 128.30% 1,505 1,173 128.30%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 312,527 305,480 547,503 55.80% 305 548 55.80%

Households with Social Security 412,482 403,182 738,196 54.62% 403 738 54.62%

Households with non-elderly SSI 742,245 725,510 521,140 139.22% 726 521 139.22%

Households with elderly SSI 69,510 67,943 32,437 209.46% 68 32 209.46%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,517,633 3,438,321 3,492,559 98.45% 3,438 3,493 98.45%

 0 % 259,926 254,065 364,709 69.66% 254 365 69.66%

 1-50 % 907,073 886,621 884,415 100.25% 887 884 100.25%

 51-100% 2,350,634 2,297,634 2,243,435 102.42% 2,298 2,243 102.42%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 485,768 474,815 1,502,396 31.60% 475 1,502 31.60%

 101-130 % 485,768 474,815 1,413,512 33.59% 475 1,414 33.59%

 131 % or More 0 0 88,884 0.00% 0 89 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,003,401 3,913,137 4,994,955 78.34% 3,913 4,995 78.34%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,659,844 3,577,326 3,891,428 91.93% 3,577 3,891 91.93%

 0 % 1,870,326 1,828,156 1,444,332 126.57% 1,828 1,444 126.57%

 1-50 % 618,693 604,743 698,667 86.56% 605 699 86.56%

 51-100% 1,170,825 1,144,426 1,748,429 65.45% 1,144 1,748 65.45%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 343,557 335,811 1,103,527 30.43% 336 1,104 30.43%

 101-130 % 343,557 335,811 1,076,098 31.21% 336 1,076 31.21%

 131 % or More 0 0 27,429 0.00% 0 27 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 4,003,401 3,913,137 4,994,955 78.34% 3,913 4,995 78.34%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 2,182,862 2,133,645 2,623,406 81.33% 2,134 2,623 81.33%

Adult age 18-59 1,763,166 1,723,412 2,289,346 75.28% 1,723 2,289 75.28%

Elderly age 60 or over 53,222 52,022 82,202 63.29% 52 82 63.29%

 Missing Age 4,151 4,057 1 405740.76% 4 0 405740.76%

Total Number of Individuals 4,003,401 3,913,137 4,994,955 78.34% 3,913 4,995 78.34%

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Other multiple-adult households with children 1,566,505 1,531,185 2,037,527 75.15% 1,531 2,038 75.15%

Households with zero income 57,298 56,006 116,523 48.06% 56 117 48.06%

Households with no earnings 915,970 895,318 876,709 102.12% 895 877 102.12%

Households with earnings 650,535 635,867 1,160,819 54.78% 636 1,161 54.78%

Households with AFDC/TANF 837,580 818,695 566,145 144.61% 819 566 144.61%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 187,019 182,802 189,998 96.21% 183 190 96.21%

Households with Social Security 301,899 295,092 445,037 66.31% 295 445 66.31%

Households with non-elderly SSI 370,002 361,660 392,135 92.23% 362 392 92.23%

Households with elderly SSI 53,426 52,221 28,464 183.46% 52 28 183.46%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,417,864 1,385,895 1,650,543 83.97% 1,386 1,651 83.97%

 0 % 57,298 56,006 120,535 46.46% 56 121 46.46%

 1-50 % 573,176 560,253 670,000 83.62% 560 670 83.62%

 51-100% 787,390 769,637 860,008 89.49% 770 860 89.49%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 148,641 145,290 386,984 37.54% 145 387 37.54%

 101-130 % 148,641 145,290 367,576 39.53% 145 368 39.53%

 131 % or More 0 0 19,408 0.00% 0 19 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,566,505 1,531,185 2,037,527 75.15% 1,531 2,038 75.15%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,486,860 1,453,336 1,789,261 81.23% 1,453 1,789 81.23%

 0 % 915,970 895,318 876,709 102.12% 895 877 102.12%

 1-50 % 317,880 310,713 359,960 86.32% 311 360 86.32%

 51-100% 253,010 247,305 552,592 44.75% 247 553 44.75%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 79,645 77,849 248,267 31.36% 78 248 31.36%

 101-130 % 79,645 77,849 238,905 32.59% 78 239 32.59%

 131 % or More 0 0 9,362 0.00% 0 9 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,566,505 1,531,185 2,037,528 75.15% 1,531 2,038 75.15%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 750,220 733,305 1,027,028 71.40% 733 1,027 71.40%

Adult age 18-59 794,873 776,951 952,869 81.54% 777 953 81.54%

Elderly age 60 or over 18,762 18,339 57,630 31.82% 18 58 31.82%

 Missing Age 2,650 2,590 1 259025.06% 3 0 259025.06%

Total Number of Individuals 1,566,505 1,531,185 2,037,528 75.15% 1,531 2,038 75.15%

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households without children 3,275,501 3,201,648 7,773,362 41.19% 3,202 7,773 41.19%

Households with zero income 274,285 268,101 908,321 29.52% 268 908 29.52%

Households with no earnings 2,977,632 2,910,495 6,566,060 44.33% 2,910 6,566 44.33%

Households with earnings 297,869 291,153 1,207,302 24.12% 291 1,207 24.12%

Households with AFDC/TANF 52,122 50,947 152,973 33.30% 51 153 33.30%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 266 260 41,288 0.63% 0 41 0.63%

Households with Social Security 1,630,660 1,593,894 4,914,349 32.43% 1,594 4,914 32.43%

Households with non-elderly SSI 925,301 904,438 1,018,553 88.80% 904 1,019 88.80%

Households with elderly SSI 802,334 784,244 953,718 82.23% 784 954 82.23%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 2,813,297 2,749,866 4,806,318 57.21% 2,750 4,806 57.21%

 0 % 274,285 268,101 934,148 28.70% 268 934 28.70%

 1-50 % 347,136 339,309 699,372 48.52% 339 699 48.52%

 51-100% 2,191,876 2,142,456 3,172,798 67.53% 2,142 3,173 67.53%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 462,204 451,783 2,967,045 15.23% 452 2,967 15.23%

 101-130 % 423,056 413,517 2,093,303 19.75% 414 2,093 19.75%

 131 % or More 39,148 38,265 873,742 4.38% 38 874 4.38%

Total Number of Individuals 3,275,501 3,201,648 7,773,363 41.19% 3,202 7,773 41.19%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,225,104 3,152,388 7,265,695 43.39% 3,152 7,266 43.39%

 0 % 2,977,632 2,910,495 6,567,650 44.32% 2,910 6,568 44.32%

 1-50 % 116,606 113,977 233,333 48.85% 114 233 48.85%

 51-100% 130,866 127,915 464,712 27.53% 128 465 27.53%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 50,398 49,262 507,668 9.70% 49 508 9.70%

 101-130 % 48,827 47,726 378,631 12.60% 48 379 12.60%

 131 % or More 1,571 1,536 129,037 1.19% 2 129 1.19%

Total Number of Individuals 3,275,502 3,201,649 7,773,363 41.19% 3,202 7,773 41.19%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Adult age 18-59 1,975,727 1,931,180 3,117,896 61.94% 1,931 3,118 61.94%

Elderly age 60 or over 1,293,748 1,264,578 4,655,466 27.16% 1,265 4,655 27.16%

 Missing Age 6,027 5,891 1 589110.96% 6 0 589110.96%

Total Number of Individuals 3,275,502 3,201,649 7,773,363 41.19% 3,202 7,773 41.19%

 1995 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 20,896,562 20,075,505 27,584,942 72.78% 20,076 27,585 72.78%

Food Stamp Units 8,469,077 8,255,439 12,778,153 64.61% 8,255 12,778 64.61%

Benefits 1,441,535,159 1,414,669,930 1,683,427,069 84.04% 1,414,670 1,683,427 84.04%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.47 2.43 2.16

Average Per Capita Benefit 68.98 70.47 61.03

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 2,921,584 2,847,885 5,745,757 49.57% 2,848 5,746 49.57%

 2 People 1,959,660 1,910,226 3,022,205 63.21% 1,910 3,022 63.21%

 3 People 1,668,153 1,626,073 1,876,449 86.66% 1,626 1,876 86.66%

 4 People 1,077,894 1,050,703 1,145,699 91.71% 1,051 1,146 91.71%

 5 People 517,249 504,201 616,092 81.84% 504 616 81.84%

 6 or More People 324,537 316,351 371,950 85.05% 316 372 85.05%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 8,469,077 8,255,439 12,778,152

1996 PARTICIPATION RATES

TABLE G.3

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1,548,878 1,550,749 1,489,818 5,400,734 27.59% 1,490 5,401 27.59%

 Living Alone 1,117,606 1,118,956 1,074,991 3,199,999 33.59% 1,075 3,200 33.59%

 Living with Others 431,272 431,793 414,827 2,200,735 18.85% 415 2,201 18.85%

 Children Under Age 18 11,000,213 11,013,504 10,580,767 11,726,732 90.23% 10,581 11,727 90.23%

 Preschool 3,968,058 3,972,852 3,816,753 3,568,240 106.96% 3,817 3,568 106.96%

 School-age 7,032,155 7,040,652 6,764,014 8,158,492 82.91% 6,764 8,158 82.91%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 8,322,253 8,332,308 8,004,920 10,457,475 76.55% 8,005 10,457 76.55%

 Missing Age 25,218 0 0 1

Total Number of Individuals 20,896,562 20,896,562 20,075,505 27,584,942

ABAWD/Alien Status

 ABAWD 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

 Permanent Resident Alien 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3,277,541 5,162,951 4,960,091 6,479,881 76.55% 4,960 6,480 76.55%

 Less than 12 years* 2,011,969 3,169,357 3,044,828 3,977,594 76.55% 3,045 3,978 76.55%

 Missing Education* 3,042,798 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 8,332,308 8,332,308 8,004,920 10,457,475

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 1,715,372 1,771,954 1,702,331 3,570,582 47.68% 1,702 3,571 47.68%

 Unemployed 726,707 750,678 721,182 992,763 72.64% 721 993 72.64%

 Not in the Labor Force 5,624,163 5,809,677 5,581,406 5,894,131 94.69% 5,581 5,894 94.69%

 Missing Employment Status 266,066 0 0 -1

Total Number of Adults 8,332,308 8,332,308 8,004,920 10,457,475

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 9,688,883 9,688,883 9,308,193 14,012,571 66.43% 9,308 14,013 66.43%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 7,884,291 7,884,291 7,574,506 9,100,395 83.23% 7,575 9,100 83.23%

 Hispanic Head 2,684,476 2,684,476 2,578,999 3,646,930 70.72% 2,579 3,647 70.72%

 Other Head 495,144 495,144 475,689 825,046 57.66% 476 825 57.66%

 Missing Race or Head 143,768 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 20,896,562 20,752,794 19,937,386 27,584,942

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 11,480,878 11,029,777 12,129,706 90.93% 11,030 12,130 90.93%

 One Female with Kids 11,031,928 10,598,467 10,598

 One Male with Kids 448,950 431,310 431

 Two or More Adults with Kids 5,419,202 5,206,274 7,028,410 74.07% 5,206 7,028 74.07%

 Married Couple Household 3,719,564 3,573,417 5,041,858 70.88% 3,573 5,042 70.88%

 Other Multiple Adult Household 1,699,638 1,632,857 1,986,552 82.20% 1,633 1,987 82.20%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 3,483,878 3,346,991 8,332,787 40.17% 3,347 8,333 40.17%

 Kids Only 512,603 492,462 94,038 492 94

Total Number of Individuals 20,896,561 20,075,505 27,584,941

Gender of Individual

 Male 8,098,135 8,100,775 7,782,484 10,598,543 73.43% 7,782 10,599 73.43%

 Female 12,791,616 12,795,787 12,293,021 16,986,399 72.37% 12,293 16,986 72.37%

Missing 6,811 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 20,896,562 20,896,562 20,075,505 27,584,942

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 18,826,356 18,086,641 20,345,287 88.90% 18,087 20,345 88.90%

 0 % 989,949 951,052 2,999,914 31.70% 951 3,000 31.70%

 1-50 % 7,825,116 7,517,656 7,269,183 103.42% 7,518 7,269 103.42%

 51-100% 10,011,291 9,617,933 10,076,190 95.45% 9,618 10,076 95.45%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 2,070,206 1,988,865 7,239,655 27.47% 1,989 7,240 27.47%

 101-130 % 2,002,709 1,924,020 5,660,780 33.99% 1,924 5,661 33.99%

 131 % or More 67,497 64,845 1,578,875 4.11% 65 1,579 4.11%

Total Number of Individuals 20,896,562 20,075,505 27,584,942

Monthly Unit Benefit

 $10 or Less 623,401 598,907 3,162,865 18.94% 599 3,163 18.94%

 $11-25 585,153 562,161 900,646 62.42% 562 901 62.42%

 $26-50 822,708 790,383 1,497,021 52.80% 790 1,497 52.80%

 $51-75 826,532 794,056 1,737,696 45.70% 794 1,738 45.70%

 $76-100 885,894 851,086 1,495,121 56.92% 851 1,495 56.92%

 $101-150 2,667,481 2,562,672 3,917,592 65.41% 2,563 3,918 65.41%

 $151-200 2,645,877 2,541,917 2,575,649 98.69% 2,542 2,576 98.69%

 $ 201 or More 11,839,516 11,374,324 12,298,350 92.49% 11,374 12,298 92.49%

Total Number of Individuals 20,896,561 20,075,505 27,584,940

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,314,206 2,223,277 6,352,988 35.00% 2,223 6,353 35.00%

 26 - 50 % 3,581,616 3,440,889 5,255,098 65.48% 3,441 5,255 65.48%

 51 - 75 % 5,464,233 5,249,535 5,336,832 98.36% 5,250 5,337 98.36%

 76 - 99 % 5,848,313 5,618,524 5,002,411 112.32% 5,619 5,002 112.32%

 100 % 3,688,193 3,543,278 5,637,613 62.85% 3,543 5,638 62.85%

Total Number of Individuals 20,896,561 20,075,504 27,584,942

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 6,107,717 5,867,736 10,597,878 55.37% 5,868 10,598 55.37%

 without TANF Benefits 4,666,101 4,482,763 8,446,672 53.07% 4,483 8,447 53.07%

 with TANF Benefits 1,441,617 1,384,974 2,151,206 64.38% 1,385 2,151 64.38%

 Unemployment Compensation 400,686 384,942 1,018,541 37.79% 385 1,019 37.79%

 AFDC Benefits 10,217,759 9,816,288 7,770,776 126.32% 9,816 7,771 126.32%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 3,595,185 3,453,925 3,287,249 105.07% 3,454 3,287 105.07%

 Elderly SSI Benefits 997,578 958,382 1,356,696 70.64% 958 1,357 70.64%

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 5: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDREN

Households with single parents 11,480,879 11,029,778 12,129,706 90.93% 11,030 12,130 90.93%

Households with zero income 397,506 381,887 1,410,291 27.08% 382 1,410 27.08%

Households with no earnings 8,651,682 8,311,745 7,641,182 108.78% 8,312 7,641 108.78%

Households with earnings 2,829,196 2,718,033 4,488,525 60.56% 2,718 4,489 60.56%

Households with AFDC/TANF 7,694,419 7,392,094 6,139,955 120.39% 7,392 6,140 120.39%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 821,939 789,644 1,401,141 56.36% 790 1,401 56.36%

Households with Social Security 826,005 793,550 1,134,052 69.97% 794 1,134 69.97%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,412,138 1,356,653 1,137,821 119.23% 1,357 1,138 119.23%

Households with elderly SSI 77,696 74,643 45,103 165.50% 75 45 165.50%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 10,823,680 10,398,402 10,241,687 101.53% 10,398 10,242 101.53%

 0 % 397,506 381,887 1,452,517 26.29% 382 1,453 26.29%

 1-50 % 5,802,009 5,574,040 4,953,387 112.53% 5,574 4,953 112.53%

 51-100% 4,624,165 4,442,475 3,835,783 115.82% 4,442 3,836 115.82%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 657,199 631,377 1,888,020 33.44% 631 1,888 33.44%

 101-130 % 636,300 611,299 1,520,296 40.21% 611 1,520 40.21%

 131 % or More 20,899 20,078 367,724 5.46% 20 368 5.46%

Total Number of Individuals 11,480,879 11,029,778 12,129,707 90.93% 11,030 12,130 90.93%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 11,215,724 10,775,042 10,962,019 98.29% 10,775 10,962 98.29%

 0 % 8,651,682 8,311,745 7,641,182 108.78% 8,312 7,641 108.78%

 1-50 % 1,003,904 964,459 1,235,996 78.03% 964 1,236 78.03%

 51-100% 1,560,138 1,498,838 2,084,841 71.89% 1,499 2,085 71.89%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 265,154 254,736 1,167,687 21.82% 255 1,168 21.82%

 101-130 % 248,270 238,515 1,030,006 23.16% 239 1,030 23.16%

 131 % or More 16,884 16,221 137,681 11.78% 16 138 11.78%

Total Number of Individuals 11,480,878 11,029,777 12,129,706 90.93% 11,030 12,130 90.93%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 7,678,318 7,376,626 7,994,007 92.28% 7,377 7,994 92.28%

Adult age 18-59 3,745,989 3,598,804 4,044,906 88.97% 3,599 4,045 88.97%

Elderly age 60 or over 49,426 47,484 90,794 52.30% 47 91 52.30%

 Missing Age 7,145 6,864 (1) -686426.24% 7 (0) -686426.24%

Total Number of Individuals 11,480,878 11,029,777 12,129,706 90.93% 11,030 12,130 90.93%

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households with married-couple parents 3,719,564 3,573,417 5,041,858 70.88% 3,573 5,042 70.88%

Households with zero income 160,282 153,984 327,052 47.08% 154 327 47.08%

Households with no earnings 1,469,572 1,411,830 1,401,967 100.70% 1,412 1,402 100.70%

Households with earnings 2,249,992 2,161,587 3,639,891 59.39% 2,162 3,640 59.39%

Households with AFDC/TANF 1,217,922 1,170,068 985,995 118.67% 1,170 986 118.67%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 386,934 371,731 532,269 69.84% 372 532 69.84%

Households with Social Security 406,258 390,296 617,102 63.25% 390 617 63.25%

Households with non-elderly SSI 719,376 691,111 586,733 117.79% 691 587 117.79%

Households with elderly SSI 36,621 35,182 51,866 67.83% 35 52 67.83%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,029,221 2,910,198 3,439,181 84.62% 2,910 3,439 84.62%

 0 % 165,630 159,122 357,063 44.56% 159 357 44.56%

 1-50 % 754,362 724,722 1,040,321 69.66% 725 1,040 69.66%

 51-100% 2,109,229 2,026,354 2,041,797 99.24% 2,026 2,042 99.24%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 690,343 663,218 1,602,678 41.38% 663 1,603 41.38%

 101-130 % 689,311 662,227 1,479,161 44.77% 662 1,479 44.77%

 131 % or More 1,032 991 123,517 0.80% 1 124 0.80%

Total Number of Individuals 3,719,564 3,573,417 5,041,859 70.87% 3,573 5,042 70.87%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,280,310 3,151,422 3,927,374 80.24% 3,151 3,927 80.24%

 0 % 1,469,572 1,411,830 1,401,967 100.70% 1,412 1,402 100.70%

 1-50 % 544,640 523,240 782,521 66.87% 523 783 66.87%

 51-100% 1,266,098 1,216,351 1,742,886 69.79% 1,216 1,743 69.79%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 439,253 421,994 1,114,484 37.86% 422 1,114 37.86%

 101-130 % 438,221 421,003 1,058,901 39.76% 421 1,059 39.76%

 131 % or More 1,032 991 55,583 1.78% 1 56 1.78%

Total Number of Individuals 3,719,563 3,573,416 5,041,858 70.87% 3,573 5,042 70.87%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 2,012,914 1,933,824 2,648,135 73.03% 1,934 2,648 73.03%

Adult age 18-59 1,671,596 1,605,917 2,292,662 70.05% 1,606 2,293 70.05%

Elderly age 60 or over 33,301 31,993 101,062 31.66% 32 101 31.66%

 Missing Age 1,752 1,683 (1) -168316.13% 2 (0) -168316.13%

Total Number of Individuals 3,719,563 3,573,416 5,041,858 70.87% 3,573 5,042 70.87%

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Other multiple-adult households with children 1,699,638 1,632,857 1,986,552 82.20% 1,633 1,987 82.20%

Households with zero income 71,782 68,962 135,152 51.03% 69 135 51.03%

Households with no earnings 1,071,687 1,029,579 824,121 124.93% 1,030 824 124.93%

Households with earnings 627,951 603,278 1,162,432 51.90% 603 1,162 51.90%

Households with AFDC/TANF 972,457 934,248 444,372 210.24% 934 444 210.24%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 195,252 187,580 142,931 131.24% 188 143 131.24%

Households with Social Security 219,624 210,995 541,156 38.99% 211 541 38.99%

Households with non-elderly SSI 454,716 436,850 402,292 108.59% 437 402 108.59%

Households with elderly SSI 22,028 21,162 69,842 30.30% 21 70 30.30%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,491,765 1,433,151 1,489,140 96.24% 1,433 1,489 96.24%

 0 % 71,782 68,962 142,968 48.24% 69 143 48.24%

 1-50 % 725,406 696,904 504,601 138.11% 697 505 138.11%

 51-100% 694,577 667,286 841,571 79.29% 667 842 79.29%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 207,874 199,706 497,412 40.15% 200 497 40.15%

 101-130 % 207,874 199,706 475,488 42.00% 200 475 42.00%

 131 % or More 0 0 21,924 0.00% 0 22 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,699,639 1,632,858 1,986,552 82.20% 1,633 1,987 82.20%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,606,035 1,542,932 1,652,680 93.36% 1,543 1,653 93.36%

 0 % 1,071,687 1,029,579 824,121 124.93% 1,030 824 124.93%

 1-50 % 214,435 206,010 319,073 64.57% 206 319 64.57%

 51-100% 319,913 307,343 509,486 60.32% 307 509 60.32%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 93,603 89,925 333,873 26.93% 90 334 26.93%

 101-130 % 93,603 89,925 328,904 27.34% 90 329 27.34%

 131 % or More 0 0 4,969 0.00% 0 5 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,699,638 1,632,857 1,986,553 82.20% 1,633 1,987 82.20%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 796,378 765,087 990,553 77.24% 765 991 77.24%

Adult age 18-59 884,811 850,045 915,234 92.88% 850 915 92.88%

Elderly age 60 or over 18,450 17,725 80,766 21.95% 18 81 21.95%

 Missing Age (1) (1) 0 0.00% (0) 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,699,638 1,632,857 1,986,553 82.20% 1,633 1,987 82.20%

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households without children 3,483,878 3,346,991 8,332,787 40.17% 3,347 8,333 40.17%

Households with zero income 229,183 220,178 928,101 23.72% 220 928 23.72%

Households with no earnings 3,174,611 3,049,876 7,030,021 43.38% 3,050 7,030 43.38%

Households with earnings 309,267 297,115 1,302,766 22.81% 297 1,303 22.81%

Households with AFDC/TANF 76,902 73,880 200,454 36.86% 74 200 36.86%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 2,763 2,654 74,865 3.55% 3 75 3.55%

Households with Social Security 1,705,499 1,638,487 5,213,666 31.43% 1,638 5,214 31.43%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,002,850 963,447 1,160,403 83.03% 963 1,160 83.03%

Households with elderly SSI 861,234 827,395 1,189,884 69.54% 827 1,190 69.54%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 2,987,575 2,870,189 5,087,020 56.42% 2,870 5,087 56.42%

 0 % 230,021 220,983 971,348 22.75% 221 971 22.75%

 1-50 % 356,162 342,168 758,633 45.10% 342 759 45.10%

 51-100% 2,401,392 2,307,038 3,357,039 68.72% 2,307 3,357 68.72%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 496,303 476,803 3,245,767 14.69% 477 3,246 14.69%

 101-130 % 450,737 433,027 2,180,057 19.86% 433 2,180 19.86%

 131 % or More 45,566 43,776 1,065,710 4.11% 44 1,066 4.11%

Total Number of Individuals 3,483,878 3,346,991 8,332,787 40.17% 3,347 8,333 40.17%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,443,382 3,308,086 7,853,860 42.12% 3,308 7,854 42.12%

 0 % 3,175,927 3,051,140 7,038,457 43.35% 3,051 7,038 43.35%

 1-50 % 135,178 129,867 304,614 42.63% 130 305 42.63%

 51-100% 132,277 127,080 510,789 24.88% 127 511 24.88%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 40,496 38,905 478,926 8.12% 39 479 8.12%

 101-130 % 40,496 38,905 325,755 11.94% 39 326 11.94%

 131 % or More 0 0 153,171 0.00% 0 153 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 3,483,878 3,346,991 8,332,786 40.17% 3,347 8,333 40.17%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Adult age 18-59 2,019,858 1,940,495 3,204,674 60.55% 1,940 3,205 60.55%

Elderly age 60 or over 1,447,701 1,390,819 5,128,112 27.12% 1,391 5,128 27.12%

 Missing Age 16,319 15,678 0 0.00% 16 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 3,483,878 3,346,991 8,332,786 40.17% 3,347 8,333 40.17%

 1996 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
TABLE G.4

1997 PARTICIPATION RATES

QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 1: INDIVIDUAL,FOOD STAMP UNIT, AND BENEFIT PARTICIPATION RATES

Individuals 19,093,761 18,505,390 26,378,457 70.15% 18,505 26,378 70.15%

Food Stamp Units 7,808,708 7,612,709 12,281,298 61.99% 7,613 12,281 61.99%

Benefits 1,263,237,204 1,265,504,233 1,621,799,459 78.03% 1,265,504 1,621,799 78.03%

Average Food Stamp Unit Size 2.45 2.43 2.15

Average Per Capita Benefit 66.16 68.39 61.48

TABLE 2: FOOD STAMP UNIT PARTICIPATION RATES BY FOOD STAMP UNIT SIZE

Food Stamp Unit Size

 1 Person 2,901,650 2,828,819 5,800,552 48.77% 2,829 5,801 48.77%

 2 People 1,649,793 1,608,383 2,697,436 59.63% 1,608 2,697 59.63%

 3 People 1,455,927 1,419,383 1,640,729 86.51% 1,419 1,641 86.51%

 4 People 984,151 959,449 1,153,187 83.20% 959 1,153 83.20%

 5 People 525,753 512,557 611,148 83.87% 513 611 83.87%

 6 or More People 291,433 284,118 378,245 75.11% 284 378 75.11%

Total Number of Food Stamp Units 7,808,708 7,612,709 12,281,297

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Total Individuals W/O Missing 19064873

Age of Individual

 Elderly 1,527,789 1,530,104 1,482,954 5,077,336 29.21% 1,483 5,077 29.21%

 Living Alone 1,117,040 1,118,733 1,084,259 3,074,745 35.26% 1,084 3,075 35.26%

 Living with Others 410,749 411,371 398,695 2,002,591 19.91% 399 2,003 19.91%

 Children Under Age 18 10,188,706 10,204,144 9,889,705 11,269,840 87.75% 9,890 11,270 87.75%

 Preschool 3,374,708 3,379,822 3,275,673 3,374,567 97.07% 3,276 3,375 97.07%

 School-age 6,813,998 6,824,323 6,614,032 7,895,273 83.77% 6,614 7,895 83.77%

 Adults Age 18 to 59 7,348,378 7,359,513 7,132,730 10,031,281 71.10% 7,133 10,031 71.10%

 Missing Age 28,888 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 19,093,761 19,093,761 18,505,390 26,378,457

ABAWD/Alien Status

 ABAWD 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

 Permanent Resident Alien 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Education of Adults in Unit

 12 or more years 3,074,194 4,612,531 4,470,396 6,361,900 70.27% 4,470 6,362 70.27%

 Less than 12 years* 1,830,829 2,746,982 2,662,334 3,669,381 72.56% 2,662 3,669 72.56%

 Missing Education* 2,454,490 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 7,359,513 7,359,513 7,132,730 10,031,281

Employment Status of Adults in Unit

 Employed 1,794,921 1,855,281 1,798,110 3,498,864 51.39% 1,798 3,499 51.39%

 Unemployed 824,810 852,547 826,276 946,940 87.26% 826 947 87.26%

 Not in the Labor Force 4,500,348 4,651,685 4,508,344 5,585,477 80.72% 4,508 5,585 80.72%

 Missing Employment Status 239,434 0 0 0

Total Number of Adults 7,359,513 7,359,513 7,132,730 10,031,281

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Race/Ethnicity of Head of Unit

 White Nonhispanic Head 8,494,895 8,561,102 8,297,292 13,501,175 61.46% 8,297 13,501 61.46%

 Black Nonhispanic Head 7,090,253 7,145,512 6,925,324 8,480,462 81.66% 6,925 8,480 81.66%

 Hispanic Head 2,839,518 2,861,648 2,773,467 3,685,896 75.25% 2,773 3,686 75.25%

 Other Head 521,435 525,499 509,306 710,924 71.64% 509 711 71.64%

 Missing Race or Head 147,660 0 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 19,093,761 19,093,761 18,505,390 26,378,457

Food Stamp Unit Composition

 One Adult With Kids 10,361,851 10,042,552 11,492,244 87.39% 10,043 11,492 87.39%

 One Female with Kids 10,124,263 9,812,285 9,812

 One Male with Kids 237,588 230,267 230

 Two or More Adults with Kids 4,719,272 4,573,848 6,661,472 68.66% 4,574 6,661 68.66%

 Married Couple Household 3,167,737 3,070,124 4,843,079 63.39% 3,070 4,843 63.39%

 Other Multiple Adult Household 1,551,535 1,503,725 1,818,393 82.70% 1,504 1,818 82.70%

 No Kids in Food Stamp Unit 3,381,380 3,277,183 8,110,793 40.41% 3,277 8,111 40.41%

 Kids Only 631,259 611,807 113,946 612 114

Total Number of Individuals 19,093,762 18,505,390 26,378,455

Gender of Individual

 Male 7,382,550 7,384,496 7,156,944 10,334,213 69.25% 7,157 10,334 69.25%

 Female 11,706,179 11,709,265 11,348,446 16,044,243 70.73% 11,348 16,044 70.73%

Missing 5,032 0 0

Total Number of Individuals 19,093,761 19,093,761 18,505,390 26,378,456

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 4: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES BY SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S FOOD STAMP UNIT

Unit Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 17,159,050 16,630,296 19,963,417 83.30% 16,630 19,963 83.30%

 0 % 848,888 822,729 3,302,899 24.91% 823 3,303 24.91%

 1-50 % 6,899,702 6,687,089 7,080,329 94.45% 6,687 7,080 94.45%

 51-100% 9,410,460 9,120,478 9,580,189 95.20% 9,120 9,580 95.20%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 1,934,711 1,875,093 6,415,040 29.23% 1,875 6,415 29.23%

 101-130 % 1,880,904 1,822,944 5,184,458 35.16% 1,823 5,184 35.16%

 131 % or More 53,807 52,149 1,230,582 4.24% 52 1,231 4.24%

Total Number of Individuals 19,093,761 18,505,389 26,378,457

Monthly Unit Benefit 

 $10 or Less 816,645 791,480 3,103,130 25.51% 791 3,103 25.51%

 $11-25 415,132 402,340 806,784 49.87% 402 807 49.87%

 $26-50 941,914 912,889 1,572,148 58.07% 913 1,572 58.07%

 $51-75 917,007 888,750 1,598,068 55.61% 889 1,598 55.61%

 $76-100 1,046,412 1,014,167 1,363,692 74.37% 1,014 1,364 74.37%

 $101-150 2,418,289 2,343,770 3,897,087 60.14% 2,344 3,897 60.14%

 $151-200 2,454,255 2,378,627 2,055,164 115.74% 2,379 2,055 115.74%

 $ 201 or More 10,084,107 9,773,367 11,982,383 81.56% 9,773 11,982 81.56%

Total Number of Individuals 19,093,761 18,505,389 26,378,456

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Benefit as % of Maximum

 1 - 25 % 2,629,258 2,548,238 6,180,505 41.23% 2,548 6,181 41.23%

 26 - 50 % 3,641,674 3,529,456 4,840,092 72.92% 3,529 4,840 72.92%

 51 - 75 % 4,973,785 4,820,519 5,110,401 94.33% 4,821 5,110 94.33%

 76 - 99 % 4,978,115 4,824,715 4,575,628 105.44% 4,825 4,576 105.44%

 100 % 2,870,928 2,782,461 5,671,832 49.06% 2,782 5,672 49.06%

Total Number of Individuals 19,093,760 18,505,389 26,378,458

Unit Income Sources

 Earnings 6,592,878 6,389,719 10,138,970 63.02% 6,390 10,139 63.02%

 without TANF Benefits 4,977,592 4,824,208 8,248,423 58.49% 4,824 8,248 58.49%

 with TANF Benefits 1,615,286 1,565,511 1,890,548 82.81% 1,566 1,891 82.81%

 Unemployment Compensation 434,262 420,880 850,710 49.47% 421 851 49.47%

 TANF Benefits 8,562,493 8,298,641 6,600,871 125.72% 8,299 6,601 125.72%

 Non-elderly SSI Benefits 3,308,780 3,206,820 3,075,767 104.26% 3,207 3,076 104.26%

 Elderly SSI Benefits 1,058,136 1,025,530 1,246,737 82.26% 1,026 1,247 82.26%

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

TABLE 5: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDREN

Households with single parents 10,361,851 10,042,552 11,492,244 87.39% 10,043 11,492 87.39%

Households with zero income 393,612 381,483 1,471,358 25.93% 381 1,471 25.93%

Households with no earnings 7,093,972 6,875,372 6,917,860 99.39% 6,875 6,918 99.39%

Households with earnings 3,267,879 3,167,180 4,574,385 69.24% 3,167 4,574 69.24%

Households with AFDC/TANF 6,333,168 6,138,012 5,170,476 118.71% 6,138 5,170 118.71%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 919,071 890,750 1,235,303 72.11% 891 1,235 72.11%

Households with Social Security 883,888 856,651 1,104,963 77.53% 857 1,105 77.53%

Households with non-elderly SSI 1,473,631 1,428,221 1,101,951 129.61% 1,428 1,102 129.61%

Households with elderly SSI 81,423 78,914 50,283 156.94% 79 50 156.94%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 9,574,598 9,279,558 9,829,127 94.41% 9,280 9,829 94.41%

 0 % 393,612 381,483 1,552,761 24.57% 381 1,553 24.57%

 1-50 % 4,776,594 4,629,404 4,835,948 95.73% 4,629 4,836 95.73%

 51-100% 4,404,392 4,268,671 3,440,418 124.07% 4,269 3,440 124.07%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 787,253 762,994 1,663,117 45.88% 763 1,663 45.88%

 101-130 % 782,620 758,504 1,365,770 55.54% 759 1,366 55.54%

 131 % or More 4,633 4,490 297,347 1.51% 4 297 1.51%

Total Number of Individuals 10,361,851 10,042,552 11,492,244 87.39% 10,043 11,492 87.39%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 10,036,964 9,727,676 10,387,815 93.65% 9,728 10,388 93.65%

 0 % 7,102,536 6,883,672 6,917,860 99.51% 6,884 6,918 99.51%

 1-50 % 1,190,002 1,153,332 1,336,590 86.29% 1,153 1,337 86.29%

 51-100% 1,744,426 1,690,672 2,133,365 79.25% 1,691 2,133 79.25%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 324,887 314,876 1,104,430 28.51% 315 1,104 28.51%

 101-130 % 322,968 313,016 983,196 31.84% 313 983 31.84%

 131 % or More 1,919 1,860 121,234 1.53% 2 121 1.53%

Total Number of Individuals 10,361,851 10,042,552 11,492,245 87.39% 10,043 11,492 87.39%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 6,995,757 6,780,184 7,680,218 88.28% 6,780 7,680 88.28%

Adult age 18-59 3,296,046 3,194,479 3,727,965 85.69% 3,194 3,728 85.69%

Elderly age 60 or over 56,592 54,848 84,062 65.25% 55 84 65.25%

 Missing Age 13,456 13,041 0

Total Number of Individuals 10,361,851 10,042,552 11,492,245 87.39% 10,043 11,492 87.39%

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households with married-couple parents 3,167,736 3,070,123 4,843,079 63.39% 3,070 4,843 63.39%

Households with zero income 145,241 140,765 390,519 36.05% 141 391 36.05%

Households with no earnings 1,123,093 1,088,485 1,572,760 69.21% 1,088 1,573 69.21%

Households with earnings 2,044,643 1,981,638 3,270,319 60.59% 1,982 3,270 60.59%

Households with AFDC/TANF 845,719 819,658 940,978 87.11% 820 941 87.11%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 237,566 230,245 482,964 47.67% 230 483 47.67%

Households with Social Security 332,899 322,641 647,973 49.79% 323 648 49.79%

Households with non-elderly SSI 478,262 463,524 546,213 84.86% 464 546 84.86%

Households with elderly SSI 57,430 55,660 54,331 102.45% 56 54 102.45%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 2,680,721 2,598,115 3,397,136 76.48% 2,598 3,397 76.48%

 0 % 148,733 144,150 423,101 34.07% 144 423 34.07%

 1-50 % 970,802 940,887 989,971 95.04% 941 990 95.04%

 51-100% 1,561,186 1,513,078 1,984,064 76.26% 1,513 1,984 76.26%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 487,016 472,009 1,445,943 32.64% 472 1,446 32.64%

 101-130 % 485,827 470,856 1,410,765 33.38% 471 1,411 33.38%

 131 % or More 1,189 1,152 35,178 3.28% 1 35 3.28%

Total Number of Individuals 3,167,737 3,070,124 4,843,079 63.39% 3,070 4,843 63.39%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 2,828,193 2,741,043 3,787,270 72.38% 2,741 3,787 72.38%

 0 % 1,123,093 1,088,485 1,581,450 68.83% 1,088 1,581 68.83%

 1-50 % 702,440 680,794 665,369 102.32% 681 665 102.32%

 51-100% 1,002,660 971,763 1,540,451 63.08% 972 1,540 63.08%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 339,543 329,080 1,055,808 31.17% 329 1,056 31.17%

 101-130 % 339,543 329,080 1,033,877 31.83% 329 1,034 31.83%

 131 % or More 0 0 21,931 0.00% 0 22 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 3,167,736 3,070,123 4,843,078 63.39% 3,070 4,843 63.39%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 1,749,681 1,695,765 2,602,215 65.17% 1,696 2,602 65.17%

Adult age 18-59 1,374,385 1,332,034 2,120,500 62.82% 1,332 2,121 62.82%

Elderly age 60 or over 35,395 34,304 120,364 28.50% 34 120 28.50%

 Missing Age 8,275 8,020 (1) -802000.71% 8 (0) -802000.71%

Total Number of Individuals 3,167,736 3,070,123 4,843,078 63.39% 3,070 4,843 63.39%

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Other multiple-adult households with children 1,551,534 1,503,724 1,818,393 82.70% 1,504 1,818 82.70%

Households with zero income 18,434 17,866 191,051 9.35% 18 191 9.35%

Households with no earnings 796,331 771,792 730,207 105.69% 772 730 105.69%

Households with earnings 755,204 731,932 1,088,186 67.26% 732 1,088 67.26%

Households with AFDC/TANF 895,613 868,015 349,355 248.46% 868 349 248.46%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 292,365 283,356 140,168 202.15% 283 140 202.15%

Households with Social Security 224,558 217,638 388,732 55.99% 218 389 55.99%

Households with non-elderly SSI 445,796 432,059 281,040 153.74% 432 281 153.74%

Households with elderly SSI 42,235 40,934 57,458 71.24% 41 57 71.24%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,357,802 1,315,962 1,413,945 93.07% 1,316 1,414 93.07%

 0 % 18,434 17,866 209,036 8.55% 18 209 8.55%

 1-50 % 476,013 461,345 471,570 97.83% 461 472 97.83%

 51-100% 863,355 836,751 733,339 114.10% 837 733 114.10%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 193,731 187,761 404,449 46.42% 188 404 46.42%

 101-130 % 193,731 187,761 383,027 49.02% 188 383 49.02%

 131 % or More 0 0 21,422 0.00% 0 21 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,551,533 1,503,723 1,818,394 82.70% 1,504 1,818 82.70%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 1,486,610 1,440,800 1,610,514 89.46% 1,441 1,611 89.46%

 0 % 797,603 773,025 730,207 105.86% 773 730 105.86%

 1-50 % 363,766 352,557 313,140 112.59% 353 313 112.59%

 51-100% 325,241 315,219 567,167 55.58% 315 567 55.58%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 64,924 62,923 207,879 30.27% 63 208 30.27%

 101-130 % 64,924 62,923 207,879 30.27% 63 208 30.27%

 131 % or More 0 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,551,534 1,503,724 1,818,393 82.70% 1,504 1,818 82.70%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 812,790 787,744 873,460 90.19% 788 873 90.19%

Adult age 18-59 724,352 702,031 868,829 80.80% 702 869 80.80%

Elderly age 60 or over 12,762 12,369 76,104 16.25% 12 76 16.25%

 Missing Age 1,630 1,580 0 0.00% 2 0 0.00%

Total Number of Individuals 1,551,534 1,503,724 1,818,393 82.70% 1,504 1,818 82.70%

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs
QC QC

QC Adjusted Adjusted CPS

Participant Participants Participants Eligible

Individuals Units and Units and Individuals QC/CPS QC CPS

Units and Benefits Benefits Units and Participation Participants Eligibles Participation

Benefits (Missings) (Prog Ops Ratio) Benefits Rate (1,000) (1,000) Rate

Households without children 3,381,380 3,277,183 8,110,793 40.41% 3,277 8,111 40.41%

Households with zero income 228,770 221,720 980,437 22.61% 222 980 22.61%

Households with no earnings 3,015,255 2,922,340 6,907,740 42.31% 2,922 6,908 42.31%

Households with earnings 366,125 354,843 1,203,053 29.50% 355 1,203 29.50%

Households with AFDC/TANF 129,303 125,319 140,062 89.47% 125 140 89.47%

Households with AFDC/TANF and earnings 115,256 111,704 32,113 347.85% 112 32 347.85%

Households with Social Security 1,634,962 1,584,581 4,936,883 32.10% 1,585 4,937 32.10%

Households with non-elderly SSI 903,364 875,527 1,146,563 76.36% 876 1,147 76.36%

Households with elderly SSI 877,049 850,023 1,084,665 78.37% 850 1,085 78.37%

Income as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 2,944,919 2,854,172 5,209,263 54.79% 2,854 5,209 54.79%

 0 % 229,460 222,389 1,020,728 21.79% 222 1,021 21.79%

 1-50 % 354,795 343,862 776,570 44.28% 344 777 44.28%

 51-100% 2,360,664 2,287,920 3,411,965 67.06% 2,288 3,412 67.06%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 436,462 423,012 2,901,531 14.58% 423 2,902 14.58%

 101-130 % 388,477 376,506 2,024,896 18.59% 377 2,025 18.59%

 131 % or More 47,985 46,506 876,635 5.31% 47 877 5.31%

Total Number of Individuals 3,381,381 3,277,184 8,110,794 40.41% 3,277 8,111 40.41%

Earnings as % of poverty level

Total 100% of Poverty or Less 3,354,031 3,250,677 7,571,177 42.93% 3,251 7,571 42.93%

 0 % 3,015,577 2,922,652 6,910,648 42.29% 2,923 6,911 42.29%

 1-50 % 241,172 233,740 214,781 108.83% 234 215 108.83%

 51-100% 97,282 94,284 445,748 21.15% 94 446 21.15%

Total Greater Than 100 % of Poverty 27,348 26,505 539,616 4.91% 27 540 4.91%

 101-130 % 26,023 25,221 427,616 5.90% 25 428 5.90%

 131 % or More 1,325 1,284 112,000 1.15% 1 112 1.15%

Total Number of Individuals 3,381,379 3,277,182 8,110,793 40.41% 3,277 8,111 40.41%

Age of Individual

Child under 18 0 0 0

Adult age 18-59 1,953,595 1,893,395 3,313,988 57.13% 1,893 3,314 57.13%

Elderly age 60 or over 1,423,039 1,379,188 4,796,805 28.75% 1,379 4,797 28.75%

 Missing Age 4,745 4,599 0

Total Number of Individuals 3,381,379 3,277,182 8,110,793 40.41% 3,277 8,111 40.41%

 1997 Participation Rates - Households without aliens or ABAWDs