Abstract

This study uses a microsimulation model to assess the effect of changes to State-level Food Stamp Program (FSP)

asset rules on household eligibility and on the benefits that eligible households would receive. The findings show

that 7 percent of households eligible in 2006 were eligible only through expanded categorical eligibility rules that

exempted the households from the standard Federal FSP asset rules and that 1 percent of eligible households were

eligible because of State rules that counted fewer vehicle assets toward the asset limits. The number of eligible

households would increase by about 3 percent if asset limits were raised by $2,000, by 22 percent if the asset test

were eliminated, by 2 percent if retirement accounts were excluded, and by less than half of 1 percent if all vehicles were excluded. Eligibility across States varied widely, with 32 percent of households eligible in at least one

State but not eligible in all States. The Food Stamp Program was renamed to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program (SNAP) in October 2008.

Simulated Effects of Changes to State

and Federal Asset Eligibility Policies

for the Food Stamp Program

Contractor and Cooperator Report No. 49

October 2008

By Karen Cunnyngham and James Ohls, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

This study was conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., under a

cooperative research contract with USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS)

Food and Nutrition Assistance Research Program (FANRP): contract number

59-5000-6-0077 (ERS project representative: Kenneth Hanson). The views

expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or

USDA.
ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

This work was conducted through a cooperative agreement research grant from the Food 

Assistance and Nutrition Research Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic 

Research (ERS). The authors would like to extend their gratitude to the many people who 

contributed to this research. In particular, we would like to thank Kenneth Hanson for his 

guidance and support throughout the project. We also received valuable input on methodology 

and presentation from additional staff at ERS, including David Smallwood, Margaret Andrews, 

Mark Prell, and John Kirlin, and from Jenny Genser and Kristen Hyatt from the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Bruce Schechter from Mathematica Policy Research, 

Inc (MPR) was a major contributor to this research, providing the majority of computer 

programming support. Additional MPR staff also contributed in important ways. Joel Smith and 

Laura Castner provided microsimulation model development support, and Carole Trippe assisted 

with research on state asset rules and reviewed the report. Finally, Carol Soble edited the report, 

and Jackie McGee and Lisa Walls were responsible for the report production. 
iii

CONTENTS 

Chapter Page 

 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................... ix 

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

A. POLICY CONTEXT.............................................................................................2 

1. Food Stamp Program Eligibility....................................................................3 

2. Recent Changes to Food Stamp Program Eligibility Rules ..........................4 

B. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES .................................................................................7 

C. PREVIOUS RESEARCH .....................................................................................7 

D. ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT .................................................................9 

II METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................... 11 

A. DATA..................................................................................................................12 

1. Survey of Income and Program Participation .............................................12 

2. Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement ......13 

3. FSP Quality Control Data............................................................................14 

4. Data on State Asset Rules ...........................................................................14 

B. MICROSIMULATION MODELS .....................................................................15 

1. Overview of MATH SIPP+ Model .............................................................15 

2. Creation of FSPQC Datafile and QC Minimodel........................................18 
iv 

II (continued) 

C. SIMULATED POLICIES ...................................................................................19 

1. Eligibility in Fiscal Year 2006 ....................................................................21 

2. Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset and Categorical 

Eligibility.....................................................................................................21 

3. Simulations to Change Asset Limits ...........................................................22 

4. Simulations to Change Countable Assets....................................................22 

5. Fiscal Year 2006 Participants......................................................................23 

6. Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Categorical Eligibility 

Using the QC Minimodel ............................................................................23 

III FINDINGS ................................................................................................................... 25 

A. CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006.............................................................................25 

B. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY UNDER SIMULATED 

CHANGES TO FEDERAL AND STATE ASSET POLICIES..........................29 

1. Eligibility under Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset 

and Categorical Eligibility...........................................................................30 

2. Eligibility under Simulations to Change Asset Limits................................34 

3. Eligibility under Simulations to Change Countable Assets ........................39 

4. Possible Behavioral Responses to Changes to Asset Policies.....................42 

C. ELIGIBILITY RATES OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGES TO ASSET AND CATEGORICAL 

ELIGIBILITY POLICIES...................................................................................44 

1. Eligibility Rates in 2006..............................................................................45 

2. Eligibility Rates under Simulated Policy Changes......................................45 

D. VARIATIONS IN FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ACROSS 

STATES UNDER SIMULATED CHANGES TO FEDERAL AND 

STATE ASSET POLICIES.................................................................................50 

1. Sources of Eligibility Variations across States............................................51 

2. Variations in Characteristics of Households Eligible in 2006 ....................53 

3. Effects of Policy Changes on Variations in Eligibility ...............................55 
v

III (continued) 

E. CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN THE 

FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 AND UNDER SIMULATED 

CHANGES TO CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY POLICIES ...........................57 

1. Characteristics of Households Participating in the Food Stamp 

Program in 2006 ..........................................................................................57 

2. Participation under Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in 

Categorical Eligibility .................................................................................59 

 REFERENCES............................................................................................................R.1 

 APPENDIX A: MICROSIMULATION MODELS ................................................. A.1 

 APPENDIX B: SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLDS THAT 

BECOME NEWLY ELIGIBLE UNDER A SIMULATION TO 

ELIMINATE THE FSP ASSET TEST ...........................................B.1 

 APPENDIX C: CALIFORNIA SSI RECIPIENTS...................................................C.1 

TECHNICAL APPENDICES (IN SEPARATE DOCUMENT) 

 APPENDIX D: BASELINE TABULATIONS IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL... D.1 

 APPENDIX E: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO REVERT TO 

FEDERAL FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ASSET RULES FOR 

NON-CATEGORICALLY ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS IN 

THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL ..........................................................E.1 

 APPENDIX F: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE 

CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR NON-PURE PUBLIC 

ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE MATH SIPP+ 

MODEL ........................................................................................... F.1 

 APPENDIX G: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO REVERT TO 

FEDERAL FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ASSET RULES AND 

ELIMINATE CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR NONPURE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE 

MATH SIPP+ MODEL .................................................................. G.1 
vi

 APPENDIX H: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE 

ASSET LIMITS BY $1,000 IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL ...... H.1 

 APPENDIX I: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE 

ASSET LIMITS BY $2,000 IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL ........ I.1 

 APPENDIX J: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE 

ASSET LIMITS BY $3,000 IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL ........J.1 

 APPENDIX K: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE 

ASSET LIMITS BY $4,000 IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL ...... K.1 

 APPENDIX L: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE THE 

ASSET TEST IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL .............................L.1 

 APPENDIX M: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO EXCLUDE 

ASSETS IN RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS FROM 

COUNTABLE ASSETS IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL............M.1 

 APPENDIX N: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO EXCLUDE ALL 

VEHICLES FROM COUNTABLE ASSETS IN THE MATH 

SIPP+ MODEL ............................................................................... N.1 

 APPENDIX O: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO EXCLUDE ONE 

VEHICLE PER DRIVER FROM COUNTABLE ASSETS 

FOR STATES WITH LESS GENEROUS RULES IN THE 

MATH SIPP+ MODEL .................................................................. O.1 

 APPENDIX P: BASELINE TABULATIONS IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2006 

QC MINIMODEL............................................................................ P.1 

 APPENDIX Q: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE 

CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR NON-PURE PUBLIC 

ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS..................................................... Q.1 

 APPENDIX R: TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE 

CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR NON-PURE PUBLIC 

ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVING ONLY NONCASH BENEFITS ...........................................................................R.1 
vii

TABLES 

Table Page 

II.1 STATES GROUPED BY ASSET AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

POLICIES................................................................................................................... 16 

II.2 DESCRIPTION OF SIMULATIONS ........................................................................ 19 

III.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006.................................................................................... 26 

III.2 AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY 

INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE 

FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 ...................................................... 27 

III.3 ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE STATE EXPANSIONS IN ASSET AND 

CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY ............................................................................... 30 

III.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM UNDER SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE STATE 

EXPANSIONS IN ASSET AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY ......................... 32 

III.5 ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE ASSET LIMITS...................................................... 35 

III.6 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM UNDER SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE THE ASSET 

LIMITS....................................................................................................................... 37 

III.7 ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE COUNTABLE ASSETS ........................................ 40 

III.8 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM UNDER SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE COUNTABLE 

ASSETS...................................................................................................................... 41 

III.9 PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE FOR THE FSP BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS, Baseline 

and Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset and Categorical 

Eligibility.................................................................................................................... 46 

III.10 PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE FOR THE FSP BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS, Simulations 

to Change Asset Limits............................................................................................... 47 
TABLES (continued)

Table Page 

viii

III.11 PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE FOR THE FSP BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS, Simulations 

to Change Countable Assets ....................................................................................... 48 

III.12 HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 AND UNDER A SIMULATION TO 

ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF STATES 

IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE ........................................................... 53 

III.13 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 BY NUMBER OF STATES IN WHICH 

HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE............................................................................... 55 

III.14 HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGES TO ASSET 

AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY RULES BY NUMBER OF STATES IN 

WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE ................................................................ 56 

III.15 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006 .......... 58 

III.16 AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS 

PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006.................................................................................. 59 

III.17 PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS AND BENEFITS RECEIVED UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE STATE EXPANSIONS IN CATEGORICAL 

ELIGIBILITY............................................................................................................. 60 

III.18 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM UNDER SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE STATE 

EXPANSIONS IN CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY ................................................ 61 
ix 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) has served as a national “safety net” for many years, 

providing uniform food assistance to U.S. households that meet certain income and asset 

eligibility criteria established by Congress.1 Over the past several years, a series of policy 

changes to the program have afforded states increased flexibility to set rules determining asset 

eligibility. These policy changes have allowed states to adapt the FSP to local conditions and to 

integrate the FSP with state-run assistance programs. Additional changes to FSP asset eligibility 

rules are often considered when the program is reauthorized and as part of the president’s annual 

budget proposals. 

Effects of policy changes on program eligibility levels are of direct interest to policymakers, 

as are the resulting changes to benefit costs. It is also important for policymakers to understand 

the implications for targeting benefits to certain groups, such as those most in need of food 

assistance, low-income households with earnings, or households with elderly members. In 

addition, though state flexibility regarding FSP eligibility serves useful purposes, it raises 

questions concerning the degree to which FSP eligibility varies at the state level with only 

limited federal coordination. More generally, the fact that most of the changes in asset rules 

have occurred piecemeal—instituted by different states and at different times—raises the issue of 

whether the FSP may no longer fully serve its intended purpose as a national safety net. 

A. METHODOLOGY 

This study uses detailed information about state asset rules, coupled with three householdlevel data sets, to assess both past and possible future changes in FSP asset rules. The analytic 

 

1

 The Food Stamp Program (FSP) was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program effective 

October 2008. In this report we refer to the FSP, the program’s name while this study was conducted. 
x 

technique is microsimulation—the use of computer models to simulate the FSP. Computer 

models permit us to examine the effects of policy changes at the household level, with the results 

weighted to provide state and national estimates. To conduct the research presented here, we 

employed two microsimulation models. The primary model used in the study is the MATH©

SIPP+ model, which draws on data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) 

and the Current Population Survey (CPS).2

 Using that model, we estimate the number and 

characteristics of eligible and participating households, along with the benefits for which they 

qualify, under various asset rules. Although the body of the text focuses primarily on changes to 

eligible households and the benefits for which they are eligible, tables in the Technical 

Appendices to the main report are more extensive. They present data on participating 

households, benefits for participating households, and eligible and participating individuals. The 

appendix tables also include additional details on eligible households and their benefits. 

Estimates of benefits for which eligible households qualify provide information on the maximum

benefit cost or savings under various policy scenarios, and estimates of benefits for participating 

households provide information on the likely benefit cost or savings. The second model used in 

the study is the QC Minimodel; it draws on FSP administrative data, which include detailed 

information on households’ income, expenses, demographic characteristics, and categorical 

eligibility status. We use the second model to estimate participation levels under two policy 

changes. 

Given that both the MATH SIPP+ model and QC Minimodel are static models, they do not 

incorporate behavioral responses to changes in FSP policies. Stated another way, they do not 

simulate an increase or decrease in a household’s vehicle or financial assets in response to 

 

2

 MATH (Micro Analysis of Transfers to Households) is a registered trademark of Mathematica Policy 

Research, Inc. 
xi 

expansions or restrictions in the FSP asset test. The addition of a behavioral response module to 

the MATH SIPP+ model was beyond the scope of this project. 

We began the study by conducting baseline simulations to estimate (1) FSP eligibility and 

participation under 2006 rules in the MATH SIPP+ model and (2) FSP participation in FY 2006 

in the QC Minimodel. We then simulated three sets of policy changes in the MATH SIPP+ 

model and one set in the QC Minimodel: 

• Simulations to eliminate recent state expansions in asset and categorical eligibility 

• Simulations to change FSP asset limits, including elimination of the asset test 

• Simulations to change the treatment of selected assets such as retirement accounts and 

vehicle assets 

• More detailed simulations to eliminate recent state expansions in categorical 

eligibility (using the QC Minimodel) 

This study was conducted before passage of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 

2008, which made some changes to FSP asset eligibility rules effective fiscal year 2009 while 

reauthorizing the program. Several of the policy changes enacted are similar to changes 

simulated for this study. Specifically, we simulated the exclusion of retirement savings accounts 

from countable assets and increases to the FSP asset limits. The increases to the asset limits that 

we simulated are larger than those enacted, although they are comparable to increases initially 

passed by the Senate. Note that we simulated each policy change separately, rather than 

simultaneously simulating multiple policy changes. 

B. MAJOR FINDINGS 

Using the MATH SIPP+ model, we estimate that 20.5 million households were eligible for 

the FSP in an average month in 2006 and that 11.5 million of those households chose to 

participate in the FSP (Table ES.1). Eligible households qualified for over $3 billion in FSP 

benefits in an average month (Table ES.2). Among eligible households, 68 percent were in 
xii

poverty, 40 percent had earned income, and 19 percent reported low or very low food security. 

Less than half of eligible households had any financial assets, less than half had any vehicle 

assets, and only a quarter owned a home. Twenty-nine percent of eligible households included 

elderly members and 41 percent included children. On average, eligible households that choose 

to participate tend to have lower incomes, are less likely to include elderly members, more likely 

to include children, and are more likely to be food-insecure than all eligible households. Among 

participating households, 84 percent were in poverty, 35 percent had earned income, and 21 

percent reported low or very low food security. Eighteen percent of participating households 

included elderly members and 49 percent included children. 

TABLE ES.1 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006

Eligible Households 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Total 

 Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Total 

Total Households 20,493 100.0 11,499 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% of Poverty Level 13,972 68.2 9,601 83.5

101-130% 4,627 22.6 1,547 13.5

131-200% 1,789 8.7 312 2.7

Households with Earnings 8,236 40.2 4,073 35.4

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,065 49.1 4,777 41.5

Vehicle Assets 9,990 48.7 4,991 43.4

Home Equity 5,318 26.0 2,207 19.2

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 5,959 29.1 2,072 18.0

Households with children 8,456 41.3 5,668 49.3

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 14,325 69.9 7,583 65.9

Low food-security 2,300 11.2 1,437 12.5

Very low food-security 1,483 7.2 977 8.5

Unknown 2,385 11.6 1,502 13.1

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
xiii

TABLE ES.2 

ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS IN 2006 AND 

UNDER SIMULATED POLICY CHANGES 

Eligible Households Potential Benefits 

Number 

(000s) 

 Percent Change 

from Baseline 

Dollars 

(000s) 

 Percent Change 

from Baseline 

MATH SIPP+ Baseline 20,493 NA 3,269,015 NA

Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions 

in Eligibility 

Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules 20,367 -0.6 3,245,621 -0.7

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility 18,978 -7.4 3,137,923 -4.0

Revert to Federal Asset Rules and Eliminate 

Categorical Eligibility 18,841 -8.1 3,111,968 -4.8

Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

Increase Asset Limits by $1,000 20,843 1.7 3,325,365 1.7

Increase Asset Limits by $2,000 21,068 2.8 3,361,490 2.8

Increase Asset Limits by $3,000 21,319 4.0 3,389,871 3.7

Increase Asset Limits by $4,000 21,459 4.7 3,408,816 4.3

Eliminate the Asset Test 24,941 21.7 3,908,047 19.5

Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts 20,847 1.7 3,325,565 1.7

Exclude All Vehicles 20,545 0.3 3,280,256 0.3

Exclude One Vehicle per Driver 20,520 0.1 3,275,197 0.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

1. Effects of Changes in State Asset and Categorical Eligibility Policies 

The first set of policy changes we simulated estimate the effects of expansions in state FSP 

asset and categorical eligibility rules that were implemented in 2000 and 2001. States now have 

two options for expanding eligibility. 

• They may align FSP vehicle rules with less restrictive rules governing certain other 

assistance programs, thereby counting fewer, if any, of a household’s vehicle assets 

when determining FSP eligibility. 

• They may confer categorical eligibility on additional households receiving cash or 

non-cash benefits from certain other assistance programs. Such households 

consequently become exempt from the federal FSP income and asset tests. 
xiv 

Through various enactments of the two options, most states have effectively replaced the 

federally defined FSP asset test. To estimate the effects of these state changes, we “turned the 

clock back” by simulating a reversion to federal FSP asset rules. Given that the state changes to 

asset rules expanded eligibility, the simulations of the reversion reduced the number of 

households eligible for the FSP. The results of our simulations show that: 

• A substantial change in eligibility resulted from expansions in categorical eligibility. 

We estimate that 7 percent of the households eligible in 2006 were eligible only 

through expanded categorical eligibility, holding 2006 vehicle rules constant. 

• Households eligible only through expanded categorical eligibility were eligible for 

only 4 percent of the benefits for which all eligible households qualified. This is 

because households eligible only under expanded categorical eligibility rules tend to 

have higher income than households that pass the income and asset tests, and thus 

qualify for lower benefits. 

• State changes in the treatment of vehicle assets also increased eligibility, but to a 

much lesser degree compared to changes in categorical eligibility. We estimate that 1 

percent of the households eligible in 2006 were eligible because of state rules that 

counted fewer vehicle assets toward the asset limits, holding 2006 categorical 

eligibility rules constant. These households were eligible for 1 percent of the benefits 

for which all eligible households qualified. 

• Households made eligible by the vehicle policy and categorical eligibility expansions 

were likely to have income between 131 and 200 percent of poverty—higher than 

FSP households eligible under federal FSP rules (Table ES.3). In addition, 

households with earners disproportionately benefited from both the categorical 

eligibility and vehicle policy changes. On the other hand, households with elderly 

members benefited more than the average household from the categorical eligibility 

expansions and less from the changes to vehicle policies, and households with 

children benefited more from the changes to vehicle policies and less from the 

categorical eligibility expansions. 

2. Effects of Changes to Asset Limits 

Current federal law specifies limits for countable assets: $2,000 for most households and 

$3,000 for households with elderly or disabled members. Although the limits will be indexed to 

inflation beginning in fiscal year 2009, they have remained unchanged for most households for 

over 20 years while prices have risen substantially. As a result, FSP asset levels are now more 
xv 

restrictive than they were earlier in the program. Some policymakers are concerned that current 

asset limits make it difficult for members of FSP households to save for education or retirement 

or to own reliable vehicles, thus diminishing the FSP’s role as a work-support program. 

TABLE ES.3 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 AND UNDER SIMULATED POLICY 

CHANGES 

Percent Change Under Simulated Policy Change 

Number of 

Eligible 

Households 

in 2006 

(000s) 

Revert to 

Federal 

Asset 

Rules 

Eliminate 

Categorical 

Eligibility

Increase 

Asset 

Limits by 

$2,000 

Eliminate 

the Asset 

Test 

Exclude 

Assets in 

Retirement 

Accounts 

Exclude 

All 

Vehicles

Total Households 20,493 -0.6 -7.4 2.8 21.7 1.7 0.3

 

Gross Income as a Percentage 

of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% 13,972 -0.6 -2.4 2.4 16.4 1.5 0.2

101-130% 4,627 -0.8 -5.3 3.7 25.8 1.8 0.3

131-200% 1,789 -0.4 -51.8 3.0 44.1 3.0 0.2

Households with Earnings 8,236 -0.7 -10.3 2.8 16.5 1.5 0.3

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,065 -0.9 -12.5 5.7 44.1 3.5 0.4

Vehicle Assets 9,990 -1.3 -11.1 4.5 34.4 2.8 0.5

Home Equity 5,318 -1.1 -14.9 5.0 54.4 4.4 0.7

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 5,959 -0.6 -9.0 4.0 42.3 2.9 0.3

Households with children 8,456 -0.7 -6.9 2.1 11.2 1.2 0.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

In light of these concerns, various increases to FSP asset limits were considered during the 

recent FSP reauthorization process. To estimate the effect of the proposed increases, we 

conducted a series of four simulations that raised the asset limits in $1,000 increments and 

another that eliminated the asset test. Major results show that: 

• Raising the asset limits by $2,000 would increase the number of eligible households 

by about 3 percent. The effect of an incremental increase in asset limits appears to 

decrease as the asset limits increase. 
xvi 

• The amount of benefits for which eligible households would qualify under the reform 

to increase asset limits by $2,000 would also increase by about 3 percent. Larger 

increases in the asset limits, however, result in proportionally smaller increases in 

benefits. Raising the asset limits by $4,000, which would result in a 5 percent 

increase in the number of eligible households, would result in only a 4 percent 

increase in potential benefits. 

• As with the expansions in categorical eligibility, households that would become 

eligible under higher asset limits are more likely to have income slightly above 

poverty and to include elderly members. 

• Elimination of the asset test would result in a 22 percent increase in the number of 

households eligible for the FSP and a 20 percent increase in amount of benefits for 

which eligible households would qualify, the largest increases for any of the 

simulations we conducted for the study. This policy change would increase eligibility 

for households with a broad range of characteristics, but, once again, the increase 

would be particularly large among households with income between 131 and 200 

percent of poverty and among households with an elderly member. Because these 

types of households tend to participate in the FSP at lower than average rates, the 

increases in the number of participating households and amount of benefits for 

participating households would be less (17 percent). 

• A large majority of income-eligible households, those that either pass or are not 

subject to the income tests, have low levels of countable assets. However, over 5 

percent have more than $50,000 in countable assets. Among households that are 

income eligible for the FSP but have at least $7,000 in countable assets and fail the 

asset test, 61 percent have an elderly member, less than half are in poverty, and 84 

percent have investment income. Very few such households have countable vehicle 

assets, while virtually all have countable financial assets (see Appendix B.) 

3. Effects of Changes to Countable Assets 

Many discussions about the FSP asset test focus on whether specific types of assets should 

be counted against the asset limit. For instance, the advisability of counting retirement assets, 

intended to support people in their later years, was addressed during the 2008 FSP 

reauthorization process because it is in the public interest to encourage saving for retirement. 

Discussions of whether to include vehicles in countable assets have centered around many 

households’ need for reliable cars to provide transportation to work, the grocery store, medical 

appointments, and other important activities. 
xvii

We tested the effects of excluding from countable assets, first, retirement accounts and, then, 

vehicles. Major results show that: 

• The exclusion of retirement accounts would lead to a 2 percent increase in the number 

of eligible households. The number of households with slightly higher income than 

the average eligible household and the number of households with an elderly member 

would both increase by 3 percent under this policy change, slightly more than the 

overall increase. On the other hand, the number of households with an earner would 

increase by 1 percent, which, while statistically significant, is slightly less than the 

overall increase. 

• We observe smaller effects for excluding vehicles from countable assets. If all 

vehicles were excluded, the increase in the number of eligible households would be 

less than half of 1 percent. If only one vehicle per driver in a household were 

excluded, the increase would be even smaller. The small effect of excluding 

additional vehicles from countable assets reflects, in part, the fact that many states 

already exclude all or most vehicles. 

• The increases in the amount of benefits for which eligible households would qualify 

under these policy changes are similar to the corresponding increases in the number 

of eligible households. 

4. Eligibility Rates 

As part of our analysis, we constructed eligibility rates, or the percentages of households 

with incomes under 200 percent of poverty that would be eligible for the FSP, under simulated 

policy changes (Table ES.4). To summarize our findings: 

• The overall eligibility rate was 55 percent in 2006. Households in poverty had an 

eligibility rate of 86 percent as compared to 12 percent for households with income 

between 131 and 200 percent of poverty. 

• The overall eligibility rate varied from 50 to 66 percent under the simulated policy 

options. 

• Elimination of the recent state expansions in categorical eligibility would lower the 

eligibility rates of households at all income levels but would have a larger effect on 

higher-income households. 

• Elimination of the asset test would raise the eligibility rate of households in poverty 

by 14 percentage points to 100 percent. The eligibility rate for households with 

income slightly above poverty would increase even more, by 19 percentage points to 

91 percent. 
xviii

• Exclusion of retirement assets from countable assets would slightly raise the 

eligibility rates of lower-income households but would have a negligible effect on 

households with income between 131 and 200 percent of poverty. Households in this 

latter group that could be affected by a change in countable assets are limited to those 

that contain elderly or disabled members and thus are not subject to the FSP gross 

income test. 

TABLE ES.4 

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY ELIGIBLE IN 2006 AND 

UNDER SIMULATED POLICY CHANGES 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

Total 

At or below 

100% 101-130% 131-200% 

Households below 200 Percent of Poverty (000s) 37,223 16,257 6,389 14,577 

Percentage of Households below 200 Percent of 

Poverty Eligible for the FSP 

MATH SIPP+ Baseline 54.8 85.9 72.4 12.3

Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions 

in Eligibility 

Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules 54.4 85.3 71.7 12.1

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility 50.7 83.8 68.6 5.9

Revert to Federal Asset Rules and Eliminate 

Categorical Eligibility 50.3 83.3 68.0 5.9

Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

Increase Asset Limits by $1,000 55.7 87.2 74.3 12.5

Increase Asset Limits by $2,000 56.3 88.0 75.1 12.6

Increase Asset Limits by $3,000 57.0 88.9 76.3 12.8

Increase Asset Limits by $4,000 57.3 89.4 77.0 13.0

Eliminate the Asset Test 66.2 100.0 91.1 17.7

Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts 55.7 87.2 73.7 12.6

Exclude All Vehicles 54.9 86.1 72.6 12.3

Exclude One Vehicle per Driver 54.8 86.1 72.5 12.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

5. Variations in Eligibility across States 

The effective devolution to the states of significant authority to set FSP asset rules has 

created the possibility that households with similar demographic characteristics, income, and 

assets might be eligible for the FSP in some states but not in others. Our microsimulation model 
xix 

provides a convenient framework within which to examine the size of any disparities created by 

variation in state asset rules. 

We found wide variation in eligibility across states. Under the rules in place in 2006, 32 

percent of households that would be eligible in at least one state would not be eligible in all 

states (Table ES.5). An example of a household that would fall into this group is one that has 

enough vehicle assets that it would fail the asset test in states that include vehicles in countable 

assets, but would pass the asset test in states that exclude vehicles from countable assets. 

TABLE ES.5 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 AND UNDER A SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT IN 

CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF STATES IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

2006 Baseline 

 Eliminate SSI Cash-out 

in CA 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

Eligible 

 Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

Eligible 

Eligible Households 20,493 100.0 20,869 100.0

Households Eligible in All States 13,873 67.7 17,804 85.3

Households Eligible in Some But Not All States 6,620 32.3 3,065 14.7

Eligible in 47 to 50 States 4,353 21.2 818 3.9

Eligible in 50 States 4,021 19.6 459 2.2

Eligible in 6 to 46 States 1,960 9.6 1,947 9.3

Eligible in 1 to 5 States 306 1.5 300 1.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

Two thirds of households that were eligible in some but not all states, or 21 percent of all 

eligible households, were eligible in most states (at least 47) but were not eligible in all states 

(including the District of Columbia.) The majority of these households were ineligible in only 1 

state. Less than 2 percent of all eligible households were eligible in only a few states (no more 

than 5) and another 10 percent were eligible in 6 to 46 states. 

The largest source of variation among states is California’s policy that “cashes out” FSP 

benefits for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), thus rendering them ineligible for 
xx

the FSP. As a result of this policy, some households, for instance, those that consist solely of 

one or two SSI recipients, are eligible for the FSP in all states except California. A simulation 

that eliminated the SSI cash-out policy in California showed a substantial reduction in, but 

nonetheless considerable remaining, disparities. Under the simulated change in the California 

policy, the percentage eligible in at least one but not all states fell from 32 to 15 percent. 

However, as expected, the percentage of households eligible in 6 to 46 states remained 

approximately the same—9 percent. 

We examined the effect of the different policy changes on variations in eligibility across 

states and found that: 

• All the policy change simulations increased the percentage of eligible households that 

were eligible in all states (Table ES.6). For example, excluding all vehicles from 

countable assets would increase by 2 percentage points the percentage of eligible 

households that were eligible in all states. 

• Elimination of the asset test would raise the percentage of eligible households that 

were eligible in all states to 76 percent, the highest among the policy changes 

simulated. The second-highest percentage eligible in all states—74 percent—resulted 

from the simulation that eliminated the state expansions in asset and categorical 

eligibility. 

• Exclusion of retirement accounts from countable assets would have the smallest 

effect, raising the percentage of eligible households that were eligible in all states by 

only half a percentage point. 

6. Effects on Participation of Eliminating State Expansions in Categorical Eligibility 

The policy changes discussed above were simulated in the MATH SIPP+ model. In 

addition, we used the QC Minimodel to estimate the number and characteristics of households 

participating in FY 2006 and to simulate the elimination of recent expansions to categorical 

eligibility. While we used the MATH SIPP+ model primarily to examine the effect of changes 

on FSP eligibility, the QC Minimodel is ideal for examining the effect of changes on FSP 

participation. Based on the QC Minimodel, we estimate that 11.3 million eligible households 
xxi

participated in the FSP in FY 2006 (Table ES.7). Of the participating households, 87 percent 

were in poverty. 

TABLE ES.6 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGES TO ASSET AND CATEGORICAL 

ELIGIBILITY RULES BY NUMBER OF STATES IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

Number of 

Eligible 

Households 

(000s) 

Percentage 

Eligible under 

All State Rules 

Percentage 

Eligible under 

Some But Not 

All State Rules 

Baselaw: 2006 Baseline 20,493 67.7 32.3

Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset and 

Categorical Eligibility 

Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules 20,367 68.1 31.9

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility 18,978 73.0 27.0

Revert to Federal Asset Rules and Eliminate Categorical 

Eligibility 18,841 73.5 26.5

Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

Increase Asset Limits by $1,000 20,843 68.5 31.5

Increase Asset Limits by $2,000 21,068 69.1 30.9

Increase Asset Limits by $3,000 21,319 69.8 30.2

Increase Asset Limits by $4,000 21,459 70.2 29.8

Eliminate the Asset Test 24,941 76.1 23.9

Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts 20,847 68.2 31.8

Exclude All Vehicles 20,545 69.7 30.3

Exclude One Vehicle per Driver 20,520 69.4 30.6

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Using the QC Minimodel, we simulated two changes to categorical eligibility, first 

simulating the elimination of expanded categorical eligibility for all households and then 

simulating the elimination of expanded categorical eligibility for only those households that were 

categorically eligible through the receipt of non-cash benefits. In both these simulations, we did 

not subject households losing categorical eligibility to the FSP asset test because of limited 

information in the administrative data on asset holdings for these households. As a result, the 

simulations underestimate the number of participating households affected by the policy change. 
xxii

TABLE ES.7 

HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 

AND UNDER SIMULATED POLICY CHANGES 

Households Under Simulated Elimination of 

Categorical Eligibility 

Households 

Participating in 2006 

for Non-Pure Public 

Assistance Households

for Non-Pure Public 

Assistance Households 

Receiving Only 

Non-cash Benefits 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Total 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

Change

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

Change

Total Participating Households 11,315 100.0 11,205 -1.0 11,213 -0.9

Benefits Received ($) 2,358,293 NA 2,354,132 -0.2 2,354,244 -0.2

Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% 9,847 87.0 9,847 0.0 9,847 0.0

101-130% 1,232 10.9 1,224 -0.6 1,226 -0.5

131-200% 223 2.0 127 -42.8 133 -40.1

Greater than 200% 14 0.1 7 -50.1 7 -48.2

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

We found that: 

• Elimination of expanded categorical eligibility would cause 1 percent of participating

FSP households to lose eligibility for the program (Table III.17). 

• Partial elimination of categorical eligibility—that conferred through the receipt of 

non-cash benefits—would reduce participation by only slightly less. 

• The households that would be affected by the simulated reductions in eligibility have 

higher income than participating households that would remain eligible (Table 

III.18). Thus, the percentage reductions in benefits received by participating

households would be small (0.2 percent). 

Note that these estimates differ from the ones presented in section B.1 for the three reasons 

mentioned above: 1) these estimates are of participating households rather than eligible 

households; 2) the simulations were conducted in the QC Minimodel rather than the MATH 

SIPP+ model; and 3) these simulations do not subject households losing categorical eligibility 

status to the FSP asset test. 
1 

I. INTRODUCTION 

The Food Stamp Program (FSP), a major component of the nation’s “safety net,” helps lowincome households achieve a healthy diet by providing them with benefits that can be redeemed 

for food. With relatively few non-financial eligibility criteria, the FSP is the largest domestic 

food and nutrition assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

(USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). To ensure that the FSP is targeted to the people who 

most need it, Congress restricts program eligibility by imposing limits on household income and 

assets. In recent years, several rule changes have affected FSP asset eligibility; in addition, 

policymakers often consider more changes. 

The research presented here provides detailed information on the effects of asset and 

categorical eligibility rule changes on the number and types of households eligible for the FSP. 

More generally, the analysis examines the effects of these changes on the degree of social equity 

achieved by the FSP, with implications for safety net programs in general. We use computer 

simulation models to estimate the effects of policy changes—some similar to changes recently 

considered by Congress and some recently enacted. Given that asset rules now vary across 

states, we also examine the number and characteristics of households eligible for the FSP under 

some state rules and ineligible under other state rules. The results of the research are an 

important addition to ongoing discussions of the role of asset limits in the FSP and other 

assistance programs. 

We found that: 

• Recent state expansions in categorical eligibility rules have substantially expanded 

FSP eligibility. We estimate that 7 percent of households eligible in 2006 were 

eligible only through state expansions in categorical eligibility. These households 

were eligible for 4 percent of all benefits.
2 

• The increase in discretion accorded to states to set asset and categorical eligibility 

policies has increased disparities in eligibility across states. Elimination of the recent 

state expansions in asset and categorical eligibility rules would increase by 6 

percentage points the percentage of eligible households that would be eligible in all 

states.

• Additional changes to FSP asset policies, some of which were made as part of the 

2008 FSP reauthorization, would both increase eligibility and reduce state disparities 

in eligibility. Eligibility increases range from less than 1 percentage point to 22 

percentage points, depending on the policy option simulated.

• The characteristics of eligible households differ under the various policy simulations. 

For instance, households that would become eligible under expansions to the FSP 

asset policy tend to have slightly higher income than currently eligible households.

In this introductory chapter, we discuss the project’s policy context, including changes to 

FSP eligibility rules, the questions addressed by the research, and the existing literature on which 

the research builds. 

A. POLICY CONTEXT 

Although FSP income limits have increased regularly over the years, asset limits for most 

households remained unchanged for over 20 years.1

 The asset test is intended to channel food 

assistance to the neediest households by ensuring that FSP participants do not have substantial 

assets that can be readily converted to cash to buy food. However, in 2002, household assets 

made an estimated one-fifth of income-eligible households ineligible for the FSP (Trippe and 

Schechter 2007), leading some policymakers to wonder whether the asset limits may exclude 

some truly needy households from the program. Policymakers were also concerned about some 

unintended consequences of the asset test; specifically, households might be discouraged from 

saving for retirement or college tuition or from owning a vehicle that could provide a dependable 

method of commuting to work because accumulating those assets may make them ineligible for 

 

1

 An exception is the asset limit for households with a disabled member, which was raised from $2,000 to 

$3,000 in 2002. 
3 

the FSP. In addition, FSP eligibility affects eligibility for the National School Lunch Program 

(NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP); schoolchildren in families that participate in 

the FSP are categorically eligible for free meals through those programs. Restrictions on FSP 

eligibility could increase the paperwork needed to certify children for the NSLP and SBP and in 

some cases possibly even limit eligibility. 

To address these concerns, Congress and many states have made several changes to the FSP 

asset rules; other changes are under consideration by some states. Understanding the effect that 

these changes have had or potentially will have on FSP eligibility will help inform the policy 

discussion. Below, we describe FSP eligibility rules, recent changes to the asset rules, and 

additional changes under discussion. 

1. Food Stamp Program Eligibility 

To be eligible for the FSP, most households must pass a gross income test, a net income test, 

and an asset test. The gross and net income limits are 130 and 100 percent of the federal poverty 

guidelines, respectively. Households with an elderly or disabled member are not subject to the 

gross income test, and categorically eligible households, described below, are not subject to 

either income test. A household’s assets are another determinant of FSP eligibility. To be 

eligible under federal FSP asset rules, non-categorically eligible households without an elderly or 

disabled person may own no more than $2,000 in countable assets. Non-categorically eligible 

households with an elderly or disabled person may own up to $3,000 in countable assets. A 

household is categorically eligible for the FSP if all of its members receive benefits from 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or 

General Assistance (GA). These so-called “pure public assistance” households are not subject to 

any FSP income or asset tests. 
4 

Although the value of a family home is not included in countable assets, most financial 

assets and some of the value of vehicle assets are countable under federal FSP rules. The federal 

program rules for determining the value of countable vehicle assets are complex. The value of 

certain vehicles is entirely excluded from countable assets, including the value of vehicles with 

very low equity and vehicles used as homes, to transport fuel or water, to transport a disabled 

person, or to produce income. (Vehicles used to commute to work do not fall under the last 

category). Most remaining vehicles (one per adult in the household plus one per teenager who 

drives to work or school) are valued at their fair market value (FMV) minus an allowance of 

$4,650. Additional vehicles are valued at the higher of their FMV minus $4,650 or their equity 

(FMV minus liens). 

As Wemmerus (1993) points out, when the FMV threshold was established in 1977, the 

value of $4,500 was chosen as the average FMV of a serviceable vehicle. At that time, $4,500 

would buy a new family sedan such as an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The current FMV 

threshold of $4,650 might now buy an eight-year-old Chevy Cavalier. 

Once a household is certified as eligible for the FSP, either by passing the income and asset 

tests or by being categorically eligible, the benefit for which it qualifies is calculated. Although 

one- and two-person households automatically qualify for a minimum benefit of $10, in a few 

cases, larger households that are technically eligible for the FSP but have a relatively high net 

income may not qualify for a positive benefit. For the purposes of our research, we classify 

households that do not qualify for a positive benefit as ineligible for the FSP. 

2. Recent Changes to Food Stamp Program Eligibility Rules 

The federal government has accorded states the flexibility to set their own FSP asset 

policies, within certain parameters, thus allowing states to streamline eligibility certification by 

coordinating asset rules among programs. The changes in flexibility fall into two categories: 
5 

those that expand categorical eligibility, thereby exempting households from the FSP asset test, 

and those that reduce the value of vehicle assets included in countable assets. 

Regulations implemented in early 2001 confer categorical eligibility on households certified 

as eligible to receive any state-provided benefit or service that is at least 50 percent funded by 

federal TANF block grant money or state Maintenance of Effort (MOE) money.2

 In addition, 

states may choose to confer categorical eligibility on the basis of benefits or services that are less 

than 50 percent funded by TANF/MOE money and on households in which one member receives 

a benefit or service that benefits the entire household as determined by the state (Wolkwitz 

2007a, USDA 2007). States can effectively change the FSP asset test to which some low-income 

households are subject by conferring categorical eligibility through programs without an asset 

test, with a higher asset limit than the FSP’s, or with an asset policy that differs in other ways 

from the FSP’s asset policy. 

Legislation was also enacted to give states options for counting vehicle assets. The 2001 

Agricultural Appropriations Act allows states to align their FSP vehicle rules with the rules in 

place for certain other programs such as TANF cash benefits or TANF/MOE-funded child care 

assistance as long as the alternate rules are at least as generous as the federal FSP vehicle asset 

rules. In states that use this option, all FSP households are subject to the alternate rules. 

Over the past several years, most states have used one or more of the options described 

above to expand FSP eligibility to a larger proportion of their low-income population. Several 

states operate TANF/MOE-funded programs with few, if any, eligibility restrictions and have 

used the programs to confer categorical eligibility on virtually all of their low-income 

households. Other states have extended categorical eligibility to a more select group of 

 

2

 Under the TANF provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 

1996, states are required to spend a certain amount of state money on benefits and services for low-income 

households. The required state cost-sharing is referred to as Maintenance of Effort, or MOE. 
6 

households, such as those with children. Still other states have chosen to align their FSP asset 

rules with more generous TANF rules. By the end of 2006, 25 states had adopted policies that 

exclude the value of all vehicles from the FSP asset test for almost all households. Other states 

exclude from countable assets the value of one vehicle per household, one vehicle per adult, or a 

larger amount of a vehicle’s FMV. Only one state, Idaho, still used the federal FSP rules 

described above for all vehicles during the period covered by this report. (Appendix A presents 

details on state asset policies as of January 2007.) 

The president’s 2008 budget submission included a proposal to restrict FSP categorical 

eligibility for TANF recipients to those receiving cash assistance, but the proposal was not a part 

of either the final FY 2008 budget appropriations or the president’s 2009 budget submission. 

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 made several additional changes to the 

FSP, including changes to asset eligibility rules. Specifically, beginning in fiscal year 2009, 

asset limits will be indexed to inflation, and retirement and education savings will be excluded 

from the asset test. 

Discussions about additional changes at either the federal or state level can benefit from a 

detailed analysis of the likely effects of proposed policy changes on FSP eligibility and the 

effects of changes already enacted or forthcoming. Estimates of how many households would 

become newly eligible or ineligible under proposed rule changes along with the corresponding 

change in potential benefit costs make it possible to weigh the costs and benefits of potential 

policy changes. In addition, estimates of how many households became or are likely to become 

newly eligible or ineligible under already enacted or forthcoming changes will inform policy 

discussions about the advisability of rolling back some of the recent changes. Finally, an 

assessment of the eligibility disparities across states resulting from states’ new policy-setting 

 
7 

flexibility sheds additional light on eligibility policies related not only to the FSP but also to 

other income-support programs with eligibility policies that vary by state. 

B. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 

The central objective of our research is to assess the effects of recent, forthcoming, and 

proposed changes to FSP asset and categorical eligibility rules on FSP benefits, the 

characteristics of households eligible for the FSP, and the equity profile of the FSP. The 

research addresses the following broad questions: 

1. How much did the recent vehicle and categorical eligibility policy changes expand 

eligibility and increase participation? How much in additional benefits is paid out as 

a result? What will be the effect of the recently enacted additional eligibility 

expansions ? 

2. How do households newly eligible under the expanded rules implemented by states 

compare to households eligible under the federal rules? How do participants eligible 

only under the expanded rules compare to participants eligible under the federal 

rules? Have some demographic or economic subgroups been more affected by the 

eligibility expansion than others? 

3. How do the level and composition of the financial, home equity, and vehicle assets 

of households eligible only under the expanded rules compare with the asset 

holdings of households eligible under the federal rules? 

4. How much does the variation in asset eligibility rules across states lead to disparities 

in FSP eligibility? Are some subgroups disproportionately affected? 

C. PREVIOUS RESEARCH 

This project builds on previous microsimulation work to estimate the effects of policy 

changes on the number and characteristics of households eligible for the FSP and participating in 

the FSP. 

Most federal agencies that administer income transfer programs routinely use 

microsimulation models to estimate the effects of changes to program rules. In research for 

USDA, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR), frequently conducts simulations to estimate 

the cost and distributional impact of proposed changes to the FSP. These simulations usually 
8 

address a timely policy question of concern to FNS. For each simulation, MPR typically 

produces a standard set of tables that provide an overview of the estimated effect of the policy 

change on FSP eligibility. 

Microsimulation has also found application in longer-term research to estimate FSP 

eligibility. For instance, Wolkwitz (2007b) used a microsimulation model to estimate the 

denominators of the official FSP participation rates published by USDA. Wolkwitz estimates the 

number of eligible individuals and participating individuals along with participation rates for a 

variety of national economic and demographic subgroups for 1999 through 2005. According to 

Wolkwitz, the number of individuals eligible for the FSP increased from 2001 to 2004, at which 

time it leveled off. Cunnyngham et al. (2007) used the same microsimulation-based estimates of 

eligible and participating individuals along with other data and shrinkage estimation methods to 

develop estimates of state FSP participation rates. They found that state participation rates 

varied in 2005 from just under 50 percent to over 90 percent. 

Trippe and Schechter (2007) relied on an earlier version of the MATH SIPP+ model used in 

our research to estimate the asset holdings of low-income households in 2002. They found that, 

of the 20 percent of low-income households that passed the FSP income tests but failed the asset 

test, the majority were ineligible based on financial rather than vehicle assets. In a North 

Carolina demonstration project, Wemmerus and Gottlieb (1999) used microsimulation, along 

with other methods, to estimate the impact of relaxing the vehicle asset test on FSP eligibility, 

participation, and benefit costs. 

Lerman and Wiseman (2002) used FSP eligibility estimates derived from the Urban 

Institute’s Current Population Survey (CPS)-based TRIM3 model to examine the relationship 

between participation in the FSP and the circumstances of low-income working families. The 
9 

authors estimate that 92 percent of working families in poverty in 1998 qualified for the FSP but 

that only 54 percent of eligible families chose to participate.3 However, they found that, among 

households with similar earnings, eligible non-participating households reported less food 

insecurity than did participating households. 

MaCurdy and Marrufu (2006) used the Monthly Income Dynamics, Survey of Income and 

Program Participation (MID-SIPP) model to simulate the effects of changes to the FSP’s 

eligibility rules and certification and reporting requirements. They estimate that 49 percent of all 

families have less than $2,000 in financial assets and that 61 percent have less than $10,000 in 

vehicle assets. Among participating households, however, 94 percent have less than $2,000 in 

financial assets and 93 percent have less than $10,000 in vehicle assets. 

The present research extends the earlier research by assembling and using updated 

information on state policies and by simulating additional asset and categorical eligibility policy 

options. We also expand the set of household characteristics examined and incorporate crosstabulations of key characteristics. More broadly, the present analysis provides detailed 

information on the effects of asset limits on equity and economic efficiency in safety net 

programs in general. The study is therefore potentially useful for the development not only of 

FSP policies but also of policies governing other assistance programs. 

D. ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT 

Chapter II describes the methodology used to develop the estimates presented in this report, 

and Chapter III presents our findings. Appendix A provides in-depth information on the 

microsimulation models, Appendix B presents a supplemental analysis of households that 

 

3

 For the estimates cited here, Lerman and Wiseman define a working family as a one-family household with at 

least one child and with annual family earnings equivalent to those of someone working full-time year-round at 

minimum wage. 
10 

become newly eligible under a simulation to eliminate the FSP asset test, and Appendix C 

discusses the ineligibility of SSI recipients for the FSP in California and how that state’s policy 

affects our research results. Finally, Appendices D through R, found in the Technical 

Appendices to the main report, present detailed results of the simulations conducted under the 

project. 
11 

II. METHODOLOGY 

This report draws heavily on two computer models developed for USDA by MPR to 

simulate the FSP: the MATH SIPP+ model and the QC Minimodel. We provide an overview of 

these research tools here and refer the reader to additional information in Appendix A of this 

report and in the following documents: 

• “Technical Working Paper: Creation of the September 2002 MATH SIPP+ 

Microsimulation Model and Database” (Smith 2006) 

• “Final Documentation of the 2006 Baseline of the 2002 MATH SIPP+ Model” 

(Trippe, Cunnyngham, and Poikolainen 2006) 

• “Technical Documentation for the Fiscal Year 2006 FSPQC Database and QC 

Minimodel” (Wolkwitz and Ewell 2007) 

Microsimulation models typically involve two components: an underlying database and a 

computer program. The database consists of records on individual households and contains 

detailed information about income, assets, and household demographic characteristics necessary 

to determine FSP eligibility. The computer programs, acting as “electronic caseworkers,” apply 

FSP eligibility rules to each household in the database to determine whether a household would 

be eligible for the program and, if so, the benefit to which the household would be entitled. The 

microsimulation models also predict eligible households’ participation in the FSP. We used the 

microsimulation models to simulate proposed policy changes, to tabulate the number and 

characteristics of eligible and participating households under the proposed policy changes, and to 

compare the results of the various simulations to the number and characteristics of eligible and 

participating households under the rules in place in 2006. We also used the MATH SIPP+ model 

to compare variations in FSP eligibility across states. 
12 

This section describes the data used in the microsimulation models, provides an overview of 

the computer programming, and discusses the policy changes simulated under the project. 

A. DATA 

The quality of the underlying database is essential to an accurate estimate of the effects of 

changes in FSP policy. However, no single data source has both the information needed to 

simulate FSP eligibility and a sample large enough to produce meaningful state estimates. The 

primary model in our research, the MATH SIPP+ model, uses the Survey of Income and 

Program Participation (SIPP) as an underlying database and incorporates state controls extracted 

from the CPS, thus drawing on the strengths of both databases. The QC Minimodel operates on 

FSP quality control data, which are also used to calibrate the MATH SIPP+ model so that 

estimates of the number and characteristics of participating FSP households are similar to 

administrative data. Finally, we collected detailed data on state asset and categorical eligibility 

rules for use in updating the MATH SIPP+ model. We briefly describe the relevant data. 

1. Survey of Income and Program Participation 

SIPP is a nationally representative survey conducted by the Census Bureau that collects 

detailed monthly information on household composition, income, assets, expenses, and 

participation in various government programs such as the FSP. The SIPP database contains rich 

information on important determinants of FSP eligibility and thus is useful for an FSP 

microsimulation model. 

The underlying data set for the MATH SIPP+ model is households in the SIPP universe in 

September 2002 as contained in the Wave 6 Core file of the 2001 SIPP Panel, a sample of 26,498 

households. The model also incorporates data on citizenship from the Wave 2 Topical Module 

file and data on living expenses and asset holdings from the Wave 6 Topical Module file. For 
13 

this project, we incorporated data on household food security in the summer of 2003 from the 

Wave 8 Topical Module file, as well. 

Asset data available from the SIPP includes home equity, vehicle equity, equity in interestearning accounts, equity in stocks, equity in IRA and KEOGH accounts, equity in 401K and 

Thrift savings accounts, and equity in other assets. Because retirement assets are reported 

separately from other assets, we are able to simulate excluding them from FSP countable assets. 

However, education savings accounts are not reported separately, so we are not able to use the 

MATH SIPP+ model to simulate changes to FSP asset rules involving education assets. 

2. Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement 

While the SIPP sample contains important data on household income, assets, and expenses, 

it is a relatively small sample; in fact, it is so small that it identifies households in several states 

as being in a group of states rather than in a specific state. The much larger CPS is conducted 

monthly by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is the federal 

government’s official source of statistics on employment, unemployment, and annual poverty 

rates. The Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), a supplement to the CPS, collects 

detailed household income data from approximately 80,000 households but does not collect 

information on household assets and therefore is not by itself an appropriate data set for this 

project. The CPS, however, is representative at the state level and is a useful source of data on 

state distributions of household characteristics. To enable us to use the MATH SIPP+ model for 

state tabulations, we used data from the 2002 and 2003 CPS ASEC during model development to 

re-weight the SIPP to match the distribution of demographic characteristics of the U.S. 

population by state. 
14 

3. FSP Quality Control Data 

Administrative data generated annually from the FSP’s Quality Control system (FSPQC) are 

an excellent source of information on the characteristics of FSP participants. This data set 

contains the information needed to determine whether a household is eligible for the FSP and to 

calculate the benefit for which the household qualifies, including detailed information on 

household income, expenses, and demographics. Because the quality control system only records 

data on assets that count toward the FSP asset limits, only limited information on household asset 

holdings is available. 

Each year, MPR uses these data to create an FSPQC datafile for tabulations and a QC 

Minimodel for simulating policy changes. For this project, we used the FY 2006 QC Minimodel, 

which has a sample of 45,734 households, to simulate two policy changes. 

The FSPQC data is also used in the MATH SIPP+ model development. In the present 

research, we calibrated the number and characteristics of FSP participants on the updated MATH 

SIPP+ model to match adjusted 2006 program operations totals and characteristic distributions 

from the FY 2005 FSPQC datafile, the most recent FSPQC datafile available at the time. 

4. Data on State Asset Rules 

An essential component of the project was the compilation of a detailed database of current 

state asset and categorical eligibility policies. The availability of such information allowed us to 

simulate the various rules in place in each state and thus accurately estimate the effects of rule 

changes. 

We began our data compilation with a report on state FSP vehicle asset policies prepared by 

the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP 2006). To clarify certain policies and to 

obtain the detail needed to simulate state policies, we augmented CBPP’s summary with data 
15 

from states’ online FSP manuals and occasionally by contacting a state for clarification. Table 

A.2 of Appendix A summarizes the state policies simulated in the MATH SIPP+ model. 

B. MICROSIMULATION MODELS 

Developing computer models to simulate the FSP is a lengthy and complex process. In this 

section, we summarize the major components of the MATH SIPP+ model and the QC 

Minimodel; Appendix A provides additional details, including the asset and eligibility rules 

simulated in the MATH SIPP+ model. 

1. Overview of MATH SIPP+ Model 

The September 2007 version of the 2006 Baseline of the 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, which 

is the version of the MATH SIIP+ model employed in this research, uses FY 2006 values for 

income and asset thresholds, maximum benefits, and deductions and simulates federal and state 

asset and categorical eligibility rules as of January 2007. Because the model is based on 

September 2002 data, the parameter values are deflated from September 2006 dollars to 

September 2002 dollars. Rather than simply applying FSP eligibility rules to reported 

households or families, the model first divides household members into FSP units according to 

FSP rules about who must apply for the FSP together. 

To help interpret some of our simulation results, we have organized the 50 states and the 

District of Columbia into three broad categories (Table II.1.) The first category, which consists 

of 11 states, is made up of states in which most low-income households are categorically eligible 

for the FSP and therefore not subject to asset or income tests. The second category contains the 

29 states in which most households are not categorically eligible but most vehicles are excluded 

from the asset test. Finally, the third group is made up of the 11 states in which many 

households are subject to the federal FSP asset and income tests and some vehicles are counted 

toward asset limits. 
16 

TABLE II.1 

STATES GROUPED BY ASSET AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY POLICIES 

 Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 

Criteria Most low income 

households are 

categorically eligible 

and therefore not 

subject to asset or 

income tests 

Most households are not 

categorically eligible, but 

most vehicles are excluded 

from the asset test 

Many households are 

subject to the federal 

FSP asset and income 

tests and some vehicles 

are counted toward the 

asset limits 

Number of States 11 29 11 

States 

 

Delaware 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

North Dakota 

Oregon 

South Carolina 

Texas 

Wisconsin 

Alabama 

Alaska 

Arizona 

California 

Colorado 

District of Columbia 

Georgia 

Hawaii 

Indiana 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Montana 

New Hampshire 

New Mexico 

New York 

North Carolina 

Ohio 

Oklahoma 

Rhode Island 

South Dakota 

Tennessee 

Utah 

Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington 

West Virginia 

Arkansas 

Connecticut 

Florida 

Idaho 

Illinois 

Iowa 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania 

Wyoming 

 

Because the SIPP underreports program participation, the MATH SIPP+ model simulates 

both TANF and SSI receipt. Identifying the correct number of SSI recipients is particularly 

important to FSP eligibility determination in California because of a state policy, known as “SSI 

cash-out”, that makes SSI recipients in California categorically ineligible for the FSP. California 

has a relatively high SSI state supplement such that, under standard FSP rules, many (though not 

all) SSI recipients would be eligible for only the minimum benefit of $10 per month. When 

California implemented its SSI cash-out policy, it simultaneously increased the SSI state 

supplement by $10 to substitute for FSP benefits. California’s SSI cash-out policy affects some 

non–SSI recipients. Californians who live with SSI recipients but who do not themselves receive 

SSI may apply for the FSP. In some cases, households that would not qualify for the FSP if 
17 

household members who receive SSI were part of the FSP unit are eligible for the FSP when SSI 

recipients are excluded from the FSP unit. Later, we discuss the effect of California’s SSI cashout policy on our research results. 

The MATH SIPP+ model uses an algorithm to select participants from the pool of 

households simulated to be eligible. The algorithm incorporates caseload and characteristic 

targets derived from the FSPQC datafile to ensure that the baseline simulated participant 

population is similar to the participant population in the administrative data. When a household 

becomes newly eligible under a simulated policy change, a logit equation based on the baseline 

simulated participant population predicts whether the household will participate. 

Each observation in the MATH SIPP+ model contains a set of 51 household weights (state 

weights); each of the 51 weights designates the number of households that the sample household 

represents in a particular state and the District of Columbia. The state weights are created using 

a small area estimation methodology developed and evaluated by Schirm and Zaslavsky (2001). 

Using the methodology, we “borrow strength” from observations in other states by allowing 

each sample household to represent households in each state rather than just the state in which 

the household resides. The intuition posits that even if a state has only a relatively small number 

of observations in the data file, there are likely to be many observations on households with 

characteristics similar to those of households in the state of interest, and these observations from 

other states can provide information about the likely circumstances of households in the initial 

state of interest. Thus we can “borrow strength” from observations in other states when 

analyzing the initial state. Analysis presented in Schirm and Zaslavsky demonstrates that this 

methodology can substantially improve the accuracy of estimates for a given state. 

In operationalizing this approach, a regression model is used to construct the appropriate 

weights, based on simultaneous analysis of multiple household characteristics. We used a set of 
18 

33 national population control totals from the SIPP and state distributions of these control totals 

as reported in the CPS. The sum of a household’s 51 state weights equals the household’s 

original SIPP weight, and the sum of a state’s weights over all households equals the state’s 

target population total. 

Using methodology recommended by the U.S. Census Bureau for users of SIPP data, we 

calculated standard errors for the MATH SIPP+ estimates of eligible and participating 

households and for the change in estimates resulting from simulated changes to FSP eligibility 

rules. Appendix A briefly describes the methodology employed and presents a table with 90-

percent confidence intervals, constructed from the calculated standard errors, for selected point 

estimates. In addition, tables in this report that show the estimated change in eligible households 

and their characteristics resulting from simulated changes in FSP eligibility rules include 

indicators of statistical significance. 

2. Creation of FSPQC Datafile and QC Minimodel 

To create the FSPQC datafile and QC Minimodel, MPR begins with administrative data 

from the FSP’s quality control system. Observations that were not subject to review, were 

incomplete, or had review findings of ineligible are dropped from the file, and the remaining 

observations are edited for internal consistency. Among other things, the file development 

routines ensure that a household’s gross income minus total deductions equals net income and 

that a household’s benefit amount equals the maximum benefit for the household’s size minus 30 

percent of the household’s net income. The file development programs also construct several 

variables from the administrative data, including household-level income type totals and 

characteristic flags and counts. 

The FSPQC datafile and QC Minimodel are weighted so that the number of households, 

individuals, and benefits match adjusted FSP program operations totals by state and month. The 
19 

program operations data are adjusted to remove benefits issued through the FSP disaster 

assistance program and benefits issued in error, along with FSP households and individuals 

receiving such benefits because they are not included in the quality control data. 

We use the QC Minimodel to estimate the effects of policies that would restrict eligibility. 

Given that the quality control data are limited to current participants, we do not use the model to 

simulate possible eligibility expansions. With the data including a flag for categorically eligible 

households as well as information on public assistance cash benefits received, we are able to 

identify households that are categorically eligible through the receipt of non-cash benefits, a 

group that we are unable to identify by using SIPP data. 

C. SIMULATED POLICIES 

For this research, we simulated 15 policy scenarios, described below, that fall into 6 

categories (Table II.2). We conducted the first 4 sets of simulations with the MATH SIPP+ 

model and the last 2 sets with the QC Minimodel. 

TABLE II.2 

DESCRIPTION OF SIMULATIONS 

Baseline in the MATH SIPP+ Model 

2006 FSP Rules 

The MATH SIPP+ model used in this research incorporates FY 2006 values for income and asset thresholds, 

maximum benefits, and deductions, and simulates federal and state asset and categorical eligibility rules as of 

January 2007. 

Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset and Categorical Eligibility 

Revert to Standard Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households 

States currently have the option of aligning their FSP asset rules to the rules for a TANF-funded program if the 

TANF rules are more generous than the federal FSP asset rules. Under this simulation, all households that are 

not categorically eligible are subject to the more stringent federal FSP asset rules. 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households 

Categorically eligible households are not subject to income or asset limits. Pure public assistance (PA) 

households, in which every member receives SSI, TANF, or GA, have traditionally been categorically eligible. 

Currently, non-pure PA households certified to receive certain TANF/MOE-funded benefits or services are 

also categorically eligible. Under this simulation, pure PA households remain categorically eligible but all 

other households need to pass the applicable state or federal FSP asset and income tests. 
TABLE II.2 (continued) 

20 

Revert to Standard Federal FSP Asset Rules and Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance 

Households 

Under this simulation, all non-pure PA households are subject to the federal FSP asset rules and must pass the 

appropriate income tests. 

Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

Increase Asset Limits by $1,000, $2,000, $3,000 and $4,000 

The federal FSP asset limits are $2,000 for most households and $3,000 for households with an elderly or 

disabled member. Under these four simulations, the asset limits are increased, respectively, to $3,000, $4,000, 

$5,000, and $6,000 for most households and 4,000, $5,000, $6,000, and $7,000 for households with an elderly 

or disabled member. These simulations have a lesser or no effect in the six states that already have higher or 

no asset limits. 

Eliminate the Asset Test 

This simulation eliminates the asset test altogether. Non-categorically eligible households must still pass the 

applicable income tests and qualify for a positive benefit. 

Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets 

Under this simulation, assets in IRA or Keogh accounts are excluded from the asset test. 

Exclude All Vehicles from Countable Assets 

Under this simulation, none of a household’s vehicles count towards the FSP asset limits. 

Exclude One Vehicle per Driver from Countable Assets for States with Less Generous Rules 

Under this simulation, one vehicle for each adult in the household and one for each teenager of driving age 

who is either working or in school does not count towards the FSP asset limits. This simulation has no effect in 

states with more generous asset rules. 

Baseline in the FY 2006 QC Minimodel 

2006 FSP Rules 

Baseline in the FY 2006 QC Minimodel simulates FY 2006 rules and parameters. The underlying 

administrative data contains limited asset data, but does include categorical eligibility and pure public 

assistance flags as well public assistance income received. 

Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Categorical Eligibility Using the QC Minimodel 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households 

Under this simulation, pure PA households remain categorically eligible but all other households must pass the 

appropriate income tests. This simulation is similar to the second simulation we conducted with the MATH 

SIPP+ model, but because the QC Minimodel contains limited asset data, we cannot determine whether 

categorically eligible households would pass the asset test. 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households Receiving Only Non-Cash Benefits 

This simulation is similar to the simulation above, except categorical eligibility is eliminated only for those 

non-pure PA household who are receiving a service rather than cash benefits. We are able to identify 

households that are categorically eligible for the FSP through the receipt of non-cash benefits using data on 

cash public assistance benefits received and a flag that indicates categorical eligibility. 
21 

It is important to note that the statistical estimates presented in this report will vary slightly 

from official USDA estimates, both because of differences in the time periods to which the 

estimates apply, and because of minor modeling adjustments made for purposes of this report. 

1. Eligibility in Fiscal Year 2006 

2006 FSP Rules. In much of our analysis, it will be useful to compare simulated changes in 

policy to a “baseline” that reflects the current FSP. The baseline values used in our research are 

produced by the most recent update of the MATH SIPP+ model, which incorporates FY 2006 

values for income and asset thresholds, maximum benefits, and deductions and then simulates 

federal and state asset and categorical eligibility rules as of January 2007. 

2. Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset and Categorical Eligibility 

As of January 2007, all states except Idaho had established state-specific FSP asset and 

categorical eligibility policies. The three simulations described below estimate the effect of 

those recent state policy changes by simulating a reversion from state policies to the more 

restrictive federal policies described in Section I.A.1. The first simulation involves state asset 

rules, the second involves state categorical eligibility rules, and the third involves both the state 

asset and categorical eligibility rules. 

Revert to Standard Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households.

States currently have the option of aligning their FSP asset rules with the rules for a TANFfunded program if the TANF rules are more generous than the federal FSP asset rules. Under 

this simulation, all households not categorically eligible under either federal or state policies are 

subject to the more stringent federal FSP asset rules. 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households.

Categorically eligible households are not subject to income or asset limits. Pure public 

 assistance (PA) households, in which every member receives SSI, cash TANF, or GA, have 
22 

traditionally been categorically eligible. Currently, non-pure PA households certified to receive 

certain TANF/MOE-funded benefits or services may also be categorically eligible. Under this 

simulation, pure PA households remain categorically eligible, but all other households need to 

pass applicable state or federal FSP asset and income tests. 

Revert to Standard Federal FSP Asset Rules and Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for 

Non-Pure Public Assistance Households. Under this simulation, which combines the two 

simulations described above, all non-pure PA households are subject to the federal FSP asset 

rules and must pass the appropriate income tests. 

3. Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

The following five simulations change the federal FSP asset limits. The first four 

incrementally increase the asset limits and the last one eliminates the asset test altogether. 

Increase Asset Limits by $1,000, $2,000, $3,000, and $4,000. The federal FSP asset limits 

are $2,000 for most households and $3,000 for households with an elderly or disabled member. 

Under the four simulations, the asset limits increase, respectively, to $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, and 

$6,000 for most households and to $4,000, $5,000, $6,000, and $7,000 for households with an 

elderly or disabled member. The simulations have a lesser or no effect in the six states that 

already have higher or no asset limits. (See Table A.2 for information about state asset limits.) 

Eliminate the Asset Test. This simulation eliminates the asset test altogether. Noncategorically eligible households must still pass applicable income tests and, for the purposes of 

our research, qualify for a positive benefit. 

4. Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

The final three simulations conducted in the MATH SIPP+ model exclude certain types of 

assets from counting toward the FSP asset limits. However, we were not able to simulate the 
23 

effect of excluding education savings accounts from countable assets because the SIPP data do 

not contain the necessary information. 

Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets. Currently, assets in IRA 

or Keogh accounts count toward the FSP asset limits. Under this simulation, those retirement 

assets are excluded from the asset test as they will be beginning in fiscal year 2009. 

Exclude All Vehicles from Countable Assets. Under this simulation, none of a household’s 

vehicles counts toward the FSP asset limits. Currently, 25 states already exclude all vehicles 

from countable assets and additional states have expanded categorical eligibility to cover most 

low-income households. Households in those states are unaffected by this policy change. 

Exclude One Vehicle per Driver from Countable Assets for States with Less Generous 

Rules. Under this simulation, one vehicle for each adult in the household and one for each 

teenager of driving age who is either working or in school does not count toward the FSP asset 

limits. This simulation has no effect in the many states with identical or more generous asset 

rules. 

5. Fiscal Year 2006 Participants 

2006 FSP Rules. We used the baseline of the FY 2006 QC Minimodel to examine the 

characteristics of FSP participants in 2006. Based on FSP administrative data, the model uses 

FY 2006 rules and parameters. The underlying administrative data contain limited asset data but 

include more data on categorical eligibility than does the MATH SIPP+ model. 

6. Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Categorical Eligibility Using the QC 

Minimodel 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households. Under this 

simulation, pure PA households remain categorically eligible, but all other households must pass 

the appropriate income tests. This simulation is similar to the second simulation we conducted 
24 

with the MATH SIPP+ model, with two differences. First, the QC Minimodel contains a flag that 

indicates categorical eligibility, so we are better able to identify categorically eligible 

households. Second, the QC Minimodel contains limited asset data, so we cannot determine 

whether categorically eligible households would pass the asset test. 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households Receiving 

Only Non-Cash Benefits. This simulation is similar to the categorical eligibility simulation 

described above, except that it eliminates categorical eligibility only for those non-pure PA 

household that are receiving a service rather than cash benefits. We are able to identify 

households that are categorically eligible for the FSP through the receipt of noncash benefits 

using data on cash public assistance benefits received and a flag that indicates categorical 

eligibility.
25 

III. FINDINGS 

In this chapter, we present the results of our research. Section A describes the 

characteristics of households that were eligible for and participating in the FSP in 2006 based on 

estimates from the MATH SIPP+ model. Section B discusses the effects of simulated policy 

changes on the number and characteristics of eligible households. Section C continues the 

discussion on the effect of simulated policy changes by presenting “eligibility rates,” or the 

percentage of low-income households eligible for the FSP under various policy options. Section 

D examines how eligibility varies across states in the 2006 baseline and under the simulated 

policy changes. Finally, Section E describes the characteristics of households that participated in 

2006, based on estimates from the QC Minimodel, and discusses the effect of two policy changes 

simulated in that model. 

A. CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP 

PROGRAM IN 2006 

According to estimates from the MATH SIPP+ model, an estimated 20.5 million households 

were eligible for the FSP in an average month in FY 2006, and an estimated 11.5 million of these 

households chose to participate (Table III.1).1

 We briefly describe the characteristics of these 

households; Appendix D, in the Technical Appendices to the main report, presents detailed tables 

with additional information. 

 

1

 The MATH SIPP+ model simulates FSP participation because program participation is underreported in the 

SIPP. Although the simulated FSP participant population is calibrated to closely match administrative data on 

participating households, the simulated estimates differ slightly from estimates derived from the administrative 

data–based QC Minimodel. They are presented here to facilitate a comparison between the characteristics of 

eligible and participating households. Appendix A includes information on how the MATH SIPP+ model selects 

participating households from among eligible households. 
26 

TABLE III.1 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 

 Eligible Households 

 All Eligible Households Participating Households 

 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Total 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Total 

Total Households 20,493 100.0 11,499 100.0 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% 13,972 68.2 9,601 83.5 

No income 2,301 11.2 1,887 16.4 

1-50% 3,093 15.1 2,607 22.7 

51-100% 8,578 41.9 5,107 44.4 

Above 100% 6,521 31.8 1,898 16.5 

101-130% 4,627 22.6 1,547 13.5 

131-200% 1,789 8.7 312 2.7 

Greater than 200% 105 0.5 39 0.3 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 8,236 40.2 4,073 35.4 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,597 7.8 1,407 12.2 

Supplemental Security Income 3,589 17.5 2,383 20.7 

Social Security 6,323 30.9 2,388 20.8 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,065 49.1 4,777 41.5 

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,547 22.2 2,096 18.2 

Vehicle Assets 9,990 48.7 4,991 43.4 

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 18 0.1 11 0.1 

Home Equity 5,318 26.0 2,207 19.2 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 5,959 29.1 2,072 18.0 

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,067 15.0 1,899 16.5 

Households with children 8,456 41.3 5,668 49.3 

Households with noncitizens 1,792 8.7 849 7.4 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 14,325 69.9 7,583 65.9 

Low food-security 2,300 11.2 1,437 12.5 

Very low food-security 1,483 7.2 977 8.5 

Unknown 2,385 11.6 1,502 13.1 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Households eligible for the FSP in 2006 were likely to be in poverty. Of the 20.5 million 

eligible households, 68 percent had gross income at or below the federal poverty level for their 

household size, and less than 1 percent had gross income greater than 200 percent of poverty. 
27 

Among eligible households with any income, the average monthly gross income was $966 

(Table III.2). Eligible households that chose to participate were poorer, on average, than all 

eligible households. Of the 11.5 million participating households, 84 percent were in poverty, 

and the average monthly gross income among those with income was $818. The average 

monthly benefit for which eligible households and participating households qualified was $160 

and $211, respectively. Eligible households qualified for a total of $3.3 billion in benefits in an 

average month and participating households qualified for $2.4 billion (Table III.3, below, and 

Table D.3, in the Technical Appendices to the main report). 

TABLE III.2 

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 

Average Values for Eligible 

Households ($) 

All Eligible 

Households 

Participating 

Households 

Potential Monthly Benefit 160 211 

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 966 818 

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 648 506 

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type 

Earnings 1,049 923 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 371 

Supplemental Security Income 487 495 

Social Security 730 598 

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type 

Financial Assets 55,093 57,880 

Financial assets countable under state rules 631 572 

Vehicle Assets 2,378 2,315 

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,248 1,418 

Home Equity 95,654 86,021 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

Most eligible households had some type of income, although 11 percent of eligible 

households reported no cash income. The most prevalent income sources for eligible households 
28 

were earned income, received by 40 percent of eligible households; Social Security, received by 

31 percent; and SSI, received by 18 percent. Only 8 percent of eligible households in 2006 

received cash TANF benefits. Participating households were less likely than all eligible 

households to have earnings (35 percent) and to receive Social Security (21 percent) and more 

likely to receive TANF (12 percent) or SSI (21 percent). Among FSP-eligible households with 

earnings, average monthly earnings were $1,049; among FSP-eligible households receiving cash 

TANF benefits, the average monthly TANF benefit was $367. Average monthly earnings among 

participating households with earnings were slightly lower at $923, and the average cash TANF 

benefit among participating households receiving TANF was slightly higher at $371. 

Eligible and participating households tended to have relatively few countable assets. Assets 

that are not countable under state rules include those owned by TANF and SSI recipients and by 

other households that are categorically eligible under state rules. In addition, non-countable 

vehicle assets include the value, or in some cases the partial value, of vehicles not counted under 

federal or state vehicle rules. Non-countable financial assets include rental assets, life insurance, 

and 401K accounts. Almost half of eligible households owned at least one vehicle, but less than 

1 percent owned vehicles that were countable under state FSP rules. The average total value of 

vehicle assets among eligible households that owned a vehicle was $2,378; the total average 

value of vehicle assets countable under state FSP eligibility rules was $1,248. Participating 

households were slightly less likely to own a vehicle (43 percent), but the average value of their 

countable vehicles was slightly higher ($1,418). Forty-nine percent of eligible households had 

financial assets, 22 percent had countable assets, and 26 percent owned a home as compared to 

41, 18, and 19 percent, respectively, of participating households. 

Most eligible households include children, elderly adults, or disabled nonelderly adults. In 

2006, 41 percent of all eligible households included children, 29 percent included elderly 
29 

members, and 15 percent included a disabled nonelderly adult. Participating households were 

more likely to include children (49 percent) and less likely to include elderly adults (18 percent.) 

The MATH SIPP+ model contains data on the food security status of 88 percent of all FSPeligible households and 87 percent of participating households. Nineteen percent of all eligible 

households reported low or very low food security as did 21 percent of participating households. 

B. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY UNDER SIMULATED CHANGES TO 

FEDERAL AND STATE ASSET POLICIES 

Changes to FSP eligibility polices affect both the number of eligible households and, given 

that policy changes often affect some household types more than others, the characteristics of 

eligible households. To estimate the effects of changes to FSP rules, we used the MATH SIPP+ 

model to simulate three policies that eliminate the recent expansions in state asset and categorical 

eligibility rules, five policies that increase or eliminate the asset limits, and three policies that 

exclude certain types of assets from countable assets. In addition, we used the QC Minimodel to 

simulate two changes to categorical eligibility rules—one similar to the policy change simulated 

in the MATH SIPP+ model and one that takes advantage of additional data on the QC 

Minimodel to simulate a more detailed categorical eligibility policy change. 

As the next series of tables show, all 11 policy changes simulated in the MATH SIPP+ 

model resulted in statistically significant changes in eligibility, although the degree of change 

ranged from less than 1 percent under the simulation to revert to federal FSP asset rules to 22 

percent under the simulation to eliminate the asset test. Both of the simulations conducted in the 

QC Minimodel showed statistically significant changes in participation of around 1 percent. 

In this section, we describe the effects of the simulations conducted in the MATH SIPP+ 

model on the number and characteristics of eligible households. Section III.E discusses the 

results of the simulations conducted in the QC Minimodel. 
30 

1. Eligibility under Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset and Categorical 

Eligibility 

To estimate the extent to which previously enacted state eligibility expansions have 

increased eligibility, we simulated a return to previous rules (Table III.3). Specifically, we 

simulated (1) a reversion to federal FSP asset rules, (2) an elimination of expanded categorical 

eligibility rules, and (3) a combination of the two. We found that if non-categorically eligible 

households were required to pass the federal FSP asset test using standard rules for counting the 

value of vehicles rather than state-specific rules, the number of eligible households would drop 

by 1 percent from 20.5 million households to 20.4 million households. If categorical eligibility 

were limited to pure PA households but state asset policies in effect in 2006 were retained, the 

number of eligible households would drop by 7 percent. A combination of the two simulations, 

or reversion to the asset and categorical eligibility rules that were in place at the turn of the 

century, would result in an 8 percent drop in the number of eligible households. 

TABLE III.3 

ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS UNDER SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE STATE 

EXPANSIONS IN ASSET AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

 Eligible Households Potential Benefits 

 Change from Baseline Change from Baseline

 

Number 

(000s) 

Number 

(000s) Percenta

Dollars 

(000s) 

Dollars 

(000s) Percenta

MATH SIPP+ Baseline 20,493 NA NA 3,269,015 NA NA 

Simulations to Eliminate State 

Expansions in Eligibility 

Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules 20,367 -126 -0.6 *** 3,245,621 -23,394 -0.7 *** 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility 18,978 -1,515 -7.4 *** 3,137,923 -131,092 -4.0 *** 

Revert to Federal Asset Rules and 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility 18,841 -1,652 -8.1 *** 3,111,968 -157,047 -4.8 *** 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

a

 Percent change from number eligible under current FSP rules (see Table III.1) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance 
31 

The corresponding drops in potential monthly benefits to eligible households from a 

baseline estimate of $3.3 billion are 1 percent under the simulation to revert to federal FSP asset 

rules, 4 percent under the simulation to eliminate expanded categorical eligibility, and 5 percent 

under the combined simulations. The decrease in potential benefits is less than the decrease in 

the number of eligible households for the two simulations that eliminate expanded categorical 

eligibility. The reason for this is that households eligible only under expanded categorical 

eligibility rules tend to have higher income than households that pass the income and asset tests; 

the former therefore qualify for lower benefits. 

The disproportionate effect that eliminating categorical eligibility has on eligible households 

at the upper end of the income distribution is illustrated in the first panel of numbers in Table 

III.4, which presents the characteristics of eligible households under the three simulations to 

eliminate state expansions in asset and categorical eligibility rules.2 Eliminating expanded 

categorical eligibility reduces by over 50 percent the number of eligible households with income 

between 131 and 200 percent of poverty but reduces the number of eligible households in 

poverty by only 2 percent. 

The effects also vary by households’ income sources and assets. Households with earnings 

are slightly more likely than all eligible households to lose eligibility under the simulation to 

eliminate expanded categorical eligibility, as are households with Social Security (Table III.4). 

Households receiving TANF and SSI are only minimally affected by this simulation; many of 

these households are pure PA or have relatively low income and therefore would remain eligible. 

Although the number of eligible households with assets would drop by 11 to 15 percent with the 

 

2

 Appendices E, F, and G, in the Technical Appendices to the main report, include detailed tables with results 

of the three simulations. 
32 

elimination of expanded categorical eligibility, the effect is less pronounced than the effect on 

households with slightly higher income discussed above. 

TABLE III.4 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE STATE EXPANSIONS IN ASSET AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

Revert to Federal Asset 

Rules 

Eliminate Categorical 

Eligibility 

Federal Asset Rules and No 

Categorical Eligibility 

 

Number

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Number

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Number

(000s) 

Percent

of Total

Percent

Changea

Total Eligible Households 20,367 100.0 -0.6 *** 18,978 100.0 -7.4 *** 18,841 100.0 -8.1 *** 

Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

At or Below 100% 13,892 68.2 -0.6 *** 13,631 71.8 -2.4*** 13,542 71.9 -3.1 *** 

101-130% 4,592 22.6 -0.8 *** 4,381 23.1 -5.3*** 4,343 23.0 -6.2 *** 

131-200% 1,781 8.7 -0.4 ** 862 4.5 -51.8 *** 853 4.5 -52.3 *** 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 8,177 40.2 -0.7*** 7,387 38.9 -10.3*** 7,321 38.9 -11.1*** 

Temporary Assistance for 

Needy Families 1,596 7.8 -0.1 1,595 8.4 -0.1*** 1,593 8.5 -0.2*** 

Supplemental Security 

Income 3,587 17.6 -0.1 3,554 18.7 -1.0*** 3,553 18.9 -1.0*** 

Social Security 6,288 30.9 -0.6 *** 5,778 30.4 -8.6 *** 5,740 30.5 -9.2 *** 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 9,976 49.0 -0.9*** 8,806 46.4 -12.5*** 8,709 46.2 -13.5*** 

Vehicle Assets 9,865 48.3 -1.3*** 8,883 46.8 -11.1*** 8,745 46.4 -12.5*** 

Home Equity 5,258 25.8 -1.1 *** 4,528 23.9 -14.9 *** 4,461 23.7 -16.1 *** 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly 

adults 5,925 29.1 -0.6*** 5,423 28.6 -9.0*** 5,387 28.6 -9.6*** 

Households with disabled 

nonelderly adults 3,055 15.0 -0.4*** 3,003 15.8 -2.1*** 2,989 15.9 -2.6*** 

Households with children 8,398 41.2 -0.7 *** 7,875 41.5 -6.9 *** 7,809 41.4 -7.6 *** 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 14,226 69.9 -0.7*** 13,080 68.9 -8.7*** 12,972 68.9 -9.4*** 

Low food-security 2,287 11.2 -0.6*** 2,220 11.7 -3.5*** 2,205 11.7 -4.1*** 

Very low food-security 1,480 7.3 -0.2 * 1,441 7.6 -2.9 *** 1,438 7.6 -3.1 *** 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

a

 Percent change from number eligible under current FSP rules (see Table III.1) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance 
33 

If the state expansions in categorical eligibility were eliminated, the number of eligible 

households with elderly members would drop by 9 percent, slightly more than the overall 

decline, and the number with children would drop by 7 percent, slightly less than the overall 

decline. Similarly, the percentage of households reporting food security would drop by 9 percent 

and the percentage reporting low or very low food security would drop by less than 4 percent. 

Under the simulation to revert to federal FSP asset rules, the number of households with children 

would drop by slightly more than the overall decline and households with elderly members by 

slightly less. 

From these simulations, we can infer that the recent state expansions in asset and categorical 

eligibility rules led to an estimated 1.7 million additional eligible households, with most of the 

increase in eligibility resulting from expanded categorical eligibility policies. If all the newly 

eligible households had chosen to participate in the FSP, the benefit cost would have averaged 

$157 million per month. The actual increase in benefits due to expanded state eligibility policies 

was less because not all newly eligible households chose to participate (Table G.3 in the 

Technical Appendices to the main report). 

The households that became eligible under these state expansions tended to have higher 

income than those eligible under federal FSP rules, although still below 200 percent of poverty, 

and were more likely to have assets. Referring to Table III.1, we see that these types of 

households are less likely to participate than households with lower income or no assets. (While 

9 percent of eligible households had income between 131 and 200 percent of poverty, only 3 

percent of participating households had income in this range.) Although households that became 

newly eligible under the state expansions tend on average to be slightly better off than 

households eligible under the federal FSP rules, eliminating the combined state expansions 

would cause some households reporting low or very low food security to become ineligible. 
34 

2. Eligibility under Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

As part of the 2008 FSP reauthorization, Congress has scheduled the FSP asset limits to be 

indexed to inflation beginning in fiscal year 2009. Given the relatively small sample size of the 

underlying SIPP data in the MATH SIPP+ model, we are unable to estimate accurately the 

impact of such a small change in the asset limits. However, by simulating larger changes to the 

asset limits, we are able to infer the effects of smaller changes. To this end, by increasing the 

asset limits by $1,000, $2,000, $3,000, and $4,000, we estimated the effects of increasing the 

amount of countable assets that non-categorically eligible households could own. (Categorically 

eligible households are not subject to the asset test and so are not affected by these simulations.) 

We found that, under these four simulations, the number of eligible households rose by 2, 3, 4, 

and 5 percent, respectively (Table III.5). The amount of benefits for which they would qualify 

rose by similar percentages for the first three simulations and by slightly less for the last 

simulation. 

Although each incremental increase in the asset limit resulted in an increase in benefits to 

eligible households, the size of the increases in benefits became smaller as the asset limit became 

larger. The difference in potential benefits between the baseline simulation and the simulation 

to increase asset limits by $1,000 was $36 million compared to a $19 million difference in 

potential benefits between the simulations to increase asset limits by $3,000 and $4,000 (second 

column from the right). 

Despite the lessening effect of incremental increases to the asset limit, eliminating the asset 

test altogether would have a large effect on FSP eligibility. Our simulation predicts that, in the 

absence of an FSP asset test, the number of eligible households would increase by 22 percent, 

and the amount of benefits for which eligible households would qualify by 20 percent. These 

results are consistent with Trippe and Schechter’s (2007) finding that the median asset holdings 
35 

of households that were income-eligible for the FSP in 2002 but ineligible due to financial assets 

was $26,000. 

TABLE III.5 

ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE ASSET LIMITS 

 Eligible Households Potential Benefits 

 Change from Baseline Change from Baseline

 

Number 

(000s) 

Number 

(000s) Percenta

Dollars 

(000s) 

Dollars 

(000s) Percenta

MATH SIPP+ Baseline 20,493 NA NA 3,269,015 NA NA 

Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

Increase Asset Limits by $1,000 20,843 350 1.7 *** 3,325,365 56,350 1.7 *** 

Increase Asset Limits by $2,000 21,068 575 2.8 *** 3,361,490 92,475 2.8 *** 

Increase Asset Limits by $3,000 21,319 826 4.0 *** 3,389,871 120,856 3.7 *** 

Increase Asset Limits by $4,000 21,459 966 4.7 *** 3,408,816 139,801 4.3 *** 

Eliminate the Asset Test 24,941 4,448 21.7 *** 3,908,047 639,032 19.5 *** 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

a

 Percent change from number eligible under current FSP rules (see Table III.1) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance 

We conducted a supplemental analysis, presented in Appendix B, of the level of asset 

holdings of income-eligible households, focusing on households that would not become eligible 

under a $4,000 increase in asset limits but would become eligible if the asset test were eliminated 

as well as households eligible under expanded categorical eligibility rules and with assets over 

$7,000. We found that a large majority of income-eligible households, those that either pass or 

are not subject to the income tests, have low levels of countable assets. However, over 5 percent 

have more than $50,000 in countable assets. As shown in Appendix B, Table B.3, 17 percent of 

income-eligible households have between $1 and $2,000 in countable assets, and an additional 2 

percent have between $2,001 and $3,000 in countable assets. Together, these two groups 
36 

account for over half of all income-eligible households with countable assets. As expected, the 

number of households at each level of countable assets slowly decreases as the asset levels 

increase. Among households that are income eligible for the FSP but have at least $7,000 in 

countable assets and fail the asset test, 61 percent have an elderly member, less than half are in 

poverty, and 84 percent have investment income. Very few such households have countable 

vehicle assets, while virtually all have countable financial assets. 

Table III.6 presents characteristics of eligible households under the simulations to increase 

the asset limits by $1,000, increase the asset limits by $4,000, and eliminate the asset test 

altogether.3

 As with the simulations to eliminate state expansions in categorical eligibility, the 

simulations to increase the asset limit have a larger effect on households with income slightly 

above poverty than on households in poverty. However, the difference in effects on households 

with different income levels is much smaller than for the previous set of simulations. For 

instance, a $1,000 increase in the asset test would increase the number of eligible households in 

poverty by 1 percent and the number of households with income between 101 and 130 percent of 

poverty by 3 percent. 

Eliminating the asset test altogether has a more pronounced effect on households with 

incomes above poverty. This policy change would increase the number of eligible households in 

poverty by 16 percent, the number with income between 101 and 130 percent of poverty by 26 

percent, and the number with income between 131 and 200 percent of poverty by 44 percent, 

twice the increase for all households. 

 

3

 Appendices H through L, in the Technical Appendices to the main report, present detailed tables showing the 

results of the three simulations as well as the simulations to increase the asset limits by $2,000 and $3,000. 
37 

TABLE III.6 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE THE ASSET LIMITS 

Increase Asset 

Limits by $1,000 

Increase Asset 

Limits by $4,000 

Eliminate the 

Asset Test 

 

Number

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Number

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Number

(000s) 

Percent

of Total

Percent

Changea

Total Eligible Households 20,843 100.0 1.7 *** 21,459 100.0 4.7 *** 24,941 100.0 21.7 *** 

Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

At or Below 100% 14,170 68.0 1.4 *** 14,527 67.7 4.0 *** 16,257 65.2 16.4 *** 

101-130% 4,745 22.8 2.5 *** 4,919 22.9 6.3 *** 5,823 23.3 25.8 *** 

131-200% 1,822 8.7 1.9 *** 1,894 8.8 5.9 *** 2,578 10.3 44.1 *** 

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,374 40.2 1.7 *** 8,578 40.0 4.1 *** 9,599 38.5 16.5 *** 

Temporary Assistance for 

Needy Families 1,598 7.7 0.1 1,599 7.5 0.1* 1,601 6.4 0.2 *** 

Supplemental Security 

Income 3,598 17.3 0.3 * 3,609 16.8 0.5*** 3,623 14.5 1.0 *** 

Social Security 6,451 31.0 2.0 *** 6,755 31.5 6.8 *** 8,536 34.2 35.0 *** 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,413 50.0 3.5 *** 11,026 51.4 9.5 *** 14,503 58.2 44.1 *** 

Vehicle Assets 10,260 49.2 2.7 *** 10,696 49.8 7.1 *** 13,428 53.8 34.4 *** 

Home Equity 5,467 26.2 2.8 *** 5,799 27.0 9.0 *** 8,213 32.9 54.4 *** 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly 

adults 6,118 29.4 2.7 *** 6,432 30.0 7.9 *** 8,480 34.0 42.3 *** 

Households with disabled 

nonelderly adults 3,079 14.8 0.4 ** 3,116 14.5 1.6*** 3,181 12.8 3.7 *** 

Households with children 8,566 41.1 1.3 *** 8,690 40.5 2.8 *** 9,406 37.7 11.2 *** 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 14,624 70.2 2.1 *** 15,160 70.6 5.8 *** 18,218 73.0 27.2 *** 

Low food-security 2,309 11.1 0.4 2,320 10.8 0.9 ** 2,425 9.7 5.5 *** 

Very low food-security 1,487 7.1 0.3 1,506 7.0 1.5 *** 1,549 6.2 4.5 *** 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

a

 Percent change from number eligible under current FSP rules (see Table III.1) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance 

As with the previous set of simulations, these policy changes would only minimally affect 

households receiving TANF or SSI because, under federal rules, the assets of household 
38 

members who receive public assistance are not counted toward the asset limit. However, 

households with income from Social Security benefit from these policy changes more than the 

average household. In particular, the number of households with Social Security increases by 35 

percent under the simulation to eliminate the asset test. 

Households with countable assets are the obvious beneficiaries of the reforms—raising the 

asset limits by $1,000 would increase the numbers of households both with financial assets and 

with vehicle assets by 3 percent. Raising the asset limits by $4,000 would increase those 

numbers by 10 and 7 percent, respectively, and eliminating the asset test would increase them by 

44 and 34 percent, respectively. 

Households with elderly members are more likely than the average household to become 

eligible under these asset limit simulations. The simulation to raise asset limits by $1,000 would 

increase the number of eligible households with elderly members by 3 percent as compared to an 

increase for all households of 2 percent and this group increases by 42 percent under the 

simulation to eliminate the asset test. 

Most of the increase in eligibility under these simulations would occur among households 

that report food security, although the number of households reporting low or very low food 

security would also increase slightly. 

While raising the asset limits from $2,000 and $3,000 to $6,000 and $7,000 (an increase of 

$4,000) would increase the number of eligible households by fewer than 1 million, eliminating 

the asset test altogether would make an additional 4.4 million households eligible for the FSP. 

The increase in average monthly benefits for eligible households would range from 2 to 4 

percent for the simulations to increase the asset limits; eliminating the asset test altogether would 

increase potential benefit costs by 20 percent. The households that would become eligible under 

increases to the asset limits are more likely on average to have gross income slightly above the 

poverty level, to have assets, to include elderly members, and to be food-secure. 
39 

3. Eligibility under Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Some policymakers are interested in a more focused approach to expanding asset eligibility, 

preferring to exclude certain assets from being counted toward the asset limits rather than simply 

raising asset limits. For instance, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 excludes 

education accounts and retirement accounts from countable assets effective fiscal year 2009 to 

encourage households to save for education and retirement. In addition, given that so many 

states exclude some or all vehicles from the asset test, policymakers are interested in the effect of 

the federal government’s exclusion of either additional vehicles or all vehicles so that FSP 

recipients could own dependable transportation regardless of state of residence. While the SIPP 

data do not include the necessary information on education savings accounts, we were able to 

simulate the exclusion from the asset test of retirement assets, of additional vehicles, and of all 

vehicles. 

Similar to the simulation to increase the asset limits by $1,000, the simulation to exclude 

retirement savings from the asset test results in 2 percent increases in the number of eligible 

households and the amount of benefits for which they qualify (Table III.7). 

The exclusion of additional or all vehicles from countable assets has a relatively small effect 

on the number of eligible households—less than half a percent under the simulation to exclude 

all vehicles and an even smaller effect when one vehicle per driver is excluded. One reason for 

the small effect is that state policies already exclude many vehicles. However, even when we 

add the number of households that are eligible because of expanded state asset rules (179,000 

households, top of the second column in Table III.3) to the number that would be newly eligible 

if all vehicles were excluded from the asset test (52,000 households, middle of the second 

column of numbers in Table III.7), the cumulative effect of state asset rule expansions is a mere 

1 percent increase in eligibility. 
40 

TABLE III.7 

ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS UNDER SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE 

COUNTABLE ASSETS 

 Eligible Households Potential Benefits 

 Change from Baseline Change from Baseline

 

Number 

(000s) 

Number 

(000s) Percenta

Dollars 

(000s) 

Dollars 

(000s) Percenta

MATH SIPP+ Baseline 20,493 NA NA 3,269,015 NA NA 

Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts 20,847 354 1.7 *** 3,325,565 56,550 1.7 *** 

Exclude All Vehicles 20,545 52 0.3 *** 3,280,256 11,241 0.3 *** 

Exclude One Vehicle per Driver 20,520 27 0.1 *** 3,275,197 6,182 0.2 *** 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

a

 Percent change from number eligible under current FSP rules (see Table III.1) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance 

Table III.8 presents the characteristics of eligible households under the three simulations to 

change countable assets.4

 The simulation to exclude retirement accounts from countable assets 

increases by 3 percent the number of eligible households with income between 131 and 200 

percent as compared to an increase of 1 percent for eligible households in poverty. The 

simulation produces virtually no increase in the number of eligible households receiving TANF 

or SSI, although the number of eligible households receiving Social Security increases by 2 

percent and the number with earnings increases by 1 percent. Not surprisingly, the simulation to 

exclude financial assets in retirement accounts increases the number of eligible households with 

financial assets by more than twice the overall increase—4 versus 2 percent for all eligible 

households. The number of eligible households with vehicle assets and the number that own a 

 

4

Appendices M, N, and O, in the Technical Appendices to the main report, present detailed tables with the 

results of the three simulations. 
41 

home also increase by higher percentages than all eligible households, rising by 3 and 4 percent, 

respectively. 

TABLE III.8 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO CHANGE COUNTABLE ASSETS 

Exclude Assets in 

Retirement Accounts Exclude All Vehicles 

Exclude One Vehicle 

per Driver 

 

Number

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Number

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Number

(000s) 

Percent

of Total

Percent

Changea

Total Eligible Households 20,847 100.0 1.7 *** 20,545 100.0 0.3 *** 20,520 100.0 0.1 *** 

Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

At or Below 100% 14,176 68.0 1.5 *** 14,005 68.2 0.2 *** 13,992 68.2 0.1 *** 

101-130% 4,711 22.6 1.8 *** 4,641 22.6 0.3 *** 4,632 22.6 0.1 ** 

131-200% 1,843 8.8 3.0 *** 1,792 8.7 0.2 ** 1,789 8.7 0.0 * 

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,357 40.1 1.5 *** 8,260 40.2 0.3 *** 8,249 40.2 0.2 *** 

Temporary Assistance for 

Needy Families 1,597 7.7 0.0 1,597 7.8 0.0 1,597 7.8 0.0

Supplemental Security 

Income 3,590 17.2 0.0 3,590 17.5 0.0 3,590 17.5 0.0

Social Security 6,463 31.0 2.2 *** 6,333 30.8 0.1 *** 6,330 30.8 0.1 ** 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,420 50.0 3.5 *** 10,107 49.2 0.4 *** 10,086 49.2 0.2 *** 

Vehicle Assets 10,271 49.3 2.8 *** 10,042 48.9 0.5 *** 10,017 48.8 0.3 *** 

Home Equity 5,551 26.6 4.4 *** 5,355 26.1 0.7 *** 5,337 26.0 0.4 *** 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly 

adults 6,131 29.4 2.9 *** 5,977 29.1 0.3 *** 5,968 29.1 0.1 *** 

Households with disabled 

nonelderly adults 3,074 14.7 0.2 * 3,068 14.9 0.0 * 3,068 15.0 0.0 * 

Households with children 8,557 41.0 1.2 *** 8,479 41.3 0.3 *** 8,469 41.3 0.2 *** 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 14,636 70.2 2.2 *** 14,363 69.9 0.3 *** 14,346 69.9 0.1 *** 

Low food-security 2,311 11.1 0.5 * 2,303 11.2 0.1 ** 2,303 11.2 0.1 ** 

Very low food-security 1,493 7.2 0.6 1,485 7.2 0.1 1,484 7.2 0.0 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

a

 Percent change from number eligible under current FSP rules (see Table III.1) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance 
42 

The simulation to exclude retirement assets from countable assets favors households with 

elderly members, whose eligible numbers rise by 3 percent, versus households with children, 

whose eligible numbers rise by only 1 percent. Because households with elderly members tend 

to participate in the FSP at relatively low rates, the estimated increase in the number of these 

households who would become eligible under this simulation and choose to participate is only 2 

percent (Table M.1 in the Technical Appendices.) The simulation has a minimal effect on the 

eligibility of households reporting low or very low food security. 

Overall, the more focused policy options that exclude some assets from countable assets 

have less effect on eligibility than the policy options that raise asset limits by more than $1,000. 

Fewer than 500,000 households would become newly eligible under the simulation to exclude 

retirement assets from countable assets, at an average monthly benefit cost of $57 million if all 

chose to participate. 

4. Possible Behavioral Responses to Changes to Asset Policies 

Given that the MATH SIPP+ model is a static model, the estimates we present here do not 

incorporate potential changes to asset holdings that households may make in response to changes 

in FSP asset policies. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that changes in eligibility criteria 

could influence households’ assets holdings. An example is a rule change that eliminates the 

counting of retirement assets toward the FSP asset limit but continues to require other savings to 

be counted toward the limit. In this case, a household with savings over the FSP asset limit 

might decide to transfer enough regular savings to a retirement savings account to become 

eligible for the FSP. In this section, we discuss the possible effects of such behavioral responses 

to policy changes on asset holdings and how they may affect the estimates presented here. 

A substantial and growing body of empirical literature examines the effects of transfer 

program asset limits on asset holdings by low-income households, particularly low-income 
43 

households with children. Much of this literature has attempted to explain changes in asset 

holdings in terms of changes in program eligibility rules over the past decade, exploiting 

variation over time and across states. The findings of the literature are somewhat mixed. While 

a full review of the literature is beyond the scope of this current report, we focus on two recent 

papers that give a flavor for the empirical analysis and its results.5

Sullivan (2006) focused on the impacts of asset rules in welfare programs, examining Aid to 

Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and its successor, the TANF program, for selected 

years beginning in 1992. Using a sample of single mothers with low educational attainment, he 

found that differences in welfare program eligibility rules applicable to liquid assets did not 

appear to have substantially affected the asset holdings of the women in his analysis. However, 

he did find that variations in asset rules appear to have had substantial effects in increasing 

vehicle assets. 

Whereas Sullivan focused principally on the effects of AFDC and TANF asset rules, 

McKernan et al. (2007) undertook a broader analysis of several low-income transfer programs, 

including welfare, the FSP, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the minimum wage. Using a 

series of alternative multivariate regression specifications, they examined the impacts on asset 

holdings of the asset rules in these programs. Their results as applied to the FSP show no 

statistically significant effects of the program rules on liquid assets but do demonstrate positive 

effects on vehicle ownership and on the value of vehicle assets among low-education mothers 

and low-education families. Overall, the findings imply that, other things equal, FSP households 

tend to have higher average vehicle assets when they reside in a state with expanded categorical 

eligibility rules. 

 

5

 For an extensive review of the literature, see McKernan et al., 2007. 
44 

Based on the available literature, it appears likely that behavioral responses by households 

with children to changes in FSP asset rules would primarily affect vehicle assets, although 

behavioral responses to changes in FSP asset rules may be different for other types of 

households. If behavioral responses do primarily affect vehicle assets, our set of simulations that 

eliminate recent expansions in vehicle and categorical eligibility rules may overestimate the 

effect of these policy changes on eligibility levels. The MATH SIPP+ model estimated the 

number of households that would become ineligible for the FSP, taking their current measured 

assets as given. If we account for the possibility of a behavioral response, it is conceivable that 

some of the households that would lose eligibility under a reversion to federal FSP asset and 

categorical eligibility rules would instead adjust their vehicle holdings to retain eligibility. Thus, 

fewer households may lose eligibility than suggested by the microsimulation estimates. 

The literature similarly suggests that behavioral responses to additional expansions in 

vehicle rules are possible. If all vehicles were excluded from the asset test, households currently 

living in states that count some vehicle assets against the asset limit might decide to acquire 

additional or more reliable vehicles. Indeed, many policymakers hope that limiting the amount of 

vehicle assets counted toward the asset limit will enable households that need reliable 

transportation to own dependable vehicles. 

C. ELIGIBILITY RATES OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED 

CHANGES TO ASSET AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY POLICIES 

Another way to examine the varying effects of simulated policy changes is to compare the 

estimated percentages of households with income below 200 percent of poverty that would be 
45 

eligible in the baseline and under the various policy simulations. Tables III.9, III.10, and III.11 

present these “eligibility rates” constructed for selected economic and demographic subgroups.6 

1. Eligibility Rates in 2006 

We estimate that 55 percent of all U.S. households with income below 200 percent of 

poverty were eligible for the FSP in 2006 (Table III.9). Households in poverty were much more 

likely to be eligible for the FSP (86 percent) than were households with income between 131 and 

200 percent of poverty (12 percent), although it is interesting to note that 14 percent of 

households in poverty were not eligible for the FSP. Most households with income from TANF 

were eligible for the FSP, but less than half of low-income households with earnings met the FSP 

eligibility requirements. Low-income households with assets were also less likely on average to 

qualify for the FSP—households with financial assets, vehicle assets, and home equity had 

eligibility rates of 41, 45, and 37 percent, respectively. 

Slightly fewer than half of low-income households with elderly members were eligible as 

compared to slightly more than half of low-income households with children. Seventy-four 

percent of low-income households reporting very low food security passed the FSP eligibility 

tests, leaving 26 percent of this needy group ineligible for the FSP. 

2. Eligibility Rates under Simulated Policy Changes 

Under the simulated policy changes, the overall eligibility rate varies from 50 percent under 

the simulation to revert to federal FSP asset rules and eliminate expanded categorical eligibility 

(Table III.9, last column, top cell) to 66 percent under the simulation to eliminate the asset test 

(Table III.10, last column, top cell). Policies that would exclude additional vehicles from the 

 

6

 These tables do not include households comprised solely of individuals who are categorically ineligible for 

the FSP in all states, such as certain noncitizens and nondisabled nonelderly childless adults. 
46 

asset test or revert to federal FSP asset rules without changing state categorical eligibility rules 

would have little or no effect on the percentage of households eligible for the FSP. 

TABLE III.9 

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY ELIGIBLE FOR 

THE FSP BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS 

Baseline and Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Asset and Categorical Eligibility 

Percentage of Households Below 200 Percent of Poverty 

Eligible for the FSP 

 

Households 

below 200 

Percent of 

Poverty 

(000s) 

Baseline 

(2006 

Rules) 

Revert to 

Federal Asset 

Rules 

Eliminate 

Categorical 

Eligibility 

Federal Asset 

Rules and No 

Categorical 

Eligibility 

Total Households 37,223 54.8 54.4 50.7 50.3 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

Level 

At or Below 100% 16,257 85.9 85.5 83.8 83.3 

101-130% 6,389 72.4 71.9 68.6 68.0 

131-200% 14,577 12.3 12.2 5.9 5.9 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 17,865 45.9 45.5 41.1 40.7 

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,672 95.2 95.1 95.0 95.0 

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 88.1 88.0 87.2 87.2 

Social Security 12,941 48.3 48.1 44.1 43.8 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 24,154 41.3 41.0 36.1 35.7 

Vehicle Assets 22,032 45.1 44.5 40.0 39.4 

Home Equity 14,125 37.4 37.0 31.8 31.4 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 12,411 47.4 47.2 43.1 42.8 

Households with disabled nonelderly 

adults 3,956 77.1 76.8 75.5 75.2 

Households with children 14,638 57.7 57.3 53.8 53.3 

Households with noncitizens 6,748 60.8 60.3 57.1 56.7 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 28,000 50.8 50.5 46.4 46.0 

Low food-security 3,233 70.8 70.4 68.3 67.8 

Very low food-security 1,994 74.1 74.0 72.0 71.8 

Unknown 3,996 59.7 59.4 56.0 55.7 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
47 

TABLE III.10 

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY ELIGIBLE FOR THE FSP BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS 

Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

Percentage of Households below 200 Percent of Poverty 

that Are Eligible for the FSP 

Increase Asset Limits by 

 

Households 

below 200 

Percent of 

Poverty 

(000s) $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 

Eliminate 

the Asset 

Test 

Total Households 37,223 55.7 56.3 57.0 57.3 66.2 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

Level 

At or Below 100% 16,257 87.2 88.0 88.9 89.4 100.0 

101-130% 6,389 74.3 75.1 76.3 77.0 91.1 

131-200% 14,577 12.5 12.6 12.8 13.0 17.7 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 17,865 46.6 47.1 47.5 47.8 53.2 

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,672 95.3 95.3 95.3 95.3 95.4 

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 88.3 88.4 88.5 88.5 88.9 

Social Security 12,941 49.3 49.8 51.0 51.5 64.3 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 24,154 42.7 43.6 44.7 45.2 59.0 

Vehicle Assets 22,032 46.3 47.1 47.8 48.2 60.1 

Home Equity 14,125 38.5 39.2 40.3 40.8 57.1 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 12,411 48.7 49.3 50.6 51.1 66.3 

Households with disabled nonelderly 

adults 3,956 77.4 77.6 77.9 78.3 80.0 

Households with children 14,638 58.5 58.9 59.2 59.3 64.2 

Households with noncitizens 6,748 61.6 61.9 62.0 62.1 66.5 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 28,000 51.9 52.6 53.4 53.8 64.2 

Low food-security 3,233 71.0 71.3 71.3 71.4 74.5 

Very low food-security 1,994 74.3 74.4 74.9 75.3 77.4 

Unknown 3,996 60.7 61.3 61.5 61.8 68.5 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
48 

TABLE III.11 

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY ELIGIBLE FOR THE FSP BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS 

Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Percentage of Households below 200 Percent of Poverty 

Eligible for the FSP 

 

Households 

below 200 

Percent of 

Poverty 

(000s) 

Exclude Assets in 

Retirement 

Accounts 

Exclude All 

Vehicles 

Exclude One 

Vehicle per Driver

Total Households 37,223 55.7 54.9 54.8 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

Level 

At or Below 100% 16,257 87.2 86.1 86.1 

101-130% 6,389 73.7 72.6 72.5 

131-200% 14,577 12.6 12.3 12.3 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 17,865 46.5 46.0 45.9 

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,672 95.2 95.2 95.2 

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 88.1 88.1 88.1 

Social Security 12,941 49.3 48.4 48.3 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 24,154 42.7 41.5 41.4 

Vehicle Assets 22,032 46.3 45.3 45.2 

Home Equity 14,125 39.0 37.7 37.5 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 12,411 48.7 47.5 47.5 

Households with disabled nonelderly 

adults 3,956 77.3 77.2 77.2 

Households with children 14,638 58.4 57.9 57.8 

Households with noncitizens 2,939 61.3 61.0 60.0 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 28,000 51.9 51.0 50.9 

Low food-security 3,233 71.1 70.9 70.9 

Very low food-security 1,994 74.6 74.2 74.2 

Unknown 3,996 60.2 59.9 59.7 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

While most of the simulated policy changes affect the eligibility of households across the 

income distribution, many of the policy changes affect households at one poverty level more 

than at another. For instance, elimination of expanded categorical eligibility lowers the 

eligibility rate of households under 100 percent of poverty by 2 percentage points to 84 percent 
49 

but lowers the eligibility rate of households with income between 101 and 130 percent of poverty 

by 4 percentage points to 69 percent and the eligibility rate of households between 131 and 200 

percent of poverty by 6 percentage points to 6 percent. On the other hand, the simulation to 

exclude retirement assets from countable assets has a negligible effect on the eligibility rate of 

households at the higher income level while raising the eligibility rates of the two lower-income 

groups by slightly more than 1 percentage point (Table III.11). At the other extreme, elimination 

of the asset test increases the eligibility rate of households in poverty by 14 percentage points to 

100 percent, ensuring that all households in poverty (except those consisting entirely of 

categorically ineligible individuals) are eligible for the FSP. However, elimination of the asset 

test has an even larger effect on households with income just above the poverty level, raising that 

eligibility rate by 19 percentage points to 91 percent. Similarly, the simulations to increase asset 

limits have the largest effect on the eligibility of households with income just above the poverty 

level. 

The eligibility rates of households receiving public assistance change little if at all under the 

simulated policy changes while the eligibility rates for working households fluctuate by 12 

percentage points under the various policies. Regardless of the policies simulated, about 95 

percent of households with TANF income are eligible for the FSP. Similarly, the eligibility rate 

of households with SSI income varies only slightly from 87 percent to 89 percent. The 

simulation to eliminate the asset test has the largest, although still small, positive effect on SSI 

households, and the simulations to eliminate expanded categorical eligibility have comparable 

negative effects. Eligibility rates of households with earnings, on the other hand, increase by 7 

percentage points to 53 percent under the simulation to eliminate the asset test and decrease by 5 

percentage points to 41 percent under the simulation to eliminate categorical eligibility and 

revert to federal FSP asset rules. 
50 

All of the simulated policy changes have a slightly larger effect on the eligibility of 

households with assets than on the eligibility of all households. The simulations to increase asset 

limits raise the eligibility rates of households with financial assets more than the eligibility rates 

of households with vehicle assets or home equity. On the other hand, eliminating the asset test, 

eliminating categorical eligibility, or excluding retirement assets from countable assets would 

each have the largest effect on the eligibility rate of households with home equity. 

Although the eligibility rate of households with elderly members is lower than the overall 

eligibility rate, it increases more than the overall eligibility rate under most of the policy changes 

simulated. Elimination of the asset test would increase the elderly eligibility rate by 19 

percentage points to 66 percent, which is the same eligibility rate as for all households under that 

simulation. The simulation to eliminate state expansions in asset and categorical eligibility 

lowers the elderly eligibility rate by 5 percentage points, as compared to the 4 percentage point 

decrease in the overall eligibility rate, to just 43 percent. 

Most of the simulated policy changes would have little or no effect on the eligibility rates of 

households reporting low or very low food security. The exceptions are the simulations to 

eliminate categorical eligibility, which would lower those eligibility rates by around 2 percentage 

points, and the simulation to eliminate the asset test, which would raise the eligibility rates by 4 

and 3 percentage points, respectively. 

D. VARIATIONS IN FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ACROSS STATES 

UNDER SIMULATED CHANGES TO FEDERAL AND STATE ASSET POLICIES 

Our analysis also assessed variations in FSP eligibility across states. As noted, state-specific 

changes in how the FSP treats assets and categorical eligibility suggest that some households 

could be eligible for the FSP in one state but not in another, raising issues about equity across 

states in eligibility for benefits. Such variable eligibility is a potential policy concern because the 
51 

FSP has traditionally been viewed as a national program, providing consistent “safety net” 

protection across the country. Therefore, it is important to determine the degree of variation in 

eligibility across states and to examine the characteristics of affected households. 

Although most households eligible for the FSP would be eligible regardless of the state in 

which they reside, FSP eligibility does vary across states for some households. In the baseline, 

or under 2006 FSP rules, 68 percent of eligible household are eligible under all state rules (Table 

III.12). In other words, 68 percent of eligible households would be eligible regardless of the 

state in which they reside while 32 percent would be eligible in at least one state and ineligible in 

at least one state. A majority of households that would be eligible in some but not all states, or 

21 percent of all eligible households, would be eligible in 47 to 50 states.7

 Ten percent of all 

eligible households would be eligible in 6 to 46 states and only 1 percent would be eligible in 

just 1 to 5 states. 

1. Sources of Eligibility Variations across States 

The largest source of variation across states is the categorical ineligibility of SSI recipients 

in California. As noted in the Methodology section, SSI recipients in California receive 

additional SSI benefits that are intended to substitute for FSP benefits. In our baseline 

simulation of 2006 FSP rules, we treat SSI recipients in California as ineligible for the FSP 

because (1) the benefits they receive are not formally FSP benefits and (2) California SSI 

recipients would not be affected by the policy changes simulated in this project. Because this 

policy is unique to California, all households that consist purely of SSI recipients are eligible for 

the FSP in all states except for California. Thus the number and characteristics of households 

eligible in some but not all states reflect, in part, the large proportion of these households that 

 

7

 For the purposes of this analysis, we treat the District of Columbia as a state, so a household can be eligible in 

a total of 51 “states”. 
52 

receive SSI income. If California SSI recipients were eligible for the FSP, the estimated number 

of FSP-eligible households would be slightly higher, and the percentage of FSP-eligible 

households that would be eligible in all states would rise from 68 percent to 85 percent (Table 

III.12). Furthermore, the percentage of households eligible in exactly 50 states would drop from 

20 percent to 2 percent. However, the percentages of households eligible in 6 to 46 states and in 

1 to 5 states remain approximately the same—9 and 1 percent respectively. Appendix C presents 

a further discussion of this issue along with additional tables showing the effect of California’s 

SSI cash-out policy on FSP eligibility. 

Another source of eligibility variation across states is states’ flexibility to expand their asset 

and categorical eligibility policies. As discussed in the Methodology section, individual states 

have set policies that range from making virtually all low-income households categorically 

eligible to retaining the more restrictive federal FSP asset rules. These policies affect the number 

of states in which households are FSP-eligible. For instance, 11 states have expanded their 

categorical eligibility policies to either all low-income households or low-income households 

with certain characteristics such as households with children (Table II.1). We see the effect of 

these policy variations in the first column of numbers in Table III.12, where the number of 

households eligible for the FSP in exactly 11 states, for instance, is much higher than the number 

eligible in exactly 12 states. 

State policies also vary in other ways that affect FSP eligibility. First, some states provide a 

state supplement to federal SSI benefits, with variation in the size of the supplement. In states 

with a particularly high SSI supplement, households that include an SSI recipient but that are not 

pure PA households are less likely to be income-eligible for the FSP than households in states 

with no or a lower supplement. Another policy difference is the treatment of unemployed 

nonelderly nondisabled childless adults. These individuals are subject to time limits on benefit 

receipt unless they live in a waiver area, qualify for a state-determined exemption, or participate 
53 

in an employment or training program. In some states, most unemployed nonelderly nondisabled 

childless adults are eligible; in others, a smaller percentage is eligible. These and other policy 

variations affect a relatively small number of households. 

TABLE III.12 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 AND UNDER A SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT IN 

CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF STATES IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE 

2006 Baseline Eliminate SSI Cash-out in CA

 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

Eligible 

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

Eligible 

Eligible Households 20,493 100.0 20,869 100.0 

Households Eligible in All States and DC 13,873 67.7 17,804 85.3 

Households Eligible in Some But Not All States 6,620 32.3 3,065 14.7 

Eligible in 47 to 50 States 4,353 21.2 818 3.9 

50 States 4,021 19.6 459 2.2 

49 States 167 0.8 180 0.9 

48 States 99 0.5 102 0.5 

47 States 66 0.3 77 0.4 

Eligible in 6 to 46 States 1,960 9.6 1,947 9.3 

14 to 46 States 740 3.6 730 3.5 

13 States 20 0.1 18 0.1 

12 States 63 0.3 68 0.3 

11 States 192 0.9 188 0.9 

10 States 182 0.9 186 0.9 

9 States 114 0.6 108 0.5 

8 States 176 0.9 177 0.8 

7 States 235 1.1 235 1.1 

6 States 238 1.2 237 1.1 

Eligible in 1 to 5 States 306 1.5 300 1.4 

5 States 142 0.7 143 0.7 

4 States 127 0.6 127 0.6 

3 States 24 0.1 24 0.1 

2 States 6 0.0 4 0.0 

1 State 7 0.0 2 0.0 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

Note: The District of Columbia is included in this table, so a household could be eligible in a total of 51 “states”. 

2. Variations in Characteristics of Households Eligible in 2006 

We have seen that substantial numbers of households (32 percent) are eligible for the FSP in 

some states but not in others, thus raising possible equity concerns. Therefore, it is prudent to 
54 

examine the characteristics of these households in order to assess which types of households are 

most affected by state policy variations. 

In 2006, the likelihood that household gross income fell below the poverty line varied 

substantially by the number of states in which a household was eligible. Seventy-one percent of 

households eligible in all states were in poverty while only 1 percent of households eligible in 

just a few states were in poverty (Table III.13).8 Similarly, 7 percent of households eligible in all 

states received income from SSI as compared to 40 percent of households eligible in some but 

not all states.9

 Most TANF recipients were eligible in all states, although 2 percent of 

households eligible in some but not all states received cash TANF benefits. The fewer the states 

in which a household was eligible, the more likely it was that the household had financial or 

vehicle assets or owned a home. Among households eligible in just a few states, 90 percent had 

financial assets, 75 percent had vehicle assets, and 61 percent owned a home in contrast to 49, 

48, and 23 percent, respectively, of households eligible in all states. 

Sixty percent of households eligible in just a few states included elderly adults but only 6 

percent included children. On the other hand, only 21 percent of households eligible in all states 

included elderly adults, but 51 percent included children. 

The prevalence of food insecurity increased with the number of states in which a household 

was eligible. Almost 20 percent of households eligible in most or all states reported low or very 

low food security as compared to 6 percent of households eligible in just a few states. 

 

8

 An even higher percentage of households eligible in almost all states were in poverty—81 percent—because 

of the high number of households receiving SSI that are eligible in some but not all states. Under a simulation to 

eliminate the SSI cash-out policy in California, that percentage drops to 54 percent (Appendix C, Table C.6). Under 

either scenario, over 90 percent of households eligible in just a few states had income over 130 percent of poverty. 

9

 Under a simulation to eliminate SSI cash-out in California, those percentages become 21 and 11 percent, 

respectively (Appendix C, Table C.5). 
55 

TABLE III.13 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 BY 

NUMBER OF STATES IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE 

Eligible in Some But Not All States Eligible under 

All State Rules All In 47-50 States In 6-46 States In 1-5 States 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Total Households 13,873 100.0 6,620 100.0 4,353 100.0 1,961 100.0 306 100.0 

Gross Income as a Percentage 

of Poverty Level 

0-100% 9,810 70.7 4,163 62.9 3,535 81.2 625 31.8 4 1.4 

101-130% 3,403 24.5 1,224 18.5 682 15.7 529 27.0 13 4.4 

131% or more 661 4.8 1,233 18.6 136 3.1 807 41.2 288 94.2 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 6,394 46.1 1,842 27.8 601 13.8 1,117 57.0 124 40.5 

TANF 1,454 10.5 143 2.2 82 1.9 60 3.1 1 0.2 

SSI 947 6.8 2,642 39.9 2,510 57.7 128 6.5 4 1.3 

Social Security 3,290 23.7 3,033 45.8 2,279 52.4 566 28.9 188 61.4 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 6,781 48.9 3,284 49.6 1,635 37.6 1,374 70.1 274 89.6 

Vehicle Assets 6,675 48.1 3,315 50.1 1,751 40.2 1,334 68.0 230 75.2 

Home Equity 3,141 22.6 2,177 32.9 1,140 26.2 851 43.4 186 60.7 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 2,950 21.3 3,009 45.5 2,259 51.9 564 28.8 185 60.5 

Households with disabled 

nonelderly adults 1,442 10.4 1,626 24.6 1,435 33.0 176 9.0 14 4.7 

Households with children 7,055 50.9 1,401 21.2 476 10.9 906 46.2 19 6.3 

Households with noncitizens 1,337 9.6 455 6.9 228 5.2 219 11.2 9 2.8 

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 9,447 68.1 4,878 73.7 3,122 71.7 1,496 76.3 260 85.0 

Low food-security 1,612 11.6 688 10.4 514 11.8 164 8.3 11 3.6 

Very low food-security 1,087 7.8 396 6.0 307 7.1 83 4.2 6 2.0 

Unknown 1,728 12.5 657 9.9 410 9.4 219 11.2 29 9.4 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

3. Effects of Policy Changes on Variations in Eligibility 

As part of our research, we examined the effect of changes to asset and categorical 

eligibility policies on variations in eligibility among states. We found that all of the policy 

changes we simulated increased the percentage of eligible households that were eligible in all 

states. The most expansive simulation, that is, elimination of the asset test, resulted in the largest 
56 

percentage—76 percent—of eligible households that would be eligible in all states (Table III.14). 

The second-highest percentage of households eligible in all states—74 percent—came under the 

most restrictive simulation, which is the reversion to federal FSP asset rules and elimination of 

expanded categorical eligibility. While both simulations reduced variations in eligibility across 

states, the number of households that would be eligible in all states is much higher under the 

expansive policy option—19.0 million versus 13.8 million under the most restrictive policy 

option. 

TABLE III.14 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGES TO ASSET AND CATEGORICAL 

ELIGIBILITY RULES BY NUMBER OF STATES IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE 

 Eligible Households 

Eligible under All 

State Rules 

Eligible under Some But 

Not All State Rules 

 

Total 

(000s) 

Number 

(000s) 

Row 

Percent 

Number 

(000s) 

Row 

Percent 

Baselaw: 2006 Baseline 20,493 13,873 67.7 6,620 32.3 

Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions 

in Asset and Categorical Eligibility 

Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules 20,367 13,873 68.1 6,494 31.9 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility 18,978 13,849 73.0 5,129 27.0 

Revert to Federal Asset Rules and 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility 18,841 13,849 73.5 4,991 26.5 

Simulations to Change Asset Limits 

Increase Asset Limits by $1,000 20,843 14,278 68.5 6,565 31.5 

Increase Asset Limits by $2,000 21,068 14,561 69.1 6,507 30.9 

Increase Asset Limits by $3,000 21,319 14,872 69.8 6,448 30.2 

Increase Asset Limits by $4,000 21,459 15,069 70.2 6,390 29.8 

Eliminate the Asset Test 24,941 18,983 76.1 5,958 23.9 

Simulations to Change Countable Assets 

Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts 20,847 14,210 68.2 6,637 31.8 

Exclude All Vehicles 20,545 14,310 69.7 6,234 30.3 

Exclude One Vehicle per Driver 20,520 14,248 69.4 6,272 30.6 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

Comparing two simulations that would standardize the treatment of vehicle assets among 

non-categorically eligible households across states, we see that both the simulation to exclude all 
57 

vehicles from the asset test (the expansive policy change) and the simulation to revert to federal 

FSP asset rules increase the percentage of households eligible in all states, to 70 and 68 percent, 

respectively. However, the expansive policy change also leads to a larger number of households 

eligible in all states (14.3 million). The restrictive policy option, on the other hand, leaves 

unchanged the number of households eligible in all states; households that became newly 

ineligible under the simulation were already ineligible in the one state that still used federal FSP 

asset rules in 2006. 

The simulation that excluded assets in retirement accounts from countable assets had the 

smallest effect on the percentage of eligible households eligible in all states. While this policy 

change increased both the number of households eligible in all states and the number eligible in 

some but not all states, the former number increased slightly more, resulting in an increase of 

half a percentage point in the percentage eligible in all states. 

E. CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM IN 2006 AND UNDER SIMULATED CHANGES TO 

CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY POLICIES 

While the MATH SIPP+ model predicts FSP participation in the baseline and under 

simulated changes, the QC Minimodel is the preferred model for estimating the effects on 

participation of restrictive policy changes. It is particularly well suited to simulating changes to 

categorical eligibility rules because it contains data that can be used to identify all categorically 

eligible households and households that are categorically eligible through the receipt of non-cash 

benefits. In this section, we briefly describe the characteristics of participating households in FY 

2006 (the baseline) and then discuss the effect on participation of two simulations that eliminate 

some of the recent expansions in categorical eligibility, including the characteristics of 

households that would remain eligible under these policy changes. 
58 

1. Characteristics of Households Participating in the Food Stamp Program in 2006 

In 2006, an average 11.3 million eligible households participated monthly in the FSP (Table 

III.15).10 According to estimates from the QC Minimodel, 87 percent of participating 

households were in poverty while only 2 percent had income over 130 percent of poverty. The 

average gross income of participating households was $782 per month, with an average monthly 

FSP benefit of $208 (Table III.16). 

TABLE III.15 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006 

 Participating Households 

 Number (000s) Percent of Total 

Total Households 11,315 100.0 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100 9,847 87.0 

No income 1,581 14.0 

1-50% 2,809 24.8 

51-100% 5,457 48.2 

Above 100% 1,434 12.7 

101-130% 1,232 10.9 

131-200% 223 2.0 

Greater than 200% 14 0.1 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 3,364 29.7 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,472 13.0 

Supplemental Security Income 3,029 26.8 

Social Security 2,730 24.1 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 2,024 17.9 

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 2,619 23.1 

Households with children 5,906 52.2 

Households with noncitizens 690 6.1 

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel 

 

10 Appendix P, in the Technical Appendices to the main report, and the report by Wolkwitz (2007a) provide 

detailed information on the characteristics of participating households. 
59 

TABLE III.16 

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006 

 Average Values ($) 

Monthly Benefit 208 

Monthly Gross Income Among Households with Positive Income 782 

Monthly Net Income Among Households with Positive Net Income 478 

Monthly Income From Income Type Among Households with Income Type 

Earnings 894 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 391 

Supplemental Security Income 470 

Social Security 626 

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel 

More participating households received income from earnings than from any other single 

income source: 30 percent included a worker with earned income as compared to 13 percent with 

a TANF recipient, 27 percent with an SSI recipient, and 24 percent with a Social Security 

recipient. The average monthly income from these sources (among households with the income 

type) was $894 from earnings, $391 from TANF, $470 from SSI, and $626 from Social Security. 

Over half of participating households included children (52 percent) while less than a fifth 

included an elderly member (18 percent). Disabled nonelderly adults were present in 23 percent 

of participating households. 

2. Participation under Simulations to Eliminate State Expansions in Categorical 

Eligibility 

We simulated two categorical eligibility policy changes in the QC Minimodel. In the first 

simulation, we eliminated categorical eligibility for all households that were not pure PA such 

that non-pure PA households that did not pass the federal income tests became ineligible. In the 

second simulation, households that received any cash PA retained their categorical eligibility, but 

households that were categorically eligible through the receipt of non-cash benefits had to pass 

the federal FSP income tests to remain eligible. In both these simulations, we did not subject 
60 

households losing categorical eligibility to the FSP asset test because of limited information in 

the administrative data on asset holdings for categorically eligible households. 

We found that 1 percent of FY 2006 participants would fail the income tests and lose FSP 

eligibility if categorical eligibility were eliminated for non-pure PA households (Table III.17).11

The simulation to eliminate categorical eligibility only for non-pure PA households receiving 

only non-cash benefits has a similar, although slightly smaller, effect on participation. Because 

households that would fail the income tests have slightly higher income than the average 

participating household, their monthly benefits tend on average to be lower. As a result, total 

monthly benefits paid out would drop only slightly under either policy change. 

TABLE III.17 

PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS AND BENEFITS RECEIVED UNDER SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE 

STATE EXPANSIONS IN CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

 Participating Households Benefits 

 Change from Baseline Change from Baseline

 

Number 

(000s) 

Number 

(000s) Percenta

Dollars 

(000s) 

Dollars 

(000s) Percenta

FY 2006 QC Minimodel Baseline 11,315 NA NA 2,358,293 NA NA 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for NonPure Public Assistance Households 11,205 -110 -1.0*** 2,354,132 -4,161 -0.2 *** 

Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for NonPure Public Assistance Households 

Receiving Only Non-cash Benefits 11,213 -102 -0.9 *** 2,354,244 -4,049 -0.2 *** 

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel 

a

 Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table III.15) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance 

 

11 Appendices Q and R, in the Technical Appendices to the main report, present detailed tables with the results 

of the two simulations.
61 

Under both simulations, the number of participating households in poverty does not change, 

but the number with income over 131 percent of poverty drops by over 40 percent (Table III.18). 

Households with earnings are disproportionately affected, with their number dropping by 3 

percent. Households with TANF or SSI are minimally affected by the first simulation, however, 

and not affected at all by the second. Under both policy changes, the number of households with 

children would drop by a slightly higher percentage than would the number of all households and 

the number with elderly by a slightly lower percentage.

TABLE III.18 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER 

SIMULATIONS TO ELIMINATE STATE EXPANSIONS IN CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

Eliminate Categorical 

Eligibility for Non-Pure 

Public Assistance 

Households 

Eliminate Categorical 

Eligibility for Non-Pure PA 

Households Receiving Only 

Non-Cash Benefits 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Percent 

Changea

Total Participating Households 11,205 100.0 -1.0*** 11,213 100.0 -0.9***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or below 100% 9,847 87.9 0.0 9,847 87.8 0.0 

Above 100% 1,358 12.1 -5.3*** 1,366 12.2 -4.7***

101-130% 1,224 10.9 -0.6*** 1,226 10.9 -0.5***

131-200% 127 1.1 -42.8*** 133 1.2 -40.1***

Greater than 200% 7 0.1 -50.1** 7 0.1 -48.2**

Households with Income from 

Earnings 3,277 29.2 -2.6*** 3,281 29.3 -2.5***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,469 13.1 -0.2* 1,472 13.1 0.0 

Supplemental Security Income 3,024 27.0 -0.2*** 3,029 27.0 0.0 

Social Security 2,703 24.1 -1.0*** 2,707 24.1 -0.8***

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 2,010 17.9 -0.7*** 2,012 17.9 -0.6***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 2,606 23.3 -0.5*** 2,611 23.3 -0.3***

Households with children 5,830 52.0 -1.3*** 5,835 52.0 -1.2***

Households with noncitizens 682 6.1 -1.2** 682 6.1 -1.1**

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel 

a

 Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table III.15) 

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance 

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance 

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance
62 
R.1 

REFERENCES 

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “States’ Vehicle Asset Policies in the Food Stamp 

Program.” Revised November 6, 2006. Available at www.cbpp.org. 

Cunnyngham, Karen, Laura Castner, and Allen Schirm. “Reaching Those in Need: State Food 

Stamp Participation Rates in 2005.” Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Food and Nutrition Service, October 2007. 

Cunnyngham, Karen. “Modeling the Impact of Eliminating SSI Cash-out in California.” 

Memorandum submitted to the California Food Policy Advocates. Washington, DC: 

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., December 2002. 

Lerman, Robert I., Urban Institute and American University, and Michael Wiseman, George 

Washington University. “Restructuring Food Stamps for Working Families.” Report 

submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Washington, 

DC: The Urban Institute, August 2002. 

MaCurdy, Thomas, Department of Economics and The Hoover Institution, Stanford University, 

and Grecia Marrufu, The SPHERE Institute. “The MID-SIPP Model: A Simulation 

Approach for Projecting Impacts of Changes in the Food Stamp Program.” Report submitted 

to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Burlingame, CA: The 

SPHERE Institute, October 2006. 

McKernan, Signe-Mary, and Caroline Ratcliffe, The Urban Institute, and Yunju Nam, Center for 

Social Development, Washington University in St. Louis. “The Effects of Welfare and IDA 

Program Rules on the Asset Holdings of Low-Income Families.” Report submitted to the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Washington, DC: The Urban Institute, 

September 2007. 

Schirm, Allen, and Alan Zaslavsky. “An Evaluation of a Reweighting Method for Small Area 

Estimation.” Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., September 2001. 

Smith, Joel. “Technical Working Paper: Creation of the September 2002 MATH SIPP+ 

Microsimulation Model and Database.” Report submitted to the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research, 

Inc., June 2006. 

Sullivan, James X. “Welfare Reform, Saving, and Vehicle Ownership: Do Asset Limits and 

Vehicle Exemptions Matter?” Journal of Human Resources. vol. 41, no. 1. winter 2006, pp. 

72–105. 

Trippe, Carole, Karen Cunnyngham, and Anni Poikolainen. “Final Documentation of the 2006 

Baseline of the 2002 MATH SIPP+ Model.” Memorandum 338 submitted to the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Washington, DC: Mathematica 

Policy Research, Inc., August 2006. 
R.2 

Trippe, Carole, and Bruce Schechter. “Tables Describing the Asset and Vehicle Holdings of 

Low-Income Households in 2002.” Report submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Food and Nutrition Service. Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., May 

2007. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service, Program Development 

Division. “Food Stamp Program State Options Report, Seventh Edition.” November 2007. 

Wemmerus, Nancy E. “How Vehicles Affect Food Stamp Program Eligibility.” Report submitted 

to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Washington, DC: 

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., June 1993. 

Wemmerus, Nancy, and Bruce Gottlieb. “Relaxing the FSP Vehicle Asset Test: Findings from 

the North Carolina Demonstration.” Report submitted to the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research, 

Inc., January 1999. 

Wolkwitz, Kari. “Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: Fiscal Year 2006.” Report 

submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Washington, 

DC: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., September 2007a. 

Wolkwitz, Kari. “Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: 1999 to 2005.” Report 

submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Washington, 

DC: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., June 2007b. 

Wolkwitz, Kari, and Daisy Ewell. “Technical Documentation for the Fiscal Year 2006 FSPQC 

Database and QC Minimodel.” Report submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Food and Nutrition Service. Princeton, NJ: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., September 

2007. 
APPENDIX A 

MICROSIMULATION MODELS 
A.3 

This appendix provides additional details about the two microsimulation models used in the 

research. We first discuss the MATH SIPP+ model, explaining major aspects of the model 

development process, describing how the version of the model used in this research differs from 

previous versions, and summarizing the federal and state asset rules simulated in the model. We 

then briefly describe important aspects of the QC Minimodel. 

A. MATH SIPP+ MODEL 

The MATH SIPP+ model was developed under a contract with FNS to provide that agency 

with estimates of the effects of proposed policy changes on the FSP. We first developed the 

2002 MATH SIPP+ model, which simulates the FSP program in September 2002. Smith (2006) 

describes the creation of that model. Next, we created the 2006 Baseline of the 2002 MATH 

SIPP+ model to simulate the FSP in FY 2006. Trippe et al. document the 2006 Baseline (2006). 

Finally, for the present project, we updated the 2006 Baseline to simulate state asset rules as of 

January 2007, to take advantage of more recent administrative data, to add data on food security 

and home equity, and to incorporate some minor programming improvements. Below, we 

describe the data that the model operates on, major details of the model, how the current version 

differs from the previous version, and the asset rules simulated in the current version. 

1. Data Sources 

We used three data sources to develop the 2006 Baseline of the 2002 MATH SIPP+ model: 

a. Selected data files of the 2001 SIPP Panel, including the Wave 6 Core file, Wave 2 

Topical Module file, and Wave 6 Topical Module file 

b. The March 2002 and 2003 CPS ASEC 

c. Administrative data for the FSP and the SSI and TANF programs, namely, the FY 

2005 FSPQC datafile, 2002 SSI Recipients by State and County, and FY 2001 ACT 

“emergency” TANF file 
A.4 

The SIPP, a nationally representative longitudinal survey, contains monthly information on 

household composition and income and periodic information on asset holdings, household 

expenses, and citizenship status. The 2002 MATH SIPP+ model is based on households in the 

SIPP in September 2002 as found on Wave 6 of the 2001 SIPP Panel. The model database 

incorporates the Wave 6 Topical Module file on these households’ financial and vehicle assets 

and medical care, dependent care, shelter, and child support payment expenses. Data on the 

citizenship status of these households, from the Wave 2 Topical Module file, and data on food 

security, from the Wave 8 Topical Module file, are also merged into the model database. In 

September 2002, 26,498 households and 69,049 individuals were successfully interviewed for 

Wave 6 of the 2001 SIPP Panel. 

The CPS is a monthly survey of approximately 80,000 households and is representative at 

the state level. It asks a set of basic questions on household composition, demographics, and 

labor force participation. The Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), conducted in 

March, collects additional information on household income and participation in various 

government programs. We used data from the March 2002 and 2003 CPS ASEC to adjust 

household weights in the SIPP so that the 2002 MATH SIPP+ model would match state 

distributions. 

The FSPQC datafile is an edited version of the raw data file generated by the FSP’s Quality 

Control System that contains detailed demographic and economic data on FSP participants. We 

used data from the FY 2005 FSPQC datafile so that the number and characteristics of FSP 

participants in the MATH SIPP+ model would match national and state administrative totals. 

The SSI administrative data provide the number of SSI recipients by age and state, and the 

TANF administrative data provide detailed demographic and economic information for a 
A.5 

nationally representative sample of TANF units. We used the latter two data sets to create 

targets for SSI and TANF participants in the MATH SIPP+ model. 

2. Model Details 

Selected aspects of the MATH SIPP+ model development are described below. 

State Weights. We developed state weights for the MATH SIPP+ model by using a Poisson 

regression algorithm developed and evaluated by Schirm and Zaslavski (2001) and a set of 33 

state population control totals derived from the CPS. Under this method, each household is 

given a set of 51 weights; each weight estimates the number of households that the sample 

household represents in a particular state, and the sum of the weights equals the household’s 

original SIPP weight. In addition, the weighted sums of the values for the state control variables 

equal the state control totals. 

To help illustrate the development and use of the set of 51 state weights, it is useful to 

consider a sample household. The sample household resides in Idaho and has an original SIPP 

household weight of 4,127, meaning that, in the SIPP, the household represents 4,127 actual 

Idaho households. During the MATH SIPP+ model re-weighting process, the household was 

assigned to represent 52 Idaho households along with 8 Alaska households, 3 Alabama 

households, 29 Arkansas households, and so on through less than 1 West Virginia household and 

less than 1 Wyoming household. Even though the sample household resides in Idaho, it actually 

has larger state weights for several other states, including California (1,068) and Florida (511). 

At the other end of the spectrum, it represents 0 households in Washington, DC. 

If the sample household were eligible in all states, it would contribute 4,127 households to 

the number of eligible households in the country. However, the household is eligible in only the 

11 states with expanded categorical eligibility polices and therefore can contribute only 487 

households (the sum of the state weights for the states in which the household is eligible) to the 
A.6 

national total of eligible households. Given that Idaho uses the relatively more restrictive federal 

FSP asset and categorical eligibility rules, the sample household is ineligible in the state in which 

it resides. 

Standard Errors. In order to test the statistical significance of effects of policy changes 

estimated in the MATH SIPP+ model, we developed a methodology to calculate standard errors. 

As recommended by the Census Bureau, we used Fay's method, a modified form of the basic 

balanced repeated replication method.1 Calculating variances with this method requires the use 

of a set of 108 household replicate weights that can be obtained from the Census Bureau upon 

request. We applied the reweighting procedure used to create the set of 51 state weights 

described above to each of the 108 replicate weights. Variance estimates are computed by state 

using the set of 108 state replicate weights and then summed to create a national variance 

estimate for each model estimate. 

We also use the standard errors created with this methodology to calculate the sampling 

error associated with point estimates generated by the MATH SIPP+ model. Table A.1 shows 

the 90-percent confidence intervals of selected estimates. We estimate that 20,493,000 

households were eligible for the FSP in 2006, plus or minus 451,000 households. In other 

words, there is a ninety percent chance that the true number of eligible households is between 

20,042,000 and 20,944,000 households.2

 

 1

 The online document at http://www.bls.census.gov/sipp/3rddrft2.pdf includes a brief explanation of Fay’s 

method. 

2

 More information on the accuracy of SIPP-based estimates as well as a discussion of confidence intervals can 

be found in the Source and Accuracy Statement for the SIPP 2001 Panel Wave 1 - Wave 9 Public Use Files, 

available online at http://www.census.gov/sipp/sourceac/ S&A-2_SIPP2001_w1tow9_20050214.pdf. 
A.7 

TABLE A.1 

SAMPLING ERROR ASSOCIATED WITH SELECTED ESTIMATES 

Estimates with 90-Percent Confidence Intervals 

Eligible Households Participating Households

Numbers (000s) 

 

Total Households 20,493 +/- 451 11,499 +/- 331 

 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% of Poverty Level 13,972 +/- 369 9,601 +/- 287 

101-130% 4,627 +/- 205 1,547 +/- 120 

131-200% 1,789 +/- 109 312 +/- 39 

 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 8,236 +/- 309 4,073 +/- 206 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,597 +/- 106 1,407 +/- 99 

Supplemental Security Income 3,589 +/- 191 2,383 +/- 132 

Social Security 6,323 +/- 236 2,388 +/- 143 

 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,065 +/- 331 4,777 +/- 201 

Vehicle Assets 9,990 +/- 313 4,991 +/- 217 

Home Equity 5,318 +/- 220 2,207 +/- 129 

 

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 5,959 +/- 213 2,072 +/- 111 

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,067 +/- 184 1,899 +/- 135 

Households with children 8,456 +/- 305 5,668 +/- 224 

Households with noncitizens 1,792 +/- 149 849 +/- 95 

 

Averages ($) 

 

Monthly Benefit 160 +/- 3 211 +/- 4 

 

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Income 966 +/- 13 818 +/- 16 

 

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type 

Earnings 1,049 +/- 24 923 +/- 28 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 +/- 8 371 +/- 8 

Supplemental Security Income 487 +/- 14 495 +/- 14 

Social Security 730 +/- 12 598 +/- 14 

 

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type 

Financial Assets 53,397 +/- 10,262 55,850 +/- 8,229 

Vehicle Assets 2,378 +/- 77 2,315 +/- 112 

Home Equity 95,654 +/- 5,116 86,021 +/- 8,076 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
A.8 

Simulated TANF/SSI Participation. As with most national surveys, the SIPP underreports 

participation in public assistance programs. The SIPP underreports the number of TANF 

participants by nearly 40 percent and the number of SSI recipients by nearly 3 percent. The 

MATH SIPP+ model simulates both TANF and SSI participation to improve the model results. 

To simulate SSI participation, we first assign elderly and disabled people to an SSI unit, then 

we determine whether the SSI units pass the SSI income and asset eligibility tests, and, finally, 

we choose participants from among eligible units in such a way that the simulated SSI caseload 

matches SSI administrative data. The SSI calibration was not updated for the 2006 Baseline, so 

the simulated SSI population is based on the 2002 SSI Recipients by State and County file used 

for the 2002 MATH SIPP+ model development. SSI participants are assigned an SSI benefit 

based on their income, the federal benefit amount, and the state supplement, if applicable. 

We follow a similar procedure to simulate TANF receipt. We first form TANF units 

consisting of dependent children and their guardians or of a pregnant woman. We then 

determine whether each unit is eligible by applying the appropriate state asset and income tests. 

Unlike the case of the SSI simulation, which calculates a benefit amount, the TANF simulation 

predicts a TANF benefit by using equations derived from administrative data. Finally, an 

algorithm is used to select TANF participants from among the pool of eligible households to 

match TANF administrative data. As with the SSI simulation, the TANF calibration was not 

updated for the 2006 Baseline, so the simulated TANF population is based on the FY 2001 ACT 

“emergency” TANF file used for the 2002 MATH SIPP+ model development. 

Simulated FSP Participation. As with TANF and SSI receipt, FSP receipt is underreported 

in both the SIPP and the CPS. FSP administrative data show that 19.7 million people received 

food stamp benefits in September 2002 while the SIPP shows 17.7 million FSP participants, a 

difference of 10 percent as a consequence of underreporting (Smith 2005). To overcome this 
A.9 

problem, we simulate FSP receipt. As with the SSI and TANF simulations, the FSP simulation 

begins by forming FSP units (described immediately below). Once a unit is formed, the 

simulation determines whether that unit would be eligible for the FSP under the income and asset 

rules in place in each state. In other words, the model makes 51 separate eligibility 

determinations. Section 4 below summarizes the state rules used to determine asset and 

categorical eligibility. The benefit amount for eligible households is determined according to 

FSP rules. First, net income is determined by subtracting certain deductions from gross income; 

next, the benefit is calculated by subtracting 30 percent of net income from the maximum benefit 

for that household’s size. The final step in the simulation is to select participating households 

from among eligible households so that the characteristics of the participating population closely 

match administrative data. While households that reported FSP receipt in the SIPP were more 

likely than nonreporting households to be selected as FSP participants in the MATH SIPP model, 

the precursor to the MATH SIPP+ model, we obtained better results in the MATH SIPP+ model 

by not favoring those households when selecting the simulated FSP population. 

Unit Formation. Decisions about which household members to include in the “FSP unit,” 

the group of people who apply for the FSP together, can affect simulated FSP participation. 

Given that asset limits do not vary with FSP unit size, larger FSP units are more likely to have 

combined assets over the asset limit than are smaller FSP units. In addition, including or 

excluding from the FSP unit an individual with relatively high income can influence whether that 

FSP unit is income-eligible. Most FSP units include all members of the household, but, in some 

households, some members purchase and prepare food separately and therefore are allowed to 

form their own FSP unit. In the MATH SIPP+ model, FSP units are formed one of three ways. 

In households reporting FSP participation, we use the reported information to form FSP units. In 

households that do not report FSP receipt, the family and subfamily units become the FSP units. 
A.10 

However, we combine some of these FSP units when an individual or the head of a subfamily 

reports sharing food expenses with another family in the household. We also follow FSP rules 

that require children under age 22 to apply with their parents. 

Several groups of people are categorically ineligible for the FSP and are excluded from our 

simulated FSP units. These groups include certain noncitizens and nondisabled nonelderly 

childless adults as well as California SSI recipients, some post-secondary students, and some 

people living in group quarters. Noncitizens who are refugees, are under age 18, are receiving 

disability benefits, or have been in the country for five years are eligible for the FSP. We 

remove other noncitizens from their FSP unit but prorate some of their income and expenses 

back to the unit. With refugees not identifiable in the SIPP data, we randomly assign refugee 

status to some noncitizens based on administrative data from the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security. The data for identifying other eligible non-citizens are available in the SIPP. We are 

also unable to determine which unemployed nondisabled childless individuals age 18 to 49-

years are eligible for the FSP because they are in their first three months of receipt, live in a 

waiver area, or qualify for a state exemption. Therefore, we randomly select individuals in this 

population to be eligible based on state data. 

3. Changes from Standard 2006 Baseline 

We conducted the research presented in this report with an updated version of the 2006 

Baseline of the 2002 MATH SIPP+ model. Finalized in September 2007, the update uses recent 

administrative data and information on state asset and categorical eligibility policies, includes 

additional SIPP data, and implements some minor code improvements. 

The previous version of the 2006 Baseline used FY 2005 FSP program operations data and 

the FY 2004 FSPQC datafile, which were the most recent data available at the time, to calibrate 

the simulated participant population. For the September 2007 update, we recalibrated the model 
A.11 

by using FY 2006 program operations data and FY 2005 FSPQC datafile. In addition, we 

updated the simulation of state asset and categorical eligibility rules to reflect the rules in place 

in January 2007. The next section describes the rules, with changes from the previous model 

version noted. 

While developing the September 2007 version of the 2006 Baseline, we also merged 

additional data from the SIPP topical modules. Specifically, we added data on households’ 

reported food security status and home equity. 

Finally, the current version of the MATH SIPP+ model incorporates some minor code 

improvements developed while conducting simulations for FNS in the previous version. This 

version, for instance, properly excludes assets in 401K plans from countable assets. 

4. Asset and Categorical Eligibility Rules Simulated in the MATH SIPP+ Model 

The federal vehicle rules and state asset rules simulated in the updated 2006 Baseline of the 

MATH SIPP+ model are summarized below and displayed in Table A.2. It is important to note 

that a household may not be categorically eligible if it includes a member disqualified from 

participation in the FSP for an intentional program violation or failure to comply with work 

regulations. 

The federal vehicle rules exclude vehicles with equity under $1,500 and a limited number of 

other vehicles based on their use. Of the remaining vehicles, one vehicle for each adult and one 

vehicle for each teenager who is either in school or working is assessed at the vehicle’s fair 

market value (FMV) minus $4,650. If there are no adults or qualifying teenagers in the FSP 

household, one vehicle is assessed in this manner. Any additional vehicles are assessed at the 

higher of the vehicle’s FMV minus $4,650 or the vehicle’s equity (FMV minus liens) 

Alabama excludes all vehicles. 

 
A.12 

TABLE A.2 

JANUARY 2007 STATE ASSET AND CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY RULES SIMULATED IN THE MATH 

SIPP+ MODEL 

 Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households 

 

Categorically Eligible Households

(in Addition to Pure PA Households)

Use 

Federal 

Rules 

Exclude 

All 

Vehicles Other Asset Eligibility Rules 

Alabama yes 

Alaska Exclude one vehicle per driver 

Arizona yes 

Arkansas Exclude one vehicle 

California yes 

Colorado yes 

Connecticut For highest equity vehicle, count equity minus 

$9,500 

Delaware Households below 200% of poverty yes No asset test 

DC yes 

Florida For households without individuals subject to 

work requirements, $8,500 in equity is 

excluded from one vehicle. For other 

households, $8,500 in equity is excluded from 

the combined equity of one vehicle per 

nondisabled nonelderly adult. 

Georgia yes 

Hawaii yes 

Idaho yes 

Illinois Exclude one vehicle 

Indiana yes 

Iowa Exclude one vehicle 

Kansas yes 

Kentucky yes 

Louisiana yes 

Maine Households below 200% of poverty 

and with a child and caretaker 

 Exclude one vehicle 

Maryland Households below 200% of poverty 

and with a child 

 yes 

Massachusetts Households below 200% of poverty 

and with a child 

 yes 

Michigan Households below 200% of poverty 

and more than one person 

 yes $3,000 asset limit for all households 

Minnesota Households passing FSP income tests 

and with non-vehicle assets under 

$7,000 

 For all vehicles, count FMV minus $7,500 

Mississippi yes 

Missouri yes 
TABLE A.2 (continued)

A.13 

 Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households 

 

Categorically Eligible Households

(in Addition to Pure PA Households)

Use 

Federal 

Rules 

Exclude 

All 

Vehicles Other Asset Eligibility Rules 

Montana 

 

yes 

Nebraska For vehicle with highest FMV, count FMV 

minus $12,000 

Nevada Exclude one vehicle 

New 

Hampshire 

 Exclude one vehicle per adult 

New Jersey For vehicle with highest FMV, count FMV 

minus $9,500 

New Mexico yes 

New York Exclude one vehicle per driver 

North Carolina Exclude one vehicle per adult 

North Dakota Households below 200% of poverty Exclude one vehicle; Asset limit of $3,000 for 

1 person, $6,000 for 2, +$25 for each 

additional person 

Ohio yes 

Oklahoma Exclude one vehicle per driver, then count 

equity minus $5,000 for remaining vehicles 

Oregon Households below 185% of poverty For highest equity vehicle, count equity minus 

$10,000; Asset limit of $2,500 for nonelderly 

nondisabled households 

Pennsylvania Exclude one vehicle 

Rhode Island Exclude one vehicle per adult, up to two 

adults 

South Carolina Households below 200% of poverty Exclude one vehicle per driver, Asset limit of 

$2,500 for nonelderly nondisabled households

South Dakota Exclude one vehicle 

Tennessee yes 

Texas Households below 165% of poverty 

with assets under $5,000 after 

excluding $15,000 from first vehicle 

yes 

Utah yes 

Vermont Exclude one vehicle per adult, up to two 

adults 

Virginia yes 

Washington Households below 130% of poverty For highest equity vehicle, count exclude 

5,000 equity 

West Virginia yes 

Wisconsin Households below 200% of poverty yes 

Wyoming If household is headed by a married couple, 

exclude $12,000 from the combined FMV of 

two vehicles. Otherwise, exclude $12,000 

from the FMV vehicle with highest FMV. 
A.14 

Alaska excludes one vehicle per adult and one per teenager who is either in school or 

working. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal food stamp rules. 

Arizona excludes all vehicles. 

Arkansas excludes one vehicle. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

California excludes all vehicles. 

Colorado excludes all vehicles. 

Connecticut excludes $9,500 in equity for vehicle with highest equity. Remaining vehicles 

are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

Delaware extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 200 

percent of poverty. Households not categorically eligible are still not subject to an asset test. 

(This is a change from the previous version of the MATH SIPP+ model.) 

The District of Columbia excludes all vehicles. 

Florida distinguishes between households without workers or individuals subject to work 

requirements and households with workers or individuals subject to work requirements. For 

households without workers or individuals subject to work requirements, $8,500 in equity is 

excluded from vehicle with highest equity. For households with workers or individuals subject to 

work requirements, $8,500 in equity is excluded from the combined equity of one vehicle per 

nondisabled nonelderly adult. In both cases, remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP 

rules. 

Georgia excludes all vehicles. 

Hawaii excludes all vehicles. 

Idaho is the only state that still follows the federal FSP rules. 

Illinois excludes one vehicle. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

(This is a change from the previous version of the MATH SIPP+ model.) 
A.15 

Indiana excludes all vehicles. 

Iowa excludes one vehicle. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

Kansas excludes all vehicles. 

Kentucky excludes all vehicles. 

Louisiana excludes all vehicles. 

Maine extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 200 percent 

of poverty and with a child and a caretaker. For households not categorically eligible, one 

vehicle is excluded, and remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

Maryland extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 200 

percent of poverty and with a child. For households not categorically eligible, all vehicles are 

excluded. 

Massachusetts extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 

200 percent of poverty and with a child. For households not categorically eligible, all vehicles 

are excluded. 

Michigan extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 200 

percent of poverty and with more than one person. For households not categorically eligible, all 

vehicles are excluded, and the asset limit for households without an elderly or disabled person is 

$3,000. 

Minnesota extends categorical eligibility to households that pass the FSP income tests and 

have no more than $7,000 in non-vehicle assets. For households not categorically eligible, 

vehicles are counted at their FMV minus $7,500. (This is a change from the previous version of 

the MATH SIPP+ model.) 

Mississippi excludes all vehicles. 

Missouri excludes all vehicles. 

Montana excludes all vehicles. 
A.16 

Nebraska excludes $12,000 from the FMV of vehicle with highest FMV. Remaining 

vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

Nevada excludes one vehicle. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

New Hampshire excludes one vehicle per adult. Remaining vehicles are subject to the 

federal FSP rules. 

New Jersey excludes $9,500 from the FMV of vehicle with highest FMV. Remaining 

vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

New Mexico excludes all vehicles. 

New York excludes one vehicle per adult and one per teenager who is either in school or 

working. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. (This is a change from the 

previous version of the MATH SIPP+ model). 

North Carolina excludes one vehicle per adult. Remaining vehicles are subject to the 

federal food stamp rules. 

North Dakota extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 200 

percent of poverty. For households not categorically eligible, one vehicle is excluded, and 

remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. For these households, the asset limit is 

raised to $3,000 for one-person households, $6,000 for two-person households, and $6,000 plus 

$25 for each additional person over two for larger households. 

Ohio excludes all vehicles. 

Oklahoma excludes one vehicle per adult and one per teenager who is either in school or 

working and $5,000 in equity from each remaining vehicle. 

Oregon extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 185 

percent of poverty. For households not categorically eligible, $10,000 in equity is excluded from 

vehicle with highest equity, and the asset limit for households without an elderly or disabled 

person is $2,500. 
A.17 

Pennsylvania excludes one vehicle. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP 

rules. 

Rhode Island excludes one vehicle per adult, up to two adults. Remaining vehicles are 

subject to the federal FSP rules. 

South Carolina extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 

200 percent of poverty. For households not categorically eligible, one vehicle per adult and one 

per teenager who is either in school or working is excluded. Remaining vehicles are subject to 

the federal FSP rules. The asset limit for non-categorically eligible households without an 

elderly or disabled person is $2,500. 

South Dakota excludes one vehicle. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP 

rules. 

Tennessee excludes all vehicles. 

Texas extends categorical eligibility to households with gross income below 165 percent of 

poverty and assets below $5,000 after excluding $15,000 in FMV for one vehicle. Households 

not categorically eligible are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

Utah excludes all vehicles. (This is a change from the previous version of the MATH 

SIPP+ model.) 

Vermont excludes one vehicle per adult, up to two adults. Remaining vehicles are subject 

to the federal FSP rules. 

Virginia excludes all vehicles. 

Washington extends categorical eligibility to all households with gross income below 130 

percent of poverty. For households not categorically eligible, $5,000 in equity is excluded from 

vehicle with highest equity, and remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

West Virginia excludes all vehicles. 
A.18 

Wisconsin extends categorical eligibility to households with gross income below 200 

percent of poverty. For households not categorically eligible, all vehicles are excluded. 

Wyoming distinguishes between households made up of a married couple and those not 

made up of a married couple. For households made up of a married couple, $12,000 is excluded 

from the combined FMV of two vehicles. For households not including a married couple, 

$12,000 is excluded from one vehicle. Remaining vehicles are subject to the federal FSP rules. 

B. QC MINIMODEL 

The QC Minimodel is based on the FSPQC database, which is an edited version of the data 

file generated by the FSP’s Quality Control System. For this project, we used the FY 2006 QC 

Minimodel, the development of which is documented by Wolkwitz and Ewell (2007). The QC 

Minimodel contains detailed demographic, economic, and FSP eligibility information for a 

sample of almost 46,000 households that participated in the FSP in FY 2006. The sample is 

representative at the state level and by month. 

We edit the QC data to achieve consistency in each household’s record. In particular, we 

ensure that certain basic relationships exist between the variables used to determine eligibility; 

we then compute a benefit amount. For example, in the edited file: 

• Net income equals gross income minus the total deductions for which the household 

is eligible 

• The FSP benefit equals the maximum benefit for that household size minus 30 

percent of net income 

• In editing the file, we incorporate state variations in program rules. The variations 

include: 

• The benefit calculation for Minnesota Family Investment Program participants, which 

differs from the standard benefit calculation 

• The eligibility determination and benefit calculations for SSI participants in the 8 

states with Combined Application Projects 
A.19 

• Categorical eligibility rules in the 11 states that have expanded categorical eligibility 

to large segments of their low-income population 

The QC data include only the income and asset information necessary to determine 

eligibility or to calculate the benefit amount. In most cases, all of the income received by a 

household is used to calculate the household’s benefit if not to determine its eligibility. 

Frequently, however, some of a household’s assets do not count toward the FSP asset limit. As a 

result, while the QC Minimodel contains useful income data, its asset data are limited and 

unreliable. For instance, in a state that excludes the value of all vehicles from the asset test, no 

information regarding a household’s vehicle holdings needs to be collected. Thus, if a 

household’s record shows no vehicle assets, we cannot tell whether the household has no 

vehicles or has vehicles that simply were not counted toward the asset test. Similarly, if a 

household is categorically eligible for the FSP, no information on any of the household’s assets 

needs to be collected. Again, the available data do not allow us to determine whether a 

categorically eligible household has no assets or simply no countable assets. The lack of data on 

asset holdings makes it impossible to determine whether some households would pass the asset 

test if asset rules were changed to count additional assets toward asset limits. 

We weight the FSPQC datafile and QC Minimodel to match administrative totals for 

households, individuals, and benefits by state and month. We adjust the initial administrative 

totals to remove households not eligible under regular FSP rules, namely, households that 

received benefits in error and households that qualified under the Disaster FSP. 

APPENDIX B 

SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLDS THAT BECOME NEWLY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER A SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE THE FSP ASSET TEST 
B.3 

The supplementary analysis described in this appendix was conducted to better understand 

the difference in results between a series of simulations that increased FSP asset limits in $1,000 

increments up to $6,000 for most households and up to $7,000 for households with an elderly or 

disabled member, and a simulation that eliminated the asset limits for all households (Table 

III.5). As reported in the body of this report, we found that while each incremental increase in 

the asset limit resulted in an increase in benefits to eligible households, the benefit increases 

became smaller as the asset limit became larger. In particular, benefits increased 1.7 percent 

when the asset limits were raised from $2,000 for most households and $3,000 for households 

with an elderly or disabled member to $3,000 and $4,000, respectively, but only 0.6 percent 

when the asset limits were raised from $5,000/$6,000 to $6,000/$7,000. Eliminating the asset 

test, however, resulted in a simulated 19.5 percent increase in benefits for which eligible 

households would qualify. 

These results raised interesting questions about households that are income eligible for the 

FSP but have enough assets that they fail the asset test even when asset limits are doubled or 

tripled.3 For instance, do most of the households made eligible by the elimination of the asset 

test have asset holdings just slightly above the higher limits that were simulated, or do some have 

substantially higher levels of assets? What are the characteristics of these households with low 

incomes and relatively high assets? Are reported asset holdings consistent with reported income 

from assets? This appendix presents the additional analysis we conducted to answer these 

questions. 

Table B.1 presents an overview of the number of income-eligible households by their type 

of asset holdings. The households fall into four mutually exclusive groups: 

 3

 Income-eligible households are those that either pass or are not subject to the income tests. 
B.4 

1. Households with gross and net income below the applicable income screens. This 

group includes households that are not subject to the income tests but would pass 

them if they were. Households that would fail the income tests if subject to them fall 

into the three remaining groups below. 

2. Households with elderly or disabled members and gross income above the gross 

income screen. These households are not subject to the gross income test. 

3. Pure public assistance households with gross and/or net income above the 

applicable income screen. These categorically eligible households in which every 

member receives cash TANF, SSI, or GA benefits are not subject to either income 

test. 

4. Other categorically eligible households with gross and/or net income above the 

applicable income screen. These households are eligible through state expansions in 

categorical eligibility and are not subject to either income test. 

Table B.1 also presents data for two additional types of households. The first includes 

households that are both income and asset eligible. These households, whose characteristics are 

presented in Tables III.1 and III.2, are drawn from all four groups listed above. The second 

includes households with no income, a subset of the first group listed above. 

These four mutually exclusive groups and two additional types of households are crosstabulated by the presence and type of asset holdings. As shown in Table B.1, households are 

categorized by whether they have any assets, any countable assets, financial assets, countable 

financial assets, vehicle assets, and countable vehicle assets.4

 Note that a small number of asseteligible households have countable assets over $3,000. These households are either in states 

with higher asset limits or in Delaware, which has used expansions in categorical eligibility to 

essentially eliminate the asset test for most households. 

 4

 Countable assets are those that count toward the FSP asset limits. Assets that are not countable include assets 

owned by TANF and SSI recipients and by other households that are categorically eligible under state rules. In 

addition, non-countable vehicle assets include the value, or in some cases the partial value, of vehicles not counted 

under federal or state vehicle rules. Non-countable financial assets include rental assets, life insurance, and 401K 

accounts. 
B.5 

TABLE B.1 

INCOME-ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY AND ASSET HOLDINGS

Numbers of Households With Assets (000s) 

Any Assets 

 Countable Assets Financial Assets Vehicle Assets 

 

Total 

Households 

(000s) Alla

 All $3,000+ All Countable All Countable

Income eligiblea 24,941 18,542 8,711 3,968 14,503 8,687 13,428 206 

Would pass both income tests 21,955 15,809 7,405 3,092 12,083 7,383 11,355 165 

Elderly or disabled; would fail 

gross income testc

 1,814 1,709 1,306 875 1,585 1,304 1,289 41 

Categorically eligible, would fail 

income test(s) 1,171 1,024 0 0 835 0 784 0 

Pure public assistance 155 113 0 0 61 0 82 0 

Expanded categorical eligibility 1,016 911 0 0 775 0 702 0 

Income and Asset Eligible 20,493 14,094 4,556 1 10,065 4,547 9,990 18 

Zero Income 2,500 1,480 546 168 1,013 542 1,011 16 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

a

 Assets in this category include assets countable under state FSP rules and assets that do not count toward a 

household's asset limit such as vehicles disregarded under state rules, assets owned by categorically eligible 

households, some retirement accounts, and life insurance. 

b

 Income-eligible households are those that either pass or are not subject to the income tests. 

c

 Households containing an elderly or disabled member are not subject to the FSP gross income test. 

Of the 24.9 million households that are income eligible for the FSP and therefore eligible 

under the simulation to eliminate the asset test, 18.5 million have reported assets. However, only 

8.7 million have assets that count toward the limits. In other words, 6.4 million income-eligible 

households have no reported assets, and another 9.8 million have only assets that do not count 

toward the asset limits. The latter group comprises households that are either categorically 

eligible for the FSP and therefore not subject to the FSP asset test or that own assets that are 

disregarded by federal or state FSP rules, such as excluded vehicles, some retirement accounts, 

and life insurance. 

Table B.2 presents the distribution of income-eligible households by their countable asset 

holdings; Table B.3 is an expanded version of Table B.2. Figure B.1 presents the same 

information graphically. The first graph shows households with countable asset holdings 
B.6 

between $1 and $900,000 in increments of $50,000; the second shows households with countable 

asset holdings between $1 and $100,000 in increments of $10,000; and the third shows 

households with countable asset holdings between $1 and $20,000 in increments of $1,000. As 

shown in these tables and graphs, the countable assets of a majority of income-eligible 

households with such assets are low. However, over 5 percent have more than $50,000 in 

countable assets (Table B.2). As shown in Table B.3, 17 percent of income-eligible households 

have between $1 and $2,000 in countable assets (the limit for most households), and an 

additional 2 percent have between $2,001 and $3,000 in countable assets (the limit for 

households with an elderly or disabled member). Together, these two groups account for over 

half of all income-eligible households with countable assets. As expected, the number of 

households at each level of countable assets slowly decreases as the asset levels increase. 

TABLE B.2 

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME-ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY ASSET HOLDINGS 

 Number (000s) Percent 

Income-Eligible Households 24,941 100.0

Without Countable Assets 16,229 65.1

With Countable Assets 8,711 34.9

Level of Countable Asset Holdings 

$1 - $50,000 7,335 29.4

$50,001 - $100,000 456 1.8

$100,001 - $150,000 239 1.0

$150,001 - $200,000 164 0.7

$200,001 - $250,000 104 0.4

$250,001 - $300,000 114 0.5

$300,001 - $400,000 113 0.5

$400,001 - $500,000 67 0.3

$500,001 - $900,000 82 0.3

More than $900,000 36 0.1 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update
B.7 

TABLE B.3 

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME-ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY ASSET HOLDINGS 

Expanded 

 Number (000s) Percent 

Income-Eligible Households 24,941 100.0

Without Countable Assets 16,229 65.1

With Countable Assets 8,711 34.9

Level of Countable Asset Holdings 

$1 - $10,000 5,786 23.2

$1 - $1,000 3,407 13.7

$1,001 - $2,000 893 3.6

$2,001 - $3,000 443 1.8

$3,001 - $4,000 305 1.2

$4,001 - $5,000 162 0.6

$5,001 - $6,000 218 0.9

$6,001 - $7,000 159 0.6

$7,001 - $10,000 198 0.8

$10,001 - $20,000 702 2.8

$10,001 - $15,000 432 1.7

$15,001 - $20,000 270 1.1

$20,001 - $30,000 418 1.7

$30,001 - $40,000 230 0.9

$40,001 - $50,000 200 0.8

$50,001 - $60,000 146 0.6

$60,001 - $70,000 90 0.4

$70,001 - $80,000 80 0.3

$80,001 - $90,000 69 0.3

$90,001 - $100,000 71 0.3

More than $100,000 920 3.7 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

Note: The federal FSP asset limit for most households in 2006 was $2,000. The federal asset limit for households 

with an elderly or disabled member was $3,000. A few states implemented higher asset limits through expansions in 

categorical eligibility. 
FIGURE B.1

Countable Asset Holdings ($)

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS WITH COUNTABLE ASSETS

Households with Assets up to $900,000 (by $50,000 increments)

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

1 - 50,000

50,001 - 100,000

100,001 - 150,000

150,001 - 200,000

200,001 - 250,000

250,001 - 300,000

300,001 - 400,000

400,001 - 500,000500,001 - 900,000

Households (000s)

Households with Assets up to $100,000 (by $10,000 Increments)

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

1 - 10,000

10,001 - 20,000

20,001 - 30,000

30,001 - 40,000

40,001 - 50,000

50,001 - 60,000

60,001 - 70,000

70,001 - 80,000

80,001 - 90,000

90,001 - 100,000

Households with Assets up to $20,000 (by $1,000 Increments)

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 2,000

2,001 - 3,000

3,001 - 4,000

4,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 15,000

15,001 - 20,000

B.8
B.9 

For the rest of our analysis, we focused on two types of households: 

• Households that are income eligible for the FSP, are subject to and fail the asset test, 

and have at least $7,000 in countable assets 

• Households that are eligible for the FSP through state expansions in categorical 

eligibility and have at least $7,000 in assets that would be counted if the households 

were subject to the asset test 

For the first group, we restricted our analysis to households with at least $7,000 in countable 

assets because they are made eligible not under the simulations to increase the asset limits, but 

under the simulation to eliminate the asset test. For the second group, we restricted our analysis 

to households with at least $7,000 in assets that would count toward the asset limit for similar 

reasons; they would fail the asset test if they were subject to it even if the asset limits were raised 

by $4,000. Some of the households in the latter group would also fail the income tests, while 

others would pass them. 

Tables B.4 and B.5 present the characteristics of these two groups of households. In Table 

B.4, which shows income-eligible, asset-ineligible households with countable assets over $7,000, 

61 percent of the households have an elderly member (first set of columns) as do 67 percent of 

households with over $100,000 in countable assets (last set of columns). Less than 20 percent 

have children in the household, and less than 50 percent are in poverty. A large majority of these 

households, 84 percent, have investment income, compared to only 28 percent with earned 

income. Very few households have countable vehicle assets (5 percent), while virtually all have 

countable financial assets, including 88 percent with interest-bearing assets and 43 percent with 

other income-producing financial assets. 

Categorically eligible non-pure public assistance households with countable-type assets over 

$7,000, shown in Table B.5, have somewhat similar characteristics to the households discussed 

above. Over 50 percent have an elderly member, while only 28 percent have children in the 
B.10 

household. Sixty percent are above the poverty level, 83 percent have investment income, and 

36 percent have earned income. Slightly more have vehicle assets (15 percent), while virtually 

all have financial assets. 

To assess whether reported income from assets appears to be consistent with reported asset 

holdings, we cross-tabulated households by the level of income-producing assets and by the 

amount of investment income (Tables B.6A and B.6B). In general, we found levels of incomeproducing assets to be relatively consistent with levels of investment income. For example, 

about two-thirds of the households in Table B.6A have between $1 and $100 in investment 

income. The majority of these households have under $20,000 in income-producing assets. 

Furthermore, among households with over $500 in investment income, most have over $100,000 

in income-producing assets. This seems reasonable: a 6 percent return on $100,000 would result 

in a monthly income of $500. 

Through our additional analysis, we confirmed that most households that either pass or are 

not subject to the income tests have low levels of countable assets. We found, however, that a 

small minority of income-eligible households have substantial asset holdings. These households, 

which are eligible for the FSP under a simulation to eliminate the asset test but not under a 

simulation to increase the asset limits by $4,000, tend to have elderly members, income above 

the poverty level, and income-producing assets. 
Total Households 3,124 100.0 198 100.0 702 100.0 418 100.0 430 100.0 456 100.0 920 100.0

Household Composition

Elderly member 1,892 60.6 102 51.6 410 58.4 233 55.7 235 54.7 294 64.5 618 67.2

Disabled member 62 2.0 9 4.4 11 1.6 8 1.9 10 2.3 13 2.9 10 1.1Children 610 19.5 59 29.5 164 23.3 107 25.6 96 22.3 72 15.9 111 12.1

Single parent 111 3.6 19 9.5 35 5.0 2 0.5 23 5.3 20 4.3 13 1.4

With earnings 52 1.7 9 4.5 23 3.3 0 0.0 3 0.7 8 1.7 9 1.0Without earnings 59 1.9 10 5.1 12 1.8 2 0.5 19 4.4 12 2.6 4 0.4

Multiple adults 477 15.3 40 20.0 125 17.8 94 22.5 74 17.2 49 10.7 96 10.4

With earnings 353 11.3 32 16.2 96 13.6 74 17.7 51 11.9 33 7.2 67 7.3Without earnings 124 4.0 7 3.8 29 4.2 20 4.8 23 5.3 16 3.5 29 3.1

Household Poverty Level

At or below poverty 1,556 49.8 118 59.3 337 48.0 226 54.1 225 52.3 216 47.3 435 47.2Above poverty 1,567 50.2 81 40.7 364 52.0 192 45.9 205 47.7 240 52.7 485 52.8

Income Sources

Earnings 884 28.3 65 32.5 241 34.4 145 34.6 114 26.5 106 23.2 214 23.3

Social Security benefits 1,640 52.5 105 52.9 389 55.4 188 45.0 212 49.3 273 59.8 473 51.5Investment income 2,633 84.3 165 83.2 576 82.2 356 85.2 360 83.7 387 84.8 790 85.9Other income 1,064 34.1 61 30.8 279 39.8 123 29.5 130 30.2 167 36.7 303 33.0

Countable Asset Types

Vehicle assets 147 4.7 10 5.0 28 4.0 11 2.6 17 4.0 17 3.7 65 7.1

Financial assets 3,120 99.9 197 99.5 699 99.6 418 99.9 430 100.0 456 100.0 920 100.0

Interest bearing 2,739 87.7 176 88.9 593 84.5 383 91.6 377 87.7 399 87.6 811 88.1

Other income producing 1,355 43.4 41 20.6 181 25.9 112 26.7 192 44.7 208 45.7 621 67.5Non-income producing 2,224 71.2 110 55.3 408 58.2 305 73.0 307 71.4 323 70.8 771 83.8Lump sum or severance payments 5 0.2 0 0.0 2 0.3 3 0.6 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE B.4

$50,001 - 

$100,000

$20,001 - 

$30,000 $100,000 + All ($7,000+)

$30,001 - 

$50,000

Number 

(000) Percent

Households by Countable Asset Levels

INCOME-ELIGIBLE, ASSET-INELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS WITH COUNTABLE ASSETS OVER $7,000

Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

B.11

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000)

Number 

(000) Percent

$10,001 -

$20,000

Number 

(000) Percent

$7,001 - $10,000
Total Households 815 100.0 65 100.0 188 100.0 118 100.0 114 100.0 122 100.0 207 100.0

Household Composition

Elderly member 428 52.5 25 38.9 89 47.5 59 50.2 57 50.0 68 55.4 129 62.3Disabled member 15 1.9 2 2.9 3 1.6 3 2.7 2 1.8 3 2.6 2 1.2

Children 231 28.4 27 42.3 64 34.0 40 33.6 34 29.8 30 24.6 36 17.2

Single parent 50 6.1 11 17.1 17 9.0 2 2.1 9 7.9 6 4.7 4 1.8

With earnings 30 3.7 8 12.5 11 6.1 2 1.7 3 2.6 2 1.7 3 1.3Without earnings 20 2.5 3 4.7 6 3.0 0 0.4 6 5.3 4 2.9 1 0.5

Multiple adults 176 21.5 16 24.0 46 24.6 35 29.4 25 21.9 23 19.1 31 15.0

With earnings 137 16.8 13 20.7 37 19.8 28 23.7 17 14.9 18 14.7 24 11.5Without earnings 39 4.8 2 3.3 9 4.8 7 5.7 8 7.0 5 4.4 7 3.6

Household Poverty Level

At or below poverty 329 40.3 30 45.9 75 39.8 47 40.1 49 43.0 45 36.5 83 39.9Above poverty 486 59.7 35 54.1 113 60.2 71 59.9 65 57.0 77 63.5 125 60.1

Income Sources

Earnings 297 36.4 32 49.8 78 41.6 50 42.3 36 31.6 41 33.3 59 28.7Social Security benefits 392 48.1 26 40.5 89 47.0 55 46.3 52 45.6 65 53.4 105 50.7Investment income 674 82.7 47 73.1 145 76.9 98 82.9 96 84.2 106 87.2 182 87.6Other income 294 36.1 20 31.2 78 41.4 36 30.9 36 31.6 48 39.6 74 35.8

Countable Asset Types

Vehicle assets 123 15.1 15 23.2 25 13.5 14 11.5 14 12.3 15 11.9 41 19.6Financial assets 808 99.1 62 95.3 185 98.2 117 99.5 114 100.0 122 100.0 207 100.0

Interest bearing 707 86.8 52 80.1 149 79.2 108 91.4 101 88.6 109 89.5 187 90.3Other income producing 344 42.2 14 20.8 52 27.8 35 29.5 48 42.1 55 45.5 140 67.2Non-income producing 592 72.7 40 62.2 115 61.2 82 69.5 85 74.6 93 76.1 176 85.0

Lump sum or severance payments 1 0.2 0 0.0 0 0.2 1 0.6 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 updateNotes: Countable-type assets are assets that would count towards the FSP asset limit if the household was subject to the asset test.

This table contains both households that would pass the income test(s) if subject to them and households that would fail the income test(s).

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

$7,001 - $10,000

Number 

(000) Percent Percent

$10,001 -

$20,000

Number 

(000) Percent

B.12

Households by Countable Asset Levels

CATEGORICALLY ELIGIBLE NON PURE PA HOUSEHOLDS WITH COUNTABLE-TYPE ASSETS OVER $7,000

TABLE B.5

$50,001 - 

$100,000

$20,001 - 

$30,000 $100,000 + All ($7,000+)

$30,001 - 

$50,000

Number 

(000)
Total Households 490 100.0 2,017 100.0 325 100.0 200 100.0 70 100.0 20 100.0

Countable Interest Bearing and Oher Income Producing Assets

$0 203 41.4 18 0.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0$1 - $10,000 122 24.9 670 33.2 25 7.7 35 17.5 4 5.7 0 0.0

$10,001 - $20,000 34 6.9 499 24.7 41 12.6 12 6.0 0 0.0 4 20.0$20,001 - $30,000 27 5.5 199 9.9 28 8.6 10 5.0 5 7.1 0 0.0$30,001 - $50,000 38 7.8 207 10.3 49 15.1 9 4.5 8 11.4 0 0.0$50,001 - $100,000 24 4.9 186 9.2 55 16.9 22 11.0 10 14.3 4 20.0$100,000 + 44 9.0 239 11.8 128 39.4 112 56.0 46 65.7 12 60.0

Total Households 141 100.0 534 100.0 70 100.0 54 100.0 13 100.0 3 100.0Countable Interest Bearing and Oher Income Producing Assets

$0 64 45.7 4 0.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

$1 - $10,000 35 24.7 195 36.4 6 9.0 8 14.8 0 3.6 1 27.8$10,001 - $20,000 12 8.7 120 22.5 10 14.3 2 4.5 0 0.0 0 0.0$20,001 - $50,000 15 10.8 117 21.8 16 23.1 9 16.6 1 7.9 0 0.0$50,001 - $100,000 4 2.8 46 8.7 14 19.9 9 16.3 1 10.4 1 18.8$100,000 + 10 7.2 52 9.7 23 33.1 27 49.2 10 75.2 2 56.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000)

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000)

TABLE B.6B

INVESTMENT INCOME OF CATEGORICALLY ELIGIBLE NON PURE PA HOUSEHOLDS WITH COUNTABLE-TYPE ASSETS OVER $7,000

Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

$501 - $1,000

TABLE B.6A

INVESTMENT INCOME OF INCOME-ELIGIBLE, ASSET-NELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS WITH COUNTABLE ASSETS OVER $7,000

Households by Amount of Investment Income

$1 - $100 $101 - $200 $201 - $500 $1,000+ $0

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

Number 

(000) Percent

B.13

Households by Amount of Investment Income

$0 $1 - $100 $101 - $200 $201 - $500 $501 - $1,000 $1,000+

Number 

(000) Percent

APPENDIX C 

CALIFORNIA SSI RECIPIENTS 
C.3

A. CALIFORNIA’S POLICY REGARDING SSI RECIPIENTS AND THE FOOD 

STAMP PROGRAM 

In California, SSI recipients are not eligible for the standard FSP. As an alternative, they 

receive an additional $10 as part of the state SSI supplement. California enacted the SSI policy 

based on the belief that, in part because of the state’s provision of a generous SSI supplement to 

SSI recipients, individuals receiving SSI who did qualify for the FSP would likely receive only 

the minimum benefit of $10 for one- or two-person households. 

As a result of California’s “cash-out” policy, pure SSI households—those in which all 

members receive SSI—are categorically ineligible for the FSP. In mixed SSI households—those 

in which some members receive SSI and others do not—the non–SSI recipients may apply for 

the FSP without including the SSI recipients in the application unit. In some of these cases, 

households that would not qualify for the FSP if the SSI recipients were included in the 

application are eligible when the SSI recipients (and their income) are excluded from the 

program. 

Cunnyngham (2002) found that eliminating the SSI cash-out policy in 2000 would likely 

result in a net increase in FSP participants but a net decrease in total FSP benefits paid out. 

Elderly or disabled individuals living only with other SSI recipients and with little or no income 

beyond SSI and high out-of-pocket medical or shelter expenses would likely have benefited from 

elimination of the cash-out policy because they probably would have qualified for more than a 

$10 benefit. On the other hand, families with both SSI recipients and non-recipients who were 

already participating in the FSP would likely either become ineligible for the FSP or qualify for a 

lower benefit if SSI participants were included in the FSP unit and their income were considered 

in the eligibility determination and benefit calculation. Cunnyngham estimated that the 

reduction in benefits for existing participants would have been slightly greater than the benefits 

gained by the newly eligible SSI recipients, thus accounting for the net reduction in benefits. 
C.4

B. EFFECT OF SSI CASH-OUT ON ELIGIBILITY FOR THE FOOD STAMP 

PROGRAM 

Given that the SSI cash-out policy affects only California, it is the major cause for variation 

in eligibility across states. To estimate the effect of the policy on the estimates presented in this 

report, we conducted a simulation that eliminated the SSI cash-out policy; Tables C.1 through 

C.6 present the results of the simulation. We estimate that the number of eligible households 

would increase by about 2 percent to 20.7 million households. 

Under the simulation to end SSI cash-out, the characteristics of the national eligible 

population change only slightly. For instance, 67 percent of all eligible households would be in 

poverty with the elimination of SSI cash-out as compared to 68 percent under current policy 

(Tables C.1 and III.1). In addition, 20 percent of eligible households would have income from 

SSI and 32 percent from Social Security as compared to 18 and 31 percent, respectively. 

A much larger change occurs, however, in the number and characteristics of households that 

are eligible in some but not all states. Under the simulation to eliminate SSI cash-out, the 

number of households eligible in some but not all states drops by over 50 percent (Tables C.4 

and III.12). Among this group, the percentage in poverty drops from 63 percent under the 

current policy to 35 percent under the simulation to eliminate SSI cash-out. In addition, the 

percentage with earnings increases from 28 to 55 percent, and the percentage with income from 

SSI drops from 40 to 11 percent. 

Among households eligible in some but not all states, the percentages with assets increase 

under the simulation to eliminate SSI cash-out. Sixty-eight percent have financial assets, 71 

percent have vehicle assets, and 42 percent own a home as compared to 50, 50, and 33 percent, 

respectively, under the current policy. 
C.5

As expected, these changes are most striking among households eligible in 47 to 50 states, 

with the number eligible dropping from over 4 million to under 1 million households (Table 

C.6). 

TABLE C.1 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER 

SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT 

Eligible Households 

 Number (000s) Percent of Total 

Total Households 20,869 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% of Poverty Level 13,870 66.5

No income 2,271 10.9

1-50% 3,047 14.6

51-100% 8,552 41.0

Above 100% of Poverty Level 7,000 33.5

101-130% 5,021 24.1

131-200% 1,871 9.0

Greater than 200% 108 0.5

Households with Income from 

Earnings 8,225 39.4

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,580 7.6

Supplemental Security Income 4,146 19.9

Social Security 6,599 31.6

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,191 48.8

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,531 21.7

Vehicle Assets 10,135 48.6

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 18 0.1

Home Equity 5,419 26.0

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 6,243 29.9

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,258 15.6

Households with children 8,416 40.3

Households with noncitizens 1,822 8.7

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 14,603 70.0

Low food-security 2,337 11.2

Very low food-security 1,512 7.2

Unknown 2,417 11.6

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
C.6

TABLE C.2 

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME AND AVERAGE ASSETS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS 

ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT 

 

Average Values for 

Eligible Households ($) 

Potential Monthly Benefit 156

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 971

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 656

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type 

Earnings 1,048

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 366

Supplemental Security Income 500

Social Security 724

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type 

Financial Assets 52,679

Financial assets countable under state rules 631

Vehicle Assets 2,363

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,248

Home Equity 95,711 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 

TABLE C.3 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER 

SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT BY POVERTY LEVEL 

 Eligible Households 

Percent of Total Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

 

Total 

(000s) 0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% + 

Total Households 20,869 66.5 24.1 9.5 

Households with Income from 

Earnings 8,225 53.7 34.2 12.1 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,580 84.2 13.3 2.5 

Supplemental Security Income 4,146 75.6 19.4 5 

Social Security 6,599 53.4 29.7 17 

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 10,191 59 27.1 13.9 

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,531 59.3 31.2 9.5 

Vehicle Assets 10,135 59.9 27.4 12.7 

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 18 61.1 22.2 16.7 

Home Equity 5,419 56.7 27 16.3 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
C.7

TABLE C.4 

ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT BY NUMBER OF 

STATES IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE 

 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Households 

Eligible in at 

Least One 

State 

Percent of 

Households 

Eligible in 

Some But Not 

All States 

Eligible Households 20,869 100.0 

Households Eligible in All States 17,804 85.3 

Households Eligible in Some But Not All States 3,065 14.7 100.0

Eligible in 47 to 50 States 818 3.9 26.7

50 States 459 2.2 15.0

49 States 180 0.9 5.9

48 States 102 0.5 3.3

47 States 77 0.4 2.5

Eligible in 6 to 46 States 1,947 9.3 63.5

14 to 46 States 730 3.5 23.8

13 States 18 0.1 0.6

12 States 68 0.3 2.2

11 States 188 0.9 6.1

10 States 186 0.9 6.1

9 States 108 0.5 3.5

8 States 177 0.8 5.8

7 States 235 1.1 7.7

6 States 237 1.1 7.7

Eligible in 1 to 5 States 300 1.4 9.8

5 States 143 0.7 4.7

4 States 127 0.6 4.1

3 States 24 0.1 0.8

2 States 4 0.0 0.1

1 State 2 0.0 0.1 

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
C.8

TABLE C.5 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM UNDER 

SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT 

Eligible Households 

Households Eligible under 

All State Rules 

Households Eligible under 

Some But Not All State 

Rules 

 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Total 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent of 

Total 

Total Households 17,804 100.0 3,065 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% of Poverty Level 12,812 72.0 1,058 34.5

No income 2,075 11.7 196 6.4

1-50% 2,802 15.7 246 8.0

51-100% 7,935 44.6 616 20.1

Above 100% of Poverty Level 4,992 28.0 2,008 65.5

101-130% 4,195 23.6 827 27.0

131-200% 712 4.0 1,158 37.8

Greater than 200% 85 0.5 23 0.7

Households with Income from 

Earnings 6,540 36.7 1,685 55.0

TANF 1,419 8.0 160 5.2

SSI 3,804 21.4 342 11.1

Social Security 5,637 31.7 963 31.4

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 8,104 45.5 2,087 68.1

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,047 22.7 484 15.8

Vehicle Assets 7,968 44.8 2,167 70.7

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 8 0.0 10 0.3

Home Equity 4,139 23.2 1,280 41.8

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 5,344 30.0 899 29.3

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 2,857 16.0 401 13.1

Households with children 6,961 39.1 1,455 47.5

Households with noncitizens 1,494 8.4 328 10.7

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 12,303 69.1 2,300 75.0

Low food-security 2,049 11.5 289 9.4

Very low food-security 1,377 7.7 135 4.4

Unknown 2,075 11.7 342 11.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update 
C.9

TABLE C.6 

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN SOME BUT 

NOT ALL STATES UNDER SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE SSI CASH-OUT BY NUMBER OF STATES IN 

WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE 

Households Eligible in Some But Not All States 

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States 

 

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Number 

(000s) 

Percent 

of Total

Total Households 818 100.0 1,947 100.0 301 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level 

At or Below 100% of Poverty Level 445 54.4 612 31.4 2 0.5

No income 61 7.5 135 6.9 0 0.0

1-50% 71 8.7 174 8.9 1 0.3

51-100% 313 38.2 303 15.6 1 0.2

Above 100% of Poverty Level 372 45.6 1,336 68.6 300 99.5

101-130% 303 37.1 514 26.4 10 3.2

131-200% 66 8.1 804 41.3 288 95.7

Greater than 200% 3 0.4 18 0.9 2 0.6

Households with Income from 

Earnings 468 57.2 1,099 56.4 119 39.6

TANF 100 12.2 60 3.1 0 0.0

SSI 188 23.0 149 7.7 5 1.6

Social Security 199 24.3 576 29.6 188 62.4

Households with Assets 

Financial Assets 448 54.7 1,367 70.2 273 90.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 261 31.9 220 11.3 4 1.2

Vehicle Assets 612 74.9 1,326 68.1 229 76.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 9 1.1 1 0.0 0 0.0

Home Equity 244 29.9 851 43.7 184 61.3

Household Composition 

Households with elderly adults 140 17.1 574 29.5 185 61.6

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 213 26.0 176 9.1 13 4.2

Households with children 547 66.9 894 45.9 13 4.4

Households with noncitizens 106 13.0 217 11.1 6 1.8

Household Food Security 

Food-secure 557 68.1 1,486 76.3 257 85.5

Low food-security 116 14.2 162 8.3 11 3.6

Very low food-security 46 5.6 83 4.3 6 2.1

Unknown 99 12.1 217 11.1 27 8.8

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update
Technical Appendices to 

Simulated Effects of Changes 

to State and Federal Asset 

Eligibility Policies for the 

Food Stamp Program 

October 2008 

Authors: 

Karen Cunnyngham 

James Ohls 

This study was conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., 

under a cooperative research contract with USDA’s Economic 

Research Service (ERS) Food and Nutrition Assistance Research 

Program (FANRP): contract number 59-5000-6-0077 (ERS project 

representative: Kenneth Hanson). The views expressed are those of 

the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA. 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
APPENDIX D

BASELINE TABULATIONS IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 20,493 100.0 11,499 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,301 11.2 1,887 16.4

1-50% 3,093 15.1 2,607 22.7

51-100% 8,578 41.9 5,107 44.4

101-130% 4,627 22.6 1,547 13.5

131-200% 1,789 8.7 312 2.7

Greater than 200% 105 0.5 39 0.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,236 40.2 4,073 35.4

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,597 7.8 1,407 12.2

Supplemental Security Income 3,589 17.5 2,383 20.7

Social Security 6,323 30.9 2,388 20.8

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,213 20.6 820 7.1

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,347 26.1 4,327 37.6

Eligible for other benefit 10,933 53.3 6,353 55.2

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 10,065 49.1 4,777 41.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,547 22.2 2,096 18.2

Vehicle Assets 9,990 48.7 4,991 43.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 18 0.1 11 0.1

Home Equity 5,318 26.0 2,207 19.2

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 5,959 29.1 2,072 18.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,067 15.0 1,899 16.5

Households with children 8,456 41.3 5,668 49.3

With preschool-age children 4,107 20.0 2,892 25.1

With school-age children 6,701 32.7 4,465 38.8

Households with noncitizens 1,792 8.7 849 7.4

Household Food Security

Food-secure 14,325 69.9 7,583 65.9

Low food-security 2,300 11.2 1,437 12.5

Very low food-security 1,483 7.2 977 8.5

Unknown 2,385 11.6 1,502 13.1

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE D.1

Participating Households

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

Households Eligible in 2006

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

All Eligible Households

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS IN 2006

D.3
Total Individuals 44,641 100.0 26,125 100.0

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a Percentage 

of Poverty Level

No income 3,991 8.9 3,340 12.8

1-50% 8,565 19.2 7,430 28.4

51-100% 17,824 39.9 10,876 41.6

101-130% 10,631 23.8 3,815 14.6

131-200% 3,483 7.8 607 2.3

Greater than 200% 146 0.3 57 0.2

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 23,518 52.7 11,718 44.9

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,028 11.3 4,417 16.9

Supplemental Security Income 6,633 14.9 4,540 17.4

Social Security 9,638 21.6 3,919 15.0

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,078 11.4 909 3.5

Eligible for maximum benefit 9,914 22.2 8,341 31.9

Eligible for other benefit 29,648 66.4 16,875 64.6

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 21,535 48.2 10,877 41.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 9,687 21.7 4,844 18.5

Vehicle Assets 24,328 54.5 12,847 49.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 34 0.1 21 0.1

Home Equity 12,122 27.2 5,782 22.1

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,211 18.4 2,742 10.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,246 14.0 3,883 14.9

Households with children 29,755 66.7 19,444 74.4

With preschool-age children 15,565 34.9 10,718 41.0

With school-age children 24,985 56.0 16,218 62.1

Households with noncitizens 5,210 11.7 2,499 9.6

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 30,518 68.4 17,151 65.7

Low food-security 5,660 12.7 3,537 13.5

Very low food-security 3,547 7.9 2,242 8.6

Unknown 4,915 11.0 3,195 12.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS IN 2006

TABLE D.2

Individuals in Households Eligible in 2006

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

D.4
Total Benefits 3,269,015 160 2,427,889 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 553,208 240 460,903 244

1-50% 1,031,228 333 896,878 344

51-100% 1,222,244 142 849,386 166

101-130% 373,204 81 189,418 122

131-200% 82,283 46 26,813 86

Greater than 200% 6,848 65 4,490 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,483,300 180 961,778 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 413,754 259 385,926 274

Supplemental Security Income 356,476 99 295,145 124

Social Security 494,614 78 299,210 125

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 42,398 10 8,248 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,363,972 255 1,140,123 263

Eligible for other benefit 1,862,645 170 1,279,518 201

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,463,509 145 995,856 208

Financial assets countable under state rules 708,159 156 465,894 222

Vehicle Assets 1,678,456 168 1,165,979 234

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,616 143 2,050 183

Home Equity 785,046 148 514,215 233

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 441,992 74 228,007 110

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 382,747 125 295,308 156

Households with children 2,235,166 264 1,762,071 311

With preschool-age children 1,192,723 290 967,140 334

With school-age children 1,852,064 276 1,451,346 325

Households with noncitizens 395,092 221 241,869 285

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,177,307 152 1,588,611 209

Low food-security 413,341 180 310,964 216

Very low food-security 264,776 179 203,716 208

Unknown 413,592 173 324,598 216

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total Benefits 

($000s)

Total Benefits 

($000s)

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS AND BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING 

HOUSEHOLDS IN 2006 BY HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTIC

Average 

Benefit ($)

Average 

Benefit ($)

TABLE D.3

Benefits for Households Eligible in 2006

All Eligible Households Participating Households

D.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 160 211

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 966 818

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 648 506

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,049 923

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 371

Supplemental Security Income 487 495

Social Security 730 598

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 53,397 55,850

Financial assets countable under state rules 631 572

Vehicle Assets 2,378 2,315

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,248 1,418

Home Equity 95,654 86,021

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS IN 2006 

TABLE D.4

Participating 

Households

Average Value for Households Eligible 

in 2006 ($)

All Eligible 

Households

D.6
Total Households 13,972 4,627 1,894 9,600 1,547 352

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,453 2,812 970 2,782 1,099 192

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,394 165 37 1,286 97 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,079 390 120 2,184 170 30

Social Security 3,514 1,739 1,070 1,852 368 168

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,025 2,653 1,388 3,747 824 205

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 2,694 1,422 431 1,596 413 86

Vehicle Assets 6,080 2,665 1,244 3,963 865 163

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 11 4 3 8 2 0

Home Equity 3,076 1,386 856 1,739 369 99

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE D.5

0 - 100%

101 - 

130% 131% +

Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty

Number of Households Eligible in 2006 (000s)

Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty

All Eligible Households by Participating Households by

0 - 100%

101 - 

130% 131% +

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS IN 2006 BY POVERTY LEVEL

D.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 81 47

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive 

Income 718 1,311 1,653

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 484 840 988

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 763 1,336 1,531

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 341 325

Supplemental Security Income 468 634 492

Social Security 576 834 1,064

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 42,202 46,001 116,151

Financial assets countable under state rules 562 610 1,126

Vehicle Assets 2,258 2,399 2,922

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,326 1,197 1,052

Home Equity 91,258 95,520 111,669

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Average Values among All Eligible 

Households in 2006 ($)

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 BY POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE D.6

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

All Eligible Households

D.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 122 89

Monthly Gross Income Among Households with Positive 

Income 673 1,352 1,651

Monthly Net Income Among Households with Positive Net 

Income 423 740 879

Monthly Amount of Income Type Among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 722 1,321 1,559

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 353 319

Supplemental Security Income 484 647 463

Social Security 529 792 942

Amount of Assets Among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 48,679 68,011 137,892

Financial assets countable under state rules 537 533 1,415

Vehicle Assets 2,225 2,654 2,713

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,403 1,593 779

Home Equity 86,588 76,247 112,357

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Average Values among All Participating 

Households in 2006 ($)

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 BY POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE D.7

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Participating Households

D.9
Total Households 13,873 100.0 6,620 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,013 14.5 289 4.4

1-50% 2,792 20.1 301 4.5

51-100% 5,005 36.1 3,573 54.0

101-130% 3,403 24.5 1,224 18.5

131-200% 578 4.2 1,211 18.3

Greater than 200% 83 0.6 22 0.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,394 46.1 1,842 27.8

TANF 1,454 10.5 143 2.2

SSI 947 6.8 2,642 39.9

Social Security 3,290 23.7 3,033 45.8

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,674 12.1 2,538 38.3

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,415 31.8 932 14.1

Eligible for other benefit 7,784 56.1 3,149 47.6

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,781 48.9 3,284 49.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 3,676 26.5 871 13.2

Vehicle Assets 6,675 48.1 3,315 50.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 8 0.1 10 0.2

Home Equity 3,141 22.6 2,177 32.9

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,950 21.3 3,009 45.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,442 10.4 1,626 24.6

Households with children 7,055 50.9 1,401 21.2

With preschool-age children 3,453 24.9 654 9.9

With school-age children 5,626 40.6 1,074 16.2

Households with noncitizens 1,337 9.6 455 6.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,447 68.1 4,878 73.7

Low food-security 1,612 11.6 688 10.4

Very low food-security 1,087 7.8 396 6.0

Unknown 1,728 12.5 657 9.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Eligible under All State 

Rules

TABLE D.8

Households Eligible in 2006

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State Rules

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN 

WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

D.10
Total Households 4,353 100.0 1,961 100.0 306 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 153 3.5 136 6.9 0 0.1

1-50% 125 2.9 175 8.9 1 0.5

51-100% 3,257 74.8 314 16.0 3 0.9

101-130% 682 15.7 529 27.0 13 4.4

131-200% 133 3.1 790 40.3 287 93.8

Greater than 200% 3 0.1 17 0.9 1 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 601 13.8 1,117 57.0 124 40.5

TANF 82 1.9 60 3.1 1 0.2

SSI 2,510 57.7 128 6.5 4 1.3

Social Security 2,279 52.4 566 28.9 188 61.4

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,601 36.8 670 34.2 267 87.3

Eligible for maximum benefit 598 13.7 329 16.8 5 1.6

Eligible for other benefit 2,154 49.5 962 49.0 34 11.1

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,635 37.6 1,374 70.1 274 89.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 635 14.6 232 11.8 5 1.5

Vehicle Assets 1,751 40.2 1,334 68.0 230 75.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 9 0.2 1 0.0 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,140 26.2 851 43.4 186 60.7

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,259 51.9 564 28.8 185 60.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,435 33.0 176 9.0 14 4.7

Households with children 476 10.9 906 46.2 19 6.3

With preschool-age children 229 5.3 418 21.3 7 2.3

With school-age children 368 8.4 690 35.2 17 5.4

Households with noncitizens 228 5.2 219 11.2 9 2.8

Household Food Security

Food-secure 3,122 71.7 1,496 76.3 260 85.0

Low food-security 514 11.8 164 8.3 11 3.6

Very low food-security 307 7.1 83 4.2 6 2.0

Unknown 410 9.4 219 11.2 29 9.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE D.9

In 47 to 50 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible in 2006 in Some But Not All States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

D.11
Total Households 313,014 72 213,312 109 5,909 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 29,805 195 29,987 221 32 152

1-50% 29,089 233 52,119 298 181 126

51-100% 207,710 64 62,910 201 583 211

101-130% 39,729 58 41,484 78 817 61

131-200% 6,268 47 26,489 34 4,219 15

Greater than 200% 413 128 324 19 77 63

Households with Income from

Earnings 75,062 125 115,650 104 3,053 25

TANF 12,834 156 5,741 96 61 88

SSI 132,855 53 8,772 69 55 13

Social Security 125,296 55 28,046 50 2,751 15

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 16,111 10 6,744 10 2,691 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 109,785 184 82,044 249 770 153

Eligible for other benefit 187,118 87 124,524 130 2,448 72

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 136,317 83 159,966 116 4,838 18

Financial assets countable under state rules 66,108 104 26,210 113 441 96

Vehicle Assets 156,936 90 159,208 119 3,973 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,262 135 100 104 17 114

Home Equity 88,694 78 111,251 131 2,802 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 132,365 59 32,900 58 2,720 15

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 89,321 62 10,684 61 431 30

Households with children 86,796 182 138,713 153 1,586 82

With preschool-age children 45,417 199 70,910 170 541 77

With school-age children 67,468 183 112,141 162 1,432 86

Households with noncitizens 28,009 123 33,029 151 542 62

Household Food Security

Food-secure 225,826 72 161,331 108 4,575 18

Low food-security 32,167 63 19,961 122 260 24

Very low food-security 17,413 57 7,710 93 95 15

Unknown 37,608 92 24,311 111 979 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE D.10

In 47 to 50 States

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible in 2006 in Some But 

Not All States

In 6 to 46 States

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

In 1 to 5 States

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

D.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 197 80

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 938 1,019

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 618 699

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 975 1,307

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 319

Supplemental Security Income 546 466

Social Security 761 695

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 39,042 83,039

Financial assets countable under state rules 613 705

Vehicle Assets 1,833 3,475

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,416 1,122

Home Equity 86,754 108,494

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS 

FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS 

ELIGIBLE

TABLE D.11

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

Average among Households by State Eligibility in 

2006 ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

D.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 72 109 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive 

Income 813 1,397 1,590

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 538 985 1,162

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Earnings 998 1,462 1,400

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 338 294 316

Supplemental Security Income 457 638 440

Social Security 609 902 1,119

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 13,262 108,246 372,536

Financial assets countable under state rules 555 642 24,359

Vehicle Assets 2,604 4,531 3,973

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,075 1,040 4,713

Home Equity 97,756 116,432 138,023

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS 

OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE D.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

Average among Households Eligible in 2006 in 

Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

D.14
Total Households 113,969 20,493 18.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,301 92.0

1-50% 3,942 3,093 78.5

51-100% 9,815 8,578 87.4

101-130% 6,389 4,627 72.4

131-200% 14,601 1,789 12.3

Greater than 200% 76,722 105 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,236 9.7

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,597 89.5

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,589 75.1

Social Security 30,477 6,323 20.7

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 10,065 10.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,706 4,547 5.5

Vehicle Assets 82,817 9,990 12.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 4,808 18 0.4

Home Equity 66,437 5,318 8.0

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 5,959 18.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,067 49.5

Households with children 39,580 8,456 21.4

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,107 26.1

With school-age children 31,881 6,701 21.0

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,792 27.6

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 14,325 15.0

Low food-security 5,234 2,300 43.9

Very low food-security 2,903 1,483 51.1

Unknown 10,390 2,385 23.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Row 

Percent

Number 

(000s)

TABLE D.13

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE IN 2006 BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

All Households

Households Eligible in 

2006

D.15
Total Households 37,223 20,387 54.8

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,301 92.0

1-50% 3,942 3,093 78.5

51-100% 9,815 8,578 87.4

101-130% 6,389 4,627 72.4

131-200% 14,577 1,788 12.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,192 45.9

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,592 95.2

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,584 88.1

Social Security 12,941 6,251 48.3

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 9,977 41.3

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,650 4,500 27.0

Vehicle Assets 22,032 9,928 45.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 503 17 3.5

Home Equity 14,125 5,285 37.4

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 5,884 47.4

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,052 77.1

Households with children 14,638 8,449 57.7

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,105 60.8

With school-age children 11,725 6,695 57.1

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,784 60.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,237 50.8

Low food-security 3,233 2,288 70.8

Very low food-security 1,994 1,478 74.1

Unknown 3,996 2,385 59.7

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Row 

Percent

Number 

(000s)

TABLE D.14

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE IN 2006 BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

Households Eligible in 

2006

D.16
APPENDIX E

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO REVERT TO FEDERAL FOOD STAMP 

PROGRAM ASSET RULES FOR NON-CATEGORICALLY ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS 

IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 20,367 100.0 -0.6 *** 11,431 100.0 -0.6 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,285 11.2 -0.7 *** 1,875 16.4 -0.6 ***

1-50% 3,073 15.1 -0.7 *** 2,590 22.7 -0.6 ***

51-100% 8,534 41.9 -0.5 *** 5,087 44.5 -0.4 ***

101-130% 4,592 22.6 -0.8 *** 1,529 13.4 -1.2 ***

131-200% 1,781 8.7 -0.4 ** 312 2.7 -0.2

Greater than 200% 102 0.5 -2.7 * 38 0.3 -3.8

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,177 40.2 -0.7 *** 4,044 35.4 -0.7 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,596 7.8 -0.1 1,406 12.3 -0.1

Supplemental Security Income 3,587 17.6 -0.1 2,382 20.8 -0.1

Social Security 6,288 30.9 -0.6 *** 2,376 20.8 -0.5 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,195 20.6 -0.4 *** 815 7.1 -0.6

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,310 26.1 -0.7 *** 4,299 37.6 -0.7 ***

Eligible for other benefit 10,862 53.3 -0.7 *** 6,318 55.3 -0.6 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 9,976 49.0 -0.9 *** 4,728 41.4 -1.0 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,474 22.0 -1.6 *** 2,055 18.0 -1.9 ***

Vehicle Assets 9,865 48.4 -1.3 *** 4,924 43.1 -1.4 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 96 0.5 425.8 *** 48 0.4 327.2 ***

Home Equity 5,258 25.8 -1.1 *** 2,179 19.1 -1.2 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 5,925 29.1 -0.6 *** 2,063 18.1 -0.4 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,055 15.0 -0.4 ** 1,891 16.5 -0.4 **

Households with children 8,398 41.2 -0.7 *** 5,632 49.3 -0.6 ***

With preschool-age children 4,079 20.0 -0.7 *** 2,871 25.1 -0.7 ***

With school-age children 6,657 32.7 -0.7 *** 4,440 38.8 -0.6 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,779 8.7 -0.7 *** 845 7.4 -0.5 **

Household Food Security

Food-secure 14,226 69.9 -0.7 *** 7,532 65.9 -0.7 ***

Low food-security 2,287 11.2 -0.6 *** 1,429 12.5 -0.6 **

Very low food-security 1,480 7.3 -0.2 * 975 8.5 -0.2 *

Unknown 2,374 11.7 -0.5 *** 1,495 13.1 -0.5 **

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE E.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Changea

E.3
Total Individuals 44,343 100.0 -0.7 *** 25,956 100.0 -0.7 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 3,957 8.9 -0.9 *** 3,314 12.8 -0.8 ***

1-50% 8,516 19.2 -0.6 *** 7,389 28.5 -0.6 ***

51-100% 17,715 40.0 -0.6 *** 10,822 41.7 -0.5 ***

101-130% 10,543 23.8 -0.8 *** 3,770 14.5 -1.2 ***

131-200% 3,470 7.8 -0.4 ** 606 2.3 -0.2

Greater than 200% 142 0.3 -2.7 * 55 0.2 -2.7

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 23,344 52.6 -0.7 *** 11,621 44.8 -0.8 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,022 11.3 -0.1 4,411 17.0 -0.1

Supplemental Security Income 6,628 15.0 -0.1 4,537 17.5 -0.1

Social Security 9,575 21.6 -0.7 *** 3,897 15.0 -0.6 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,055 11.4 -0.5 *** 903 3.5 -0.6

Eligible for maximum benefit 9,836 22.2 -0.8 *** 8,280 31.9 -0.7 ***

Eligible for other benefit 29,452 66.4 -0.7 *** 16,772 64.6 -0.6 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 21,326 48.1 -1.0 *** 10,749 41.4 -1.2 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 9,532 21.5 -1.6 *** 4,752 18.3 -1.9 ***

Vehicle Assets 24,032 54.2 -1.2 *** 12,678 48.8 -1.3 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 236 0.5 592.1 *** 135 0.5 553.1 ***

Home Equity 11,969 27.0 -1.3 *** 5,703 22.0 -1.4 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,155 18.4 -0.7 *** 2,730 10.5 -0.4 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,217 14.0 -0.5 ** 3,863 14.9 -0.5 **

Households with children 29,557 66.7 -0.7 *** 19,316 74.4 -0.7 ***

With preschool-age children 15,454 34.9 -0.7 *** 10,638 41.0 -0.7 ***

With school-age children 24,831 56.0 -0.6 *** 16,123 62.1 -0.6 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,183 11.7 -0.5 *** 2,486 9.6 -0.5 **

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 30,286 68.3 -0.8 *** 17,024 65.6 -0.7 ***

Low food-security 5,633 12.7 -0.5 *** 3,519 13.6 -0.5 **

Very low food-security 3,540 8.0 -0.2 2,236 8.6 -0.3 *

Unknown 4,884 11.0 -0.6 *** 3,176 12.2 -0.6 **

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE E.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

of Total (000s) of Total

Percent

a Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

E.4
Total Benefits 3,245,621 -0.7 *** 159 2,411,866 -0.7 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 548,500 -0.9 *** 240 457,302 -0.8 *** 244

1-50% 1,024,927 -0.6 *** 333 891,653 -0.6 *** 344

51-100% 1,213,868 -0.7 *** 142 844,387 -0.6 *** 166

101-130% 369,989 -0.9 *** 81 187,499 -1.0 *** 123

131-200% 81,785 -0.6 46 26,757 -0.2 86

Greater than 200% 6,552 -4.3 64 4,267 -5.0 113

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,471,531 -0.8 *** 180 953,825 -0.8 *** 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 413,018 -0.2 259 385,203 -0.2 274

Supplemental Security Income 356,257 -0.1 99 295,025 0.0 * 124

Social Security 491,139 -0.7 *** 78 297,454 -0.6 ** 125

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 42,221 -0.4 *** 10 8,198 -0.6 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,353,368 -0.8 *** 255 1,131,927 -0.7 *** 263

Eligible for other benefit 1,850,031 -0.7 *** 170 1,271,741 -0.6 *** 201

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,446,145 -1.2 *** 145 983,586 -1.2 *** 208

Financial assets countable under state rules 694,798 -1.9 *** 155 456,229 -2.1 *** 222

Vehicle Assets 1,655,188 -1.4 *** 168 1,150,070 -1.4 *** 234

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 17,987 587.6 *** 187 12,356 502.6 *** 258

Home Equity 772,786 -1.6 *** 147 506,068 -1.6 *** 232

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 438,217 -0.9 *** 74 226,785 -0.5 *** 110

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 380,239 -0.7 ** 124 293,422 -0.6 * 155

Households with children 2,219,176 -0.7 *** 264 1,749,969 -0.7 *** 311

With preschool-age children 1,184,029 -0.7 *** 290 959,940 -0.7 *** 334

With school-age children 1,840,083 -0.7 *** 276 1,442,453 -0.6 *** 325

Households with noncitizens 392,625 -0.6 ** 221 240,512 -0.6 ** 285

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,158,851 -0.9 *** 152 1,576,227 -0.8 *** 209

Low food-security 410,802 -0.6 *** 180 309,079 -0.6 ** 216

Very low food-security 264,313 -0.2 179 203,338 -0.2 209

Unknown 411,655 -0.5 ** 173 323,223 -0.4 ** 216

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE E.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Percent Average

a Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

E.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 159 -0.1 *** 211 -0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 966 0.0 *** 818 -0.1 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 648 0.0 *** 505 -0.1 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,049 0.0 *** 922 -0.1 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.0 371 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.0 495 0.0

Social Security 729 -0.1 *** 597 -0.2 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 53,110 -0.5 *** 55,294 -1.0 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 602 -4.6 *** 547 -4.4 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,291 -3.7 *** 2,220 -4.1 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,035 -17.0 *** 1,007 -29.0 ***

Home Equity 95,389 -0.3 *** 85,527 -0.6 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE E.4

E.6
Total Households 13,892 4,592 1,883 9,552 1,529 350

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,421 2,788 968 2,764 1,088 192

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,393 165 37 1,285 97 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,079 389 120 2,183 169 30

Social Security 3,497 1,731 1,059 1,846 364 166

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 5,968 2,631 1,378 3,711 813 203

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 2,645 1,406 422 1,565 407 84

Vehicle Assets 6,001 2,630 1,234 3,916 847 160

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 66 21 9 41 6 0

Home Equity 3,032 1,377 849 1,716 365 99

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE E.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

E.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 -0.1 *** 81 -0.1 *** 47 -0.3 *

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 718 0.0 *** 1,310 -0.1 *** 1,654 0.0 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 484 0.0 *** 840 0.0 *** 988 0.1 **

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 763 0.0 *** 1,335 -0.1 *** 1,533 0.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 341 0.0 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 634 0.0 492 0.0

Social Security 575 -0.1 *** 833 -0.1 ** 1,064 0.0 **

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 41,666 -1.3 *** 45,797 -0.4 * 116,641 0.4 **

Financial assets countable under state rules 556 -1.2 *** 609 -0.1 *** 866 -23.1 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,165 -4.1 *** 2,311 -3.7 *** 2,862 -2.0 **

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 990 -25.3 *** 1,226 2.4 ** 907 -13.8

Home Equity 90,844 -0.5 *** 95,731 0.2 ** 111,071 -0.5 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE E.6

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

E.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 -0.1 *** 123 0.2 *** 89 -0.3

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 673 0.0 *** 1,351 -0.1 *** 1,651 0.0

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 424 0.1 *** 739 -0.1 *** 880 0.1

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 722 0.0 *** 1,319 -0.1 *** 1,559 0.0

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 353 0.0 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 647 0.0 463 0.0

Social Security 528 -0.1 ** 790 -0.2 943 0.1

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 47,937 -1.5 *** 68,024 0.0 * 138,667 0.6 **

Financial assets countable under state rules 531 -1.1 *** 535 0.4 ** 905 -36.1 *

Vehicle Assets 2,140 -3.8 *** 2,514 -5.3 *** 2,626 -3.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,062 -24.3 *** 655 -58.9 924 18.5

Home Equity 85,854 -0.9 *** 76,729 0.6 ** 112,321 0.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE E.7

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

E.9
Total Households 13,873 100.0 6,494 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,013 14.5 273 4.2

1-50% 2,792 20.1 281 4.3

51-100% 5,005 36.1 3,529 54.4

101-130% 3,403 24.5 1,188 18.3

131-200% 578 4.2 1,203 18.5

Greater than 200% 83 0.6 19 0.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,394 46.1 1,783 27.5

TANF 1,454 10.5 142 2.2

SSI 947 6.8 2,640 40.7

Social Security 3,290 23.7 2,997 46.2

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,674 12.1 2,521 38.8

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,415 31.8 895 13.8

Eligible for other benefit 7,784 56.1 3,078 47.4

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,781 48.9 3,195 49.2

Financial assets countable under state rules 3,676 26.5 798 12.3

Vehicle Assets 6,675 48.1 3,190 49.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 85 0.6 11 0.2

Home Equity 3,141 22.6 2,117 32.6

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,950 21.3 2,975 45.8

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,442 10.4 1,613 24.8

Households with children 7,055 50.9 1,343 20.7

With preschool-age children 3,453 24.9 626 9.6

With school-age children 5,626 40.6 1,031 15.9

Households with noncitizens 1,337 9.6 442 6.8

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,447 68.1 4,780 73.6

Low food-security 1,612 11.6 675 10.4

Very low food-security 1,087 7.8 393 6.1

Unknown 1,728 12.5 646 9.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible 

Households

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE E.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

E.10
Total Households 4,039 100.0 2,147 100.0 308 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 114 2.8 159 7.4 0 0.1

1-50% 76 1.9 203 9.5 1 0.5

51-100% 3,136 77.6 390 18.2 3 0.9

101-130% 598 14.8 576 26.9 14 4.6

131-200% 115 2.9 800 37.3 289 93.8

Greater than 200% 0 0.0 18 0.9 1 0.2

Households with Income from

Earnings 451 11.2 1,207 56.2 125 40.5

TANF 73 1.8 68 3.2 1 0.2

SSI 2,505 62.0 131 6.1 4 1.3

Social Security 2,191 54.3 617 28.7 189 61.5

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,554 38.5 698 32.5 269 87.4

Eligible for maximum benefit 506 12.5 384 17.9 5 1.6

Eligible for other benefit 1,979 49.0 1,065 49.6 34 11.0

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,415 35.0 1,505 70.1 275 89.3

Financial assets countable under state rules 488 12.1 306 14.2 4 1.3

Vehicle Assets 1,438 35.6 1,521 70.8 232 75.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 6 0.1 5 0.2 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,006 24.9 925 43.1 187 60.8

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,181 54.0 608 28.3 186 60.3

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,398 34.6 201 9.4 14 4.6

Households with children 331 8.2 993 46.3 20 6.4

With preschool-age children 153 3.8 466 21.7 7 2.3

With school-age children 255 6.3 759 35.4 17 5.5

Households with noncitizens 199 4.9 234 10.9 9 2.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,882 71.4 1,636 76.2 262 85.1

Low food-security 478 11.8 186 8.7 11 3.6

Very low food-security 302 7.5 85 4.0 6 2.0

Unknown 377 9.3 240 11.2 29 9.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE E.9

In 47 to 50 States

E.11
Total Households 227,384 63 222,403 116 5,253 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 16,831 165 32,428 229 29 152

1-50% 13,243 194 53,744 296 162 126

51-100% 164,171 59 70,347 202 521 211

101-130% 28,697 54 41,047 80 736 58

131-200% 4,441 43 24,395 34 3,786 15

Greater than 200% 1 10 442 27 20 35

Households with Income from

Earnings 39,540 98 120,489 112 2,723 24

TANF 8,569 132 7,384 121 54 88

SSI 118,365 53 8,092 69 49 13

Social Security 103,527 53 30,519 55 2,436 14

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 13,988 10 6,278 10 2,421 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 74,909 166 87,175 254 669 152

Eligible for other benefit 138,487 78 128,950 135 2,163 71

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 82,812 65 166,663 124 4,280 17

Financial assets countable under state rules 35,275 81 35,387 129 341 96

Vehicle Assets 87,808 68 174,117 128 3,537 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 267 51 412 89 0 10

Home Equity 53,355 59 114,503 138 2,489 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 110,069 56 34,385 63 2,395 14

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 72,788 58 14,404 80 383 30

Households with children 42,025 142 145,336 164 1,423 81

With preschool-age children 19,941 146 76,310 183 485 77

With school-age children 32,444 142 117,453 173 1,287 85

Households with noncitizens 18,978 106 33,396 160 490 61

Household Food Security

Food-secure 162,177 63 167,573 115 4,059 17

Low food-security 23,052 54 21,294 128 232 24

Very low food-security 15,041 56 7,012 92 84 15

Unknown 27,114 80 26,525 124 877 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE E.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

E.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 197 78

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 938 1,019

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 618 700

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 975 1,316

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 320

Supplemental Security Income 546 466

Social Security 761 693

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 39,042 82,966

Financial assets countable under state rules 613 550

Vehicle Assets 1,833 3,249

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,041 995

Home Equity 86,754 108,198

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE E.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

E.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 63 116 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 799 1,366 1,586

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 531 961 1,161

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,002 1,426 1,392

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 335 304 316

Supplemental Security Income 457 637 440

Social Security 597 903 1,117

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 3,985 104,543 371,569

Financial assets countable under state rules 481 662 338

Vehicle Assets 1,337 4,940 4,022

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 398 1,666 1,482

Home Equity 95,618 115,830 138,085

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Eligible In 1 

to 5 States

TABLE E.12

Eligible In 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible In 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

E.14
Total Households 113,969 20,367 17.9

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,285 91.4

1-50% 3,942 3,073 78.0

51-100% 9,815 8,534 86.9

101-130% 6,389 4,592 71.9

131-200% 14,601 1,781 12.2

Greater than 200% 76,722 102 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,177 9.7

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,596 89.4

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,587 75.0

Social Security 30,477 6,288 20.6

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 9,976 10.4

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,706 4,474 5.4

Vehicle Assets 82,817 9,865 11.9

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 11,762 96 0.8

Home Equity 66,437 5,258 7.9

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 5,925 18.4

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,055 49.3

Households with children 39,580 8,398 21.2

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,079 25.9

With school-age children 31,881 6,657 20.9

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,779 27.4

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 14,226 14.9

Low food-security 5,234 2,287 43.7

Very low food-security 2,903 1,480 51.0

Unknown 10,390 2,374 22.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP 

RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE E.13

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

E.15
Total Households 37,223 20,264 54.4

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,285 91.4

1-50% 3,942 3,073 78.0

51-100% 9,815 8,534 86.9

101-130% 6,389 4,592 71.9

131-200% 14,577 1,780 12.2

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,134 45.5

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,591 95.1

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,582 88.0

Social Security 12,941 6,218 48.1

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 9,890 41.0

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,650 4,429 26.6

Vehicle Assets 22,032 9,806 44.5

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,443 94 6.5

Home Equity 14,125 5,227 37.0

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 5,853 47.2

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,039 76.8

Households with children 14,638 8,391 57.3

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,076 60.4

With school-age children 11,725 6,652 56.7

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,772 60.3

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,141 50.5

Low food-security 3,233 2,275 70.4

Very low food-security 1,994 1,475 74.0

Unknown 3,996 2,373 59.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE E.14

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal FSP Asset Rules for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

E.16
APPENDIX F

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

FOR NON-PURE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE MATH SIPP+ 

MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 18,978 100.0 -7.4 *** 11,110 100.0 -3.4 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,271 12.0 -1.3 *** 1,863 16.8 -1.3 ***

1-50% 2,969 15.6 -4.0 *** 2,511 22.6 -3.7 ***

51-100% 8,391 44.2 -2.2 *** 5,022 45.2 -1.7 ***

101-130% 4,381 23.1 -5.3 *** 1,481 13.3 -4.3 ***

131-200% 862 4.5 -51.8 *** 194 1.7 -38.0 ***

Greater than 200% 105 0.6 0.0 39 0.4 0.0

Households with Income from

Earnings 7,387 38.9 -10.3 *** 3,851 34.7 -5.4 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,595 8.4 -0.1 *** 1,406 12.7 -0.1 ***

Supplemental Security Income 3,554 18.7 -1.0 *** 2,376 21.4 -0.3 ***

Social Security 5,778 30.4 -8.6 *** 2,335 21.0 -2.3 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 3,484 18.4 -17.3 *** 777 7.0 -5.2 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,162 27.2 -3.5 *** 4,194 37.7 -3.1 ***

Eligible for other benefit 10,332 54.4 -5.5 *** 6,139 55.3 -3.4 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 8,806 46.4 -12.5 *** 4,447 40.0 -6.9 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 5,590 29.5 22.9 *** 2,606 23.5 24.4 ***

Vehicle Assets 8,883 46.8 -11.1 *** 4,706 42.4 -5.7 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 51 0.3 177.1 *** 26 0.2 134.0 ***

Home Equity 4,528 23.9 -14.9 *** 2,009 18.1 -9.0 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 5,423 28.6 -9.0 *** 2,018 18.2 -2.6 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,003 15.8 -2.1 *** 1,884 17.0 -0.8 ***

Households with children 7,875 41.5 -6.9 *** 5,453 49.1 -3.8 ***

With preschool-age children 3,858 20.3 -6.0 *** 2,790 25.1 -3.5 ***

With school-age children 6,250 32.9 -6.7 *** 4,298 38.7 -3.8 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,681 8.9 -6.2 *** 822 7.4 -3.2 ***

Household Food Security

Food-secure 13,080 68.9 -8.7 *** 7,269 65.4 -4.1 ***

Low food-security 2,220 11.7 -3.5 *** 1,415 12.7 -1.5 ***

Very low food-security 1,441 7.6 -2.9 *** 965 8.7 -1.2 ***

Unknown 2,238 11.8 -6.2 *** 1,461 13.2 -2.7 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE F.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Changea

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

F.3
Total Individuals 41,188 100.0 -7.7 *** 25,117 100.0 -3.9 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 3,928 9.5 -1.6 *** 3,286 13.1 -1.6 ***

1-50% 8,273 20.1 -3.4 *** 7,192 28.6 -3.2 ***

51-100% 17,321 42.1 -2.8 *** 10,619 42.3 -2.4 ***

101-130% 10,059 24.4 -5.4 *** 3,627 14.4 -4.9 ***

131-200% 1,461 3.5 -58.0 *** 336 1.3 -44.6 ***

Greater than 200% 146 0.4 0.0 57 0.2 0.0

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 21,171 51.4 -10.0 *** 11,062 44.0 -5.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,018 12.2 -0.2 *** 4,413 17.6 -0.1 **

Supplemental Security Income 6,527 15.8 -1.6 *** 4,519 18.0 -0.5 ***

Social Security 8,751 21.2 -9.2 *** 3,811 15.2 -2.8 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 3,969 9.6 -21.8 *** 846 3.4 -6.9 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 9,541 23.2 -3.8 *** 8,055 32.1 -3.4 ***

Eligible for other benefit 27,677 67.2 -6.6 *** 16,215 64.6 -3.9 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 18,639 45.3 -13.4 *** 10,006 39.8 -8.0 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 12,317 29.9 27.1 *** 6,253 24.9 29.1 ***

Vehicle Assets 21,672 52.6 -10.9 *** 12,075 48.1 -6.0 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 121 0.3 254.8 *** 59 0.2 184.7 ***

Home Equity 10,253 24.9 -15.4 *** 5,196 20.7 -10.1 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 7,374 17.9 -10.2 *** 2,658 10.6 -3.1 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,106 14.8 -2.2 *** 3,846 15.3 -0.9 ***

Households with children 27,665 67.2 -7.0 *** 18,663 74.3 -4.0 ***

With preschool-age children 14,590 35.4 -6.3 *** 10,320 41.1 -3.7 ***

With school-age children 23,268 56.5 -6.9 *** 15,579 62.0 -3.9 ***

Households with noncitizens 4,852 11.8 -6.9 *** 2,413 9.6 -3.4 ***

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 27,705 67.3 -9.2 *** 16,339 65.0 -4.7 ***

Low food-security 5,449 13.2 -3.7 *** 3,479 13.9 -1.6 ***

Very low food-security 3,443 8.4 -2.9 *** 2,213 8.8 -1.3 ***

Unknown 4,590 11.1 -6.6 *** 3,086 12.3 -3.4 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

TABLE F.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

of Total (000s) of Total

F.4
Total Benefits 3,137,923 -4.0 *** 165 2,350,022 -3.2 *** 212

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 544,644 -1.5 *** 240 453,725 -1.6 *** 244

1-50% 993,422 -3.7 *** 335 866,281 -3.4 *** 345

51-100% 1,183,217 -3.2 *** 141 826,191 -2.7 *** 165

101-130% 355,169 -4.8 *** 81 179,870 -5.0 *** 121

131-200% 54,623 -33.6 *** 63 19,464 -27.4 *** 100

Greater than 200% 6,848 0.0 65 4,490 0.0 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,409,592 -5.0 *** 191 922,040 -4.1 *** 239

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 413,369 -0.1 *** 259 385,644 -0.1 *** 274

Supplemental Security Income 354,085 -0.7 *** 100 294,233 -0.3 *** 124

Social Security 470,905 -4.8 *** 82 290,419 -2.9 *** 124

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 35,063 -17.3 *** 10 7,820 -5.2 *** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,313,336 -3.7 *** 254 1,101,751 -3.4 *** 263

Eligible for other benefit 1,789,524 -3.9 *** 173 1,240,451 -3.1 *** 202

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,341,285 -8.4 *** 152 922,035 -7.4 *** 207

Financial assets countable under state rules 897,147 26.7 *** 160 595,371 27.8 *** 228

Vehicle Assets 1,572,798 -6.3 *** 177 1,102,760 -5.4 *** 234

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 9,079 247.1 *** 179 5,910 188.3 *** 226

Home Equity 702,547 -10.5 *** 155 464,421 -9.7 *** 231

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 414,944 -6.1 *** 77 219,580 -3.7 *** 109

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 378,705 -1.1 *** 126 292,871 -0.8 *** 155

Households with children 2,153,214 -3.7 *** 273 1,706,548 -3.2 *** 313

With preschool-age children 1,155,064 -3.2 *** 299 940,591 -2.7 *** 337

With school-age children 1,782,996 -3.7 *** 285 1,404,047 -3.3 *** 327

Households with noncitizens 382,279 -3.2 *** 227 234,938 -2.9 *** 286

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,067,524 -5.0 *** 158 1,523,692 -4.1 *** 210

Low food-security 407,723 -1.4 *** 184 308,305 -0.9 *** 218

Very low food-security 262,080 -1.0 *** 182 201,820 -0.9 *** 209

Unknown 400,595 -3.1 *** 179 316,205 -2.6 *** 216

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

TABLE F.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Percent Average

F.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 165 3.7 *** 212 0.2 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 924 -4.4 *** 807 -1.4 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 611 -5.8 *** 496 -1.8 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 995 -5.1 *** 900 -2.5 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.0 *** 371 0.0 **

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.0 *** 495 0.0 ***

Social Security 706 -3.3 *** 596 -0.5 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 35,661 -33.2 *** 43,102 -22.8 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 984 56.0 ** 1,117 95.3

Vehicle Assets 2,133 -10.3 *** 2,123 -8.3 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,381 10.7 *** 1,516 6.9 ***

Home Equity 90,443 -5.5 *** 81,692 -5.0 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE F.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea

F.6
Total Households 13,630 4,381 967 9,396 1,481 233

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,325 2,704 357 2,708 1,052 92

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,394 164 36 1,285 96 24

Supplemental Security Income 3,074 381 99 2,181 167 28

Social Security 3,431 1,612 735 1,825 355 154

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 5,692 2,432 683 3,546 765 136

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 3,340 1,758 493 1,985 523 98

Vehicle Assets 5,809 2,478 595 3,801 814 91

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 34 13 4 21 4 1

Home Equity 2,858 1,237 433 1,614 334 61

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE F.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

F.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 200 -0.6 *** 81 0.5 *** 64 35.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 719 0.1 *** 1,308 -0.2 *** 1,594 -3.6 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 483 -0.2 *** 835 -0.7 *** 804 -18.6 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 760 -0.4 *** 1,331 -0.4 *** 1,300 -15.1 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 * 341 -0.1 ** 324 -0.4 ***

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 ** 633 -0.1 *** 504 2.5 ***

Social Security 575 -0.2 *** 829 -0.7 *** 1,046 -1.7 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 34,313 -18.7 *** 38,455 -16.4 *** 36,945 -68.2 **

Financial assets countable under state rules 707 25.8 *** 729 19.6 *** 3,767 234.6

Vehicle Assets 2,072 -8.2 *** 2,204 -8.1 *** 2,436 -16.6 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,353 2.0 *** 1,429 19.4 *** 1,461 38.9 ***

Home Equity 86,558 -5.2 *** 92,593 -3.1 *** 109,959 -1.5 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE F.6

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

F.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 228 -0.6 *** 121 -0.8 *** 103 15.5 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 675 0.3 *** 1,346 -0.5 *** 1,653 0.1 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 423 -0.1 *** 735 -0.7 *** 849 -3.3 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 719 -0.4 *** 1,315 -0.5 *** 1,503 -3.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 * 353 0.1 318 -0.3

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 ** 649 0.3 ** 462 -0.1 **

Social Security 528 -0.1 *** 788 -0.4 *** 949 0.7 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 39,606 -18.6 *** 59,515 -12.5 *** 41,914 -69.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 672 25.2 *** 667 25.2 *** 12,486 782.6

Vehicle Assets 2,037 -8.5 *** 2,454 -7.6 *** 2,747 1.2 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,519 8.3 *** 1,607 0.9 *** 834 7.1

Home Equity 81,431 -6.0 *** 74,223 -2.7 *** 129,518 15.3 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE F.7

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

F.9
Total Households 13,849 100.0 5,129 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,013 14.5 258 5.0

1-50% 2,787 20.1 183 3.6

51-100% 4,997 36.1 3,394 66.2

101-130% 3,395 24.5 986 19.2

131-200% 576 4.2 286 5.6

Greater than 200% 83 0.6 22 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,375 46.0 1,012 19.7

TANF 1,445 10.4 149 2.9

SSI 941 6.8 2,613 51.0

Social Security 3,290 23.8 2,487 48.5

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,673 12.1 1,811 35.3

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,415 31.9 747 14.6

Eligible for other benefit 7,761 56.0 2,571 50.1

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,781 49.0 2,025 39.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,522 32.7 1,068 20.8

Vehicle Assets 6,664 48.1 2,219 43.3

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 31 0.2 19 0.4

Home Equity 3,133 22.6 1,395 27.2

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,946 21.3 2,476 48.3

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,442 10.4 1,561 30.4

Households with children 7,035 50.8 840 16.4

With preschool-age children 3,442 24.9 416 8.1

With school-age children 5,617 40.6 633 12.3

Households with noncitizens 1,325 9.6 357 7.0

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,428 68.1 3,652 71.2

Low food-security 1,606 11.6 613 12.0

Very low food-security 1,087 7.8 354 6.9

Unknown 1,728 12.5 510 9.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE F.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance 

Households

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

F.10
Total Households 4,258 100.0 805 100.0 66 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 144 3.4 112 13.9 2 2.7

1-50% 108 2.5 68 8.5 7 10.3

51-100% 3,214 75.5 163 20.2 17 25.3

101-130% 660 15.5 293 36.3 34 51.0

131-200% 128 3.0 152 18.9 6 8.6

Greater than 200% 3 0.1 17 2.1 1 2.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 550 12.9 424 52.7 37 56.7

TANF 89 2.1 58 7.2 2 3.8

SSI 2,509 58.9 103 12.8 1 1.2

Social Security 2,255 53.0 215 26.7 18 27.3

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,593 37.4 199 24.7 19 29.2

Eligible for maximum benefit 566 13.3 172 21.4 9 13.1

Eligible for other benefit 2,099 49.3 434 53.9 38 57.8

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,538 36.1 440 54.6 48 72.0

Financial assets countable under state rules 708 16.6 320 39.8 40 61.1

Vehicle Assets 1,643 38.6 530 65.9 45 68.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 10 0.2 7 0.9 3 4.0

Home Equity 1,103 25.9 265 32.9 26 39.5

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,243 52.7 217 27.0 16 24.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,418 33.3 135 16.8 8 11.4

Households with children 438 10.3 374 46.5 28 42.0

With preschool-age children 204 4.8 203 25.2 9 13.6

With school-age children 338 7.9 271 33.7 24 35.9

Households with noncitizens 235 5.5 114 14.1 7 11.2

Household Food Security

Food-secure 3,050 71.6 549 68.2 53 80.6

Low food-security 500 11.7 109 13.6 3 5.2

Very low food-security 305 7.2 48 5.9 1 1.9

Unknown 403 9.5 99 12.2 8 12.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE F.9

In 47 to 50 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

F.11
Total Households 295,183 69 102,791 128 7,834 118

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 28,153 195 22,615 202 492 273

1-50% 25,019 232 18,457 270 1,525 225

51-100% 198,171 62 33,037 203 2,254 135

101-130% 37,109 56 25,325 87 3,250 96

131-200% 6,317 49 3,034 20 234 41

Greater than 200% 413 128 322 19 79 57

Households with Income from

Earnings 62,859 114 55,755 132 5,225 139

TANF 14,032 158 5,508 95 343 138

SSI 133,105 53 6,728 65 65 79

Social Security 121,784 54 9,703 45 897 50

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 16,027 10 2,001 10 194 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 101,948 180 37,975 220 2,045 237

Eligible for other benefit 177,208 84 62,814 145 5,595 146

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 117,181 76 55,576 126 6,140 129

Financial assets countable under state rules 68,113 96 42,674 133 5,498 136

Vehicle Assets 136,784 83 74,370 140 5,623 125

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,120 114 1,087 157 469 177

Home Equity 78,845 71 39,270 148 3,165 121

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 130,650 58 10,332 48 935 58

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 86,855 61 9,058 67 482 64

Households with children 75,564 173 68,093 182 5,172 186

With preschool-age children 39,308 192 40,032 198 2,169 241

With school-age children 56,808 168 52,276 193 4,274 180

Households with noncitizens 28,738 122 21,221 187 1,121 151

Household Food Security

Food-secure 211,735 69 68,235 124 5,762 108

Low food-security 30,345 61 16,996 155 311 90

Very low food-security 17,155 56 5,162 108 206 160

Unknown 35,948 89 12,398 126 1,556 192

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE F.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

F.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 197 79

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 938 893

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 617 597

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 974 1,129

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 321

Supplemental Security Income 545 465

Social Security 761 632

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 39,042 24,336

Financial assets countable under state rules 604 2,594

Vehicle Assets 1,836 3,027

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,004 1,989

Home Equity 86,902 98,397

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE F.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

F.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 69 128 118

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 810 1,348 1,246

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 537 925 844

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,010 1,264 1,367

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 340 295 258

Supplemental Security Income 457 672 288

Social Security 606 892 899

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 8,837 69,429 108,545

Financial assets countable under state rules 544 624 54,097

Vehicle Assets 2,049 6,041 3,201

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,153 1,661 5,943

Home Equity 94,654 109,538 143,425

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE F.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

F.14
Total Households 113,969 18,978 16.7

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,271 90.8

1-50% 3,942 2,969 75.3

51-100% 9,815 8,391 85.5

101-130% 6,389 4,381 68.6

131-200% 14,601 862 5.9

Greater than 200% 76,722 105 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 7,387 8.7

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,595 89.4

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,554 74.4

Social Security 30,477 5,778 19.0

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 8,806 9.2

Financial assets countable under state rules 85,208 5,590 6.6

Vehicle Assets 82,817 8,883 10.7

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 4,968 51 1.0

Home Equity 66,437 4,528 6.8

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 5,423 16.8

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,003 48.5

Households with children 39,580 7,875 19.9

With preschool-age children 15,751 3,858 24.5

With school-age children 31,881 6,250 19.6

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,681 25.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 13,080 13.7

Low food-security 5,234 2,220 42.4

Very low food-security 2,903 1,441 49.6

Unknown 10,390 2,238 21.5

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP 

RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE F.13

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

F.15
Total Households 37,223 18,873 50.7

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,271 90.8

1-50% 3,942 2,969 75.3

51-100% 9,815 8,391 85.5

101-130% 6,389 4,381 68.6

131-200% 14,577 862 5.9

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 7,343 41.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,589 95.0

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,550 87.2

Social Security 12,941 5,706 44.1

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 8,718 36.1

Financial assets countable under state rules 19,150 5,543 28.9

Vehicle Assets 22,032 8,822 40.0

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 662 50 7.5

Home Equity 14,125 4,495 31.8

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 5,348 43.1

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 2,987 75.5

Households with children 14,638 7,868 53.8

With preschool-age children 6,748 3,856 57.1

With school-age children 11,725 6,244 53.3

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,674 56.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 12,992 46.4

Low food-security 3,233 2,208 68.3

Very low food-security 1,994 1,436 72.0

Unknown 3,996 2,238 56.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE F.14

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

F.16
APPENDIX G 

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO REVERT TO FEDERAL FOOD STAMP 

PROGRAM ASSET RULES AND ELIMINATE CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR 

NON-PURE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 18,841 100.0 -8.1 *** 11,035 100.0 -4.0 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,253 12.0 -2.1 *** 1,850 16.8 -2.0 ***

1-50% 2,948 15.6 -4.7 *** 2,493 22.6 -4.3 ***

51-100% 8,341 44.3 -2.8 *** 5,000 45.3 -2.1 ***

101-130% 4,343 23.0 -6.2 *** 1,461 13.2 -5.5 ***

131-200% 853 4.5 -52.3 *** 193 1.7 -38.2 ***

Greater than 200% 103 0.5 -2.1 38 0.3 -3.6

Households with Income from

Earnings 7,321 38.9 -11.1 *** 3,820 34.6 -6.2 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,593 8.5 -0.2 *** 1,405 12.7 -0.1

Supplemental Security Income 3,553 18.9 -1.0 *** 2,375 21.5 -0.4 ***

Social Security 5,740 30.5 -9.2 *** 2,321 21.0 -2.8 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 3,465 18.4 -17.8 *** 771 7.0 -5.9 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,123 27.2 -4.2 *** 4,163 37.7 -3.8 ***

Eligible for other benefit 10,253 54.4 -6.2 *** 6,101 55.3 -4.0 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 8,709 46.2 -13.5 *** 4,393 39.8 -8.0 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 5,511 29.3 21.2 *** 2,562 23.2 22.3 ***

Vehicle Assets 8,745 46.4 -12.5 *** 4,631 42.0 -7.2 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 138 0.7 656.4 *** 69 0.6 512.8 ***

Home Equity 4,461 23.7 -16.1 *** 1,978 17.9 -10.4 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 5,387 28.6 -9.6 *** 2,008 18.2 -3.1 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 2,989 15.9 -2.6 *** 1,874 17.0 -1.3 ***

Households with children 7,809 41.4 -7.6 *** 5,413 49.1 -4.5 ***

With preschool-age children 3,826 20.3 -6.8 *** 2,767 25.1 -4.3 ***

With school-age children 6,200 32.9 -7.5 *** 4,269 38.7 -4.4 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,667 8.9 -6.9 *** 817 7.4 -3.8 ***

Household Food Security

Food-secure 12,972 68.9 -9.4 *** 7,212 65.4 -4.9 ***

Low food-security 2,205 11.7 -4.1 *** 1,406 12.7 -2.2 ***

Very low food-security 1,438 7.6 -3.1 *** 963 8.7 -1.5 ***

Unknown 2,226 11.8 -6.7 *** 1,454 13.2 -3.2 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE G.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Changea

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

G.3
Total Individuals 40,855 100.0 -8.5 *** 24,929 100.0 -4.6 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 3,889 9.5 -2.6 *** 3,256 13.1 -2.5 ***

1-50% 8,219 20.1 -4.0 *** 7,148 28.7 -3.8 ***

51-100% 17,197 42.1 -3.5 *** 10,558 42.4 -2.9 ***

101-130% 9,959 24.4 -6.3 *** 3,577 14.3 -6.2 ***

131-200% 1,447 3.5 -58.5 *** 335 1.3 -44.8 ***

Greater than 200% 143 0.3 -2.1 55 0.2 -2.5

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 20,973 51.3 -10.8 *** 10,953 43.9 -6.5 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,010 12.3 -0.4 *** 4,406 17.7 -0.3

Supplemental Security Income 6,522 16.0 -1.7 *** 4,516 18.1 -0.5 ***

Social Security 8,684 21.3 -9.9 *** 3,786 15.2 -3.4 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 3,944 9.7 -22.3 *** 840 3.4 -7.5 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 9,456 23.1 -4.6 *** 7,988 32.0 -4.2 ***

Eligible for other benefit 27,455 67.2 -7.4 *** 16,100 64.6 -4.6 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 18,403 45.0 -14.5 *** 9,862 39.6 -9.3 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 12,141 29.7 25.3 *** 6,149 24.7 26.9 ***

Vehicle Assets 21,339 52.2 -12.3 *** 11,886 47.7 -7.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 349 0.9 924.6 *** 192 0.8 828.8 ***

Home Equity 10,081 24.7 -16.8 *** 5,108 20.5 -11.7 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 7,313 17.9 -10.9 *** 2,645 10.6 -3.5 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,073 14.9 -2.8 *** 3,823 15.3 -1.5 ***

Households with children 27,439 67.2 -7.8 *** 18,518 74.3 -4.8 ***

With preschool-age children 14,463 35.4 -7.1 *** 10,229 41.0 -4.6 ***

With school-age children 23,093 56.5 -7.6 *** 15,474 62.1 -4.6 ***

Households with noncitizens 4,823 11.8 -7.4 *** 2,399 9.6 -4.0 ***

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 27,444 67.2 -10.1 *** 16,196 65.0 -5.6 ***

Low food-security 5,419 13.3 -4.3 *** 3,459 13.9 -2.2 ***

Very low food-security 3,435 8.4 -3.2 *** 2,207 8.9 -1.5 ***

Unknown 4,557 11.2 -7.3 *** 3,066 12.3 -4.0 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

TABLE G.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

of Total (000s) of Total

G.4
Total Benefits 3,111,968 -4.8 *** 165 2,332,332 -3.9 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 539,393 -2.5 *** 239 449,668 -2.4 *** 243

1-50% 986,604 -4.3 *** 335 860,657 -4.0 *** 345

51-100% 1,173,728 -4.0 *** 141 820,532 -3.4 *** 164

101-130% 351,561 -5.8 *** 81 177,787 -6.1 *** 122

131-200% 54,074 -34.3 *** 63 19,407 -27.6 *** 101

Greater than 200% 6,607 -3.5 64 4,281 -4.7 113

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,396,343 -5.9 *** 191 913,245 -5.0 *** 239

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 412,563 -0.3 *** 259 384,860 -0.3 274

Supplemental Security Income 353,844 -0.7 *** 100 294,108 -0.4 *** 124

Social Security 467,164 -5.5 *** 81 288,494 -3.6 *** 124

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 34,870 -17.8 *** 10 7,763 -5.9 *** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,301,752 -4.6 *** 254 1,092,748 -4.2 *** 262

Eligible for other benefit 1,775,346 -4.7 *** 173 1,231,821 -3.7 *** 202

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,321,899 -9.7 *** 152 908,393 -8.8 *** 207

Financial assets countable under state rules 882,191 24.6 *** 160 584,597 25.5 *** 228

Vehicle Assets 1,546,820 -7.8 *** 177 1,085,058 -6.9 *** 234

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 26,801 924.5 *** 194 18,107 783.1 *** 264

Home Equity 688,760 -12.3 *** 154 455,286 -11.5 *** 230

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 410,906 -7.0 *** 76 218,280 -4.3 *** 109

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 375,864 -1.8 *** 126 290,710 -1.6 *** 155

Households with children 2,135,126 -4.5 *** 273 1,692,957 -3.9 *** 313

With preschool-age children 1,145,183 -4.0 *** 299 932,461 -3.6 *** 337

With school-age children 1,769,455 -4.5 *** 285 1,394,123 -3.9 *** 327

Households with noncitizens 379,611 -3.9 *** 228 233,474 -3.5 *** 286

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,046,996 -6.0 *** 158 1,509,996 -4.9 *** 209

Low food-security 404,911 -2.0 *** 184 306,198 -1.5 *** 218

Very low food-security 261,584 -1.2 *** 182 201,419 -1.1 *** 209

Unknown 398,476 -3.7 *** 179 314,719 -3.0 *** 216

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

TABLE G.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Percent Average

G.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 165 3.5 *** 211 0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 924 -4.4 *** 806 -1.5 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 611 -5.8 *** 496 -1.9 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 995 -5.2 *** 899 -2.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.0 *** 371 0.0 *

Supplemental Security Income 486 -0.1 *** 495 0.0 ***

Social Security 705 -3.4 *** 594 -0.6 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 35,078 -34.3 *** 42,256 -24.3 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 987 56.4 ** 1,124 96.5

Vehicle Assets 2,020 -15.1 *** 2,007 -13.3 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,161 -6.9 *** 1,156 -18.5 ***

Home Equity 90,049 -5.9 *** 81,054 -5.8 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE G.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

G.6
Total Households 13,542 4,343 956 9,343 1,461 231

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,289 2,678 354 2,688 1,040 92

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,393 164 36 1,284 96 24

Supplemental Security Income 3,074 379 99 2,181 166 28

Social Security 3,412 1,604 724 1,818 350 152

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 5,628 2,408 673 3,506 753 134

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 3,286 1,742 483 1,950 516 96

Vehicle Assets 5,721 2,440 585 3,748 795 89

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 97 31 10 60 9 0

Home Equity 2,809 1,227 425 1,587 330 60

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE G.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

G.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 199 -0.8 *** 81 0.4 *** 63 34.9 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 719 0.1 *** 1,307 -0.3 *** 1,594 -3.6 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 483 -0.2 *** 834 -0.7 *** 804 -18.6 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 760 -0.4 *** 1,330 -0.4 *** 1,305 -14.8 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 341 -0.1 ** 324 -0.4 ***

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 *** 633 -0.1 *** 504 2.5 ***

Social Security 574 -0.3 *** 827 -0.8 *** 1,046 -1.7 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 33,554 -20.5 *** 38,096 -17.2 *** 37,028 -68.1 **

Financial assets countable under state rules 705 25.3 *** 731 20.0 *** 3,824 239.7

Vehicle Assets 1,960 -13.2 *** 2,094 -12.7 *** 2,295 -21.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,098 -17.2 *** 1,340 12.0 *** 1,218 15.8 **

Home Equity 85,991 -5.8 *** 92,850 -2.8 *** 108,764 -2.6 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE G.6

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

G.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 228 -0.8 *** 122 -0.6 *** 103 15.2 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 675 0.3 *** 1,344 -0.6 *** 1,652 0.1 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 423 0.0 *** 734 -0.8 *** 851 -3.2 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 719 -0.4 *** 1,312 -0.6 *** 1,503 -3.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 353 0.1 318 -0.3

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 ** 649 0.3 ** 462 -0.1 **

Social Security 528 -0.2 *** 786 -0.7 *** 949 0.8 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 38,587 -20.7 *** 59,412 -12.6 *** 41,852 -69.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 670 24.9 *** 672 26.2 *** 12,734 800.1

Vehicle Assets 1,935 -13.0 *** 2,284 -13.9 *** 2,579 -4.9 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,193 -15.0 *** 879 -44.8 2,235 186.9

Home Equity 80,499 -7.0 *** 74,807 -1.9 *** 129,731 15.5 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE G.7

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

G.9
Total Households 13,849 100.0 4,991 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,013 14.5 240 4.8

1-50% 2,787 20.1 162 3.2

51-100% 4,997 36.1 3,344 67.0

101-130% 3,395 24.5 948 19.0

131-200% 576 4.2 278 5.6

Greater than 200% 83 0.6 20 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,375 46.0 946 19.0

TANF 1,445 10.4 148 3.0

SSI 941 6.8 2,611 52.3

Social Security 3,290 23.8 2,449 49.1

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,673 12.1 1,791 35.9

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,415 31.9 707 14.2

Eligible for other benefit 7,761 56.0 2,492 49.9

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,781 49.0 1,928 38.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,522 32.7 989 19.8

Vehicle Assets 6,664 48.1 2,080 41.7

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 118 0.9 20 0.4

Home Equity 3,133 22.6 1,328 26.6

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,946 21.3 2,440 48.9

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,442 10.4 1,547 31.0

Households with children 7,035 50.8 775 15.5

With preschool-age children 3,442 24.9 384 7.7

With school-age children 5,617 40.6 583 11.7

Households with noncitizens 1,325 9.6 343 6.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,428 68.1 3,544 71.0

Low food-security 1,606 11.6 598 12.0

Very low food-security 1,087 7.8 351 7.0

Unknown 1,728 12.5 498 10.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE G.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA 

Households

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

G.10
Total Households 4,059 100.0 866 100.0 66 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 114 2.8 125 14.4 2 2.6

1-50% 82 2.0 73 8.4 7 9.9

51-100% 3,144 77.5 184 21.2 17 25.3

101-130% 603 14.9 311 35.9 34 50.6

131-200% 116 2.9 155 17.9 6 9.5

Greater than 200% 0 0.0 18 2.1 1 2.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 469 11.6 440 50.8 37 55.7

TANF 81 2.0 64 7.4 3 4.0

SSI 2,507 61.8 104 12.0 1 1.2

Social Security 2,191 54.0 239 27.6 19 29.2

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,555 38.3 216 25.0 20 29.7

Eligible for maximum benefit 506 12.5 193 22.3 9 12.8

Eligible for other benefit 1,998 49.2 457 52.7 38 57.5

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,411 34.8 470 54.2 48 71.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 600 14.8 349 40.3 40 60.8

Vehicle Assets 1,444 35.6 591 68.3 45 67.6

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 8 0.2 9 1.0 3 4.3

Home Equity 1,013 25.0 289 33.4 26 39.5

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,185 53.8 237 27.4 18 26.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,394 34.3 145 16.8 7 11.3

Households with children 347 8.5 400 46.2 28 41.8

With preschool-age children 163 4.0 212 24.5 9 13.3

With school-age children 261 6.4 299 34.5 24 35.9

Households with noncitizens 211 5.2 124 14.3 8 11.8

Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,897 71.4 595 68.7 53 80.0

Low food-security 483 11.9 112 12.9 3 5.2

Very low food-security 302 7.4 47 5.4 1 2.0

Unknown 377 9.3 112 13.0 9 12.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE G.9

In 47 to 50 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

G.11
Total Households 258,613 64 113,541 131 7,698 116

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 18,821 165 26,719 214 469 269

1-50% 16,227 198 20,496 280 1,460 222

51-100% 184,744 59 36,998 201 2,232 133

101-130% 33,644 56 25,219 81 3,214 96

131-200% 5,175 45 3,615 23 245 39

Greater than 200% 1 10 494 27 78 56

Households with Income from

Earnings 47,935 102 57,542 131 5,114 138

TANF 11,176 138 7,558 118 343 130

SSI 132,806 53 6,785 66 65 79

Social Security 115,766 53 11,915 50 962 50

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 15,653 10 2,178 10 199 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 83,770 166 44,632 231 1,982 233

Eligible for other benefit 159,191 80 66,731 146 5,518 145

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 92,321 65 61,190 130 6,001 126

Financial assets countable under state rules 49,132 82 46,835 134 5,361 133

Vehicle Assets 100,214 69 85,120 144 5,465 122

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 412 51 1,085 122 492 173

Home Equity 60,681 60 43,710 151 3,101 118

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 124,060 57 12,816 54 1,003 57

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 81,135 58 11,939 82 480 64

Households with children 50,371 145 75,305 188 5,066 183

With preschool-age children 24,560 151 44,942 212 2,126 240

With school-age children 37,393 143 58,238 195 4,186 176

Households with noncitizens 23,534 111 23,755 192 1,124 143

Household Food Security

Food-secure 184,826 64 74,722 126 5,656 107

Low food-security 26,649 55 17,881 160 311 90

Very low food-security 16,820 56 5,007 106 200 154

Unknown 30,319 80 15,932 142 1,532 180

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE G.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

G.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 197 76

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 938 889

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 617 596

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 974 1,136

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 322

Supplemental Security Income 545 465

Social Security 761 628

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 39,042 21,136

Financial assets countable under state rules 604 2,736

Vehicle Assets 1,836 2,610

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,012 2,057

Home Equity 86,902 97,471

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE G.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

G.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 64 131 116

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 801 1,326 1,245

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 532 915 840

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,012 1,250 1,362

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 338 305 253

Supplemental Security Income 457 671 288

Social Security 597 894 889

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 3,961 63,931 108,185

Financial assets countable under state rules 487 654 54,201

Vehicle Assets 1,326 5,706 3,123

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 395 2,282 6,048

Home Equity 95,111 101,233 147,268

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA Households

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE G.12

Eligible in 

47 to 50 

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States 

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

G.14
Total Households 113,969 18,841 16.5

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,253 90.1

1-50% 3,942 2,948 74.8

51-100% 9,815 8,341 85.0

101-130% 6,389 4,343 68.0

131-200% 14,601 853 5.8

Greater than 200% 76,722 103 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 7,321 8.7

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,593 89.3

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,553 74.3

Social Security 30,477 5,740 18.8

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 8,709 9.1

Financial assets countable under state rules 85,208 5,511 6.5

Vehicle Assets 82,817 8,745 10.6

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 11,990 138 1.2

Home Equity 66,437 4,461 6.7

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 5,387 16.7

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 2,989 48.2

Households with children 39,580 7,809 19.7

With preschool-age children 15,751 3,826 24.3

With school-age children 31,881 6,200 19.4

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,667 25.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 12,972 13.6

Low food-security 5,234 2,205 42.1

Very low food-security 2,903 1,438 49.5

Unknown 10,390 2,226 21.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE G.13

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA 

Households

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

G.15
Total Households 37,223 18,738 50.3

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,253 90.1

1-50% 3,942 2,948 74.8

51-100% 9,815 8,341 85.0

101-130% 6,389 4,343 68.0

131-200% 14,577 853 5.9

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 7,278 40.7

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,588 95.0

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,548 87.2

Social Security 12,941 5,671 43.8

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 8,623 35.7

Financial assets countable under state rules 19,150 5,466 28.5

Vehicle Assets 22,032 8,686 39.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,671 136 8.2

Home Equity 14,125 4,430 31.4

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 5,314 42.8

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 2,973 75.2

Households with children 14,638 7,803 53.3

With preschool-age children 6,748 3,824 56.7

With school-age children 11,725 6,195 52.8

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,660 56.5

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 12,887 46.0

Low food-security 3,233 2,193 67.8

Very low food-security 1,994 1,433 71.8

Unknown 3,996 2,226 55.7

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE G.14

 Simulated Change: Revert to Federal Asset Rules, No Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure PA 

Households

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED 

G.16
APPENDIX H

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE ASSET LIMITS BY $1,000 IN 

THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 20,843 100.0 1.7 *** 11,675 100.0 1.5 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,332 11.2 1.3 *** 1,905 16.3 1.0 ***

1-50% 3,160 15.2 2.2 *** 2,670 22.9 2.4 ***

51-100% 8,678 41.6 1.2 *** 5,157 44.2 1.0 ***

101-130% 4,745 22.8 2.5 *** 1,587 13.6 2.6 ***

131-200% 1,822 8.7 1.9 *** 317 2.7 1.5

Greater than 200% 107 0.5 1.9 39 0.3 0.0

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,374 40.2 1.7 *** 4,134 35.4 1.5 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,598 7.7 0.1 1,408 12.1 0.1

Supplemental Security Income 3,598 17.3 0.3 * 2,387 20.4 0.1

Social Security 6,451 31.0 2.0 *** 2,429 20.8 1.7 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,275 20.5 1.5 *** 827 7.1 0.9

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,459 26.2 2.1 *** 4,418 37.8 2.1 ***

Eligible for other benefit 11,110 53.3 1.6 *** 6,431 55.1 1.2 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 10,413 50.0 3.5 *** 4,951 42.4 3.7 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,893 23.5 7.6 *** 2,269 19.4 8.3 ***

Vehicle Assets 10,260 49.2 2.7 *** 5,119 43.8 2.6 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 33 0.2 79.6 *** 18 0.2 62.6 ***

Home Equity 5,467 26.2 2.8 *** 2,270 19.4 2.9 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 6,118 29.4 2.7 *** 2,128 18.2 2.7 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,079 14.8 0.4 ** 1,907 16.3 0.4 *

Households with children 8,566 41.1 1.3 *** 5,736 49.1 1.2 ***

With preschool-age children 4,157 19.9 1.2 *** 2,930 25.1 1.3 ***

With school-age children 6,787 32.6 1.3 *** 4,513 38.7 1.1 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,820 8.7 1.6 *** 856 7.3 0.8 *

Household Food Security

Food-secure 14,624 70.2 2.1 *** 7,730 66.2 1.9 ***

Low food-security 2,309 11.1 0.4 1,440 12.3 0.2

Very low food-security 1,487 7.1 0.3 977 8.4 0.0

Unknown 2,424 11.6 1.6 *** 1,528 13.1 1.8 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE H.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Changea

H.3
Total Individuals 45,396 100.0 1.7 *** 26,528 100.0 1.5 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,046 8.9 1.4 *** 3,381 12.7 1.2 **

1-50% 8,705 19.2 1.6 *** 7,561 28.5 1.8 ***

51-100% 18,069 39.8 1.4 *** 11,015 41.5 1.3 ***

101-130% 10,895 24.0 2.5 *** 3,903 14.7 2.3 ***

131-200% 3,533 7.8 1.4 *** 612 2.3 0.9 *

Greater than 200% 148 0.3 1.3 57 0.2 0.0

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 23,927 52.7 1.7 *** 11,921 44.9 1.7 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,034 11.1 0.1 4,422 16.7 0.1

Supplemental Security Income 6,679 14.7 0.7 4,555 17.2 0.3

Social Security 9,820 21.6 1.9 *** 3,976 15.0 1.5 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,144 11.3 1.3 *** 916 3.5 0.8

Eligible for maximum benefit 10,102 22.3 1.9 *** 8,498 32.0 1.9 ***

Eligible for other benefit 30,150 66.4 1.7 *** 17,114 64.5 1.4 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 22,284 49.1 3.5 *** 11,275 42.5 3.7 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 10,431 23.0 7.7 *** 5,241 19.8 8.2 ***

Vehicle Assets 24,935 54.9 2.5 *** 13,158 49.6 2.4 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 71 0.2 109.9 *** 38 0.1 85.0 ***

Home Equity 12,484 27.5 3.0 *** 5,950 22.4 2.9 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,470 18.7 3.1 *** 2,823 10.6 3.0 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,301 13.9 0.9 * 3,927 14.8 1.1

Households with children 30,180 66.5 1.4 *** 19,701 74.3 1.3 ***

With preschool-age children 15,796 34.8 1.5 *** 10,888 41.0 1.6 ***

With school-age children 25,331 55.8 1.4 *** 16,404 61.8 1.1 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,317 11.7 2.0 *** 2,521 9.5 0.9

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 31,154 68.6 2.1 *** 17,472 65.9 1.9 ***

Low food-security 5,677 12.5 0.3 3,540 13.3 0.1

Very low food-security 3,551 7.8 0.1 2,242 8.5 0.0

Unknown 5,014 11.0 2.0 *** 3,274 12.3 2.5 **

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE H.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

of Total (000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

H.4
Total Benefits 3,325,365 1.7 *** 160 2,467,199 1.6 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 560,676 1.3 *** 240 466,259 1.2 *** 245

1-50% 1,049,277 1.8 *** 332 913,795 1.9 *** 342

51-100% 1,240,500 1.5 *** 143 860,936 1.4 *** 167

101-130% 382,960 2.6 *** 81 194,315 2.6 *** 122

131-200% 85,084 3.4 *** 47 27,403 2.2 86

Greater than 200% 6,868 0.3 64 4,490 0.0 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,507,763 1.6 *** 180 977,527 1.6 *** 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 414,050 0.1 259 386,209 0.1 274

Supplemental Security Income 358,187 0.5 * 100 296,079 0.3 124

Social Security 505,692 2.2 *** 78 305,256 2.0 *** 126

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 43,022 1.5 *** 10 8,325 0.9 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,390,299 1.9 *** 255 1,161,949 1.9 *** 263

Eligible for other benefit 1,892,044 1.6 *** 170 1,296,926 1.4 *** 202

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,519,305 3.8 *** 146 1,034,708 3.9 *** 209

Financial assets countable under state rules 763,579 7.8 *** 156 504,539 8.3 *** 222

Vehicle Assets 1,723,149 2.7 *** 168 1,196,742 2.6 *** 234

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 5,338 104.1 *** 163 3,823 86.4 *** 210

Home Equity 810,272 3.2 *** 148 530,458 3.2 *** 234

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 459,487 4.0 *** 75 237,535 4.2 *** 112

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 386,596 1.0 ** 126 298,707 1.2 * 157

Households with children 2,262,864 1.2 *** 264 1,783,176 1.2 *** 311

With preschool-age children 1,209,569 1.4 *** 291 981,000 1.4 *** 335

With school-age children 1,873,767 1.2 *** 276 1,466,916 1.1 *** 325

Households with noncitizens 399,700 1.2 *** 220 243,560 0.7 * 285

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,222,803 2.1 *** 152 1,619,251 1.9 *** 209

Low food-security 414,000 0.2 179 311,231 0.1 216

Very low food-security 264,895 0.0 178 203,723 0.0 208

Unknown 423,666 2.4 *** 175 332,994 2.6 *** 218

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE H.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Percent Average

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

H.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 160 0.0 *** 211 0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 967 0.1 *** 818 -0.1 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 649 0.1 *** 506 0.2 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,051 0.2 *** 926 0.3 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.0 371 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.1 495 0.0

Social Security 731 0.2 *** 599 0.2 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 53,318 -0.1 *** 55,803 -0.1 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 785 24.5 *** 735 28.5 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,427 2.1 *** 2,391 3.3 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,582 26.8 *** 1,604 13.1 ***

Home Equity 96,933 1.3 *** 87,523 1.8 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE H.4

H.6
Total Households 14,170 4,745 1,929 9,732 1,587 356

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,510 2,878 985 2,819 1,123 193

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,395 166 37 1,286 97 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,082 394 122 2,186 170 30

Social Security 3,569 1,784 1,099 1,879 378 172

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,221 2,770 1,423 3,877 864 210

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 2,887 1,539 466 1,725 453 91

Vehicle Assets 6,232 2,759 1,269 4,061 892 165

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 22 7 5 15 3 0

Home Equity 3,162 1,426 879 1,790 379 102

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE H.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

H.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 0.1 *** 81 0.1 *** 48 1.3 **

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 718 -0.1 *** 1,311 0.0 *** 1,651 -0.2 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 485 0.1 *** 840 -0.1 *** 980 -0.8 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 764 0.2 *** 1,340 0.3 *** 1,521 -0.7 *

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 342 0.1 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 637 0.4 483 -1.7

Social Security 576 0.1 *** 836 0.2 *** 1,065 0.1 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 42,031 -0.4 *** 47,660 3.6 ** 113,686 -2.1 **

Financial assets countable under state rules 711 26.4 *** 772 26.6 *** 1,290 14.6 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,323 2.9 *** 2,443 1.8 *** 2,904 -0.6 **

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,670 25.9 *** 1,359 13.5 1,482 40.9

Home Equity 93,276 2.2 *** 95,723 0.2 *** 112,052 0.3 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE H.6

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

H.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 0.2 *** 122 0.0 *** 90 0.5

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 672 -0.2 *** 1,351 -0.1 *** 1,649 -0.2

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 424 0.2 *** 739 -0.1 *** 873 -0.7

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 724 0.3 *** 1,325 0.4 *** 1,557 -0.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 353 0.0 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 647 0.0 456 -1.5

Social Security 529 0.1 *** 790 -0.2 945 0.3

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 48,403 -0.6 *** 69,723 2.5 135,084 -2.0

Financial assets countable under state rules 700 30.4 *** 714 34.0 *** 1,516 7.2

Vehicle Assets 2,310 3.8 *** 2,706 2.0 ** 2,685 -1.0

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,631 16.2 *** 1,604 0.7 779 0.0

Home Equity 88,441 2.1 *** 76,901 0.9 110,841 -1.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE H.7

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

H.9
Total Households 14,278 100.0 6,565 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,059 14.4 273 4.2

1-50% 2,865 20.1 295 4.5

51-100% 5,120 35.9 3,558 54.2

101-130% 3,539 24.8 1,206 18.4

131-200% 613 4.3 1,209 18.4

Greater than 200% 83 0.6 24 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,547 45.9 1,827 27.8

TANF 1,460 10.2 138 2.1

SSI 956 6.7 2,642 40.2

Social Security 3,432 24.0 3,019 46.0

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,744 12.2 2,530 38.5

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,544 31.8 915 13.9

Eligible for other benefit 7,990 56.0 3,119 47.5

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 7,160 50.1 3,253 49.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 3,979 27.9 914 13.9

Vehicle Assets 6,986 48.9 3,274 49.9

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 10 0.1 22 0.3

Home Equity 3,305 23.1 2,162 32.9

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 3,122 21.9 2,996 45.6

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,458 10.2 1,621 24.7

Households with children 7,205 50.5 1,360 20.7

With preschool-age children 3,529 24.7 628 9.6

With school-age children 5,740 40.2 1,047 16.0

Households with noncitizens 1,366 9.6 454 6.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,776 68.5 4,848 73.8

Low food-security 1,631 11.4 678 10.3

Very low food-security 1,094 7.7 393 6.0

Unknown 1,778 12.5 646 9.8

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE H.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

H.10
Total Households 4,386 100.0 1,877 100.0 302 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 147 3.4 126 6.7 0 0.1

1-50% 137 3.1 157 8.3 1 0.5

51-100% 3,278 74.7 278 14.8 3 0.9

101-130% 686 15.6 506 27.0 14 4.7

131-200% 135 3.1 792 42.2 282 93.3

Greater than 200% 3 0.1 19 1.0 2 0.6

Households with Income from

Earnings 624 14.2 1,081 57.6 121 40.2

TANF 81 1.9 56 3.0 1 0.2

SSI 2,512 57.3 126 6.7 4 1.4

Social Security 2,279 52.0 554 29.5 186 61.7

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,598 36.4 669 35.6 264 87.3

Eligible for maximum benefit 606 13.8 305 16.2 5 1.7

Eligible for other benefit 2,182 49.8 904 48.1 33 11.0

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,678 38.3 1,304 69.5 271 89.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 667 15.2 240 12.8 6 1.9

Vehicle Assets 1,781 40.6 1,265 67.4 227 75.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 18 0.4 4 0.2 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,179 26.9 798 42.5 184 60.9

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,273 51.8 539 28.7 184 60.8

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,434 32.7 174 9.2 14 4.6

Households with children 490 11.2 851 45.3 19 6.3

With preschool-age children 234 5.3 387 20.6 7 2.2

With school-age children 375 8.5 656 34.9 17 5.5

Households with noncitizens 240 5.5 205 10.9 9 2.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 3,177 72.4 1,414 75.3 258 85.2

Low food-security 506 11.5 161 8.6 11 3.5

Very low food-security 305 6.9 82 4.4 6 2.1

Unknown 398 9.1 220 11.7 28 9.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE H.9

In 47 to 50 States

H.11
Total Households 320,513 73 193,708 103 5,865 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 27,703 188 26,877 214 32 152

1-50% 33,903 247 45,545 291 181 126

51-100% 211,778 65 55,936 201 583 211

101-130% 40,360 59 38,666 76 866 62

131-200% 6,356 47 26,344 33 4,120 15

Greater than 200% 413 128 339 18 82 49

Households with Income from

Earnings 82,744 133 105,001 97 3,028 25

TANF 12,794 157 4,570 82 61 88

SSI 133,170 53 7,426 59 71 17

Social Security 125,904 55 27,090 49 2,731 15

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 16,079 10 6,731 10 2,656 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 110,926 183 75,329 247 770 153

Eligible for other benefit 193,507 89 111,648 124 2,439 73

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 144,074 86 142,901 110 4,795 18

Financial assets countable under state rules 70,025 105 26,707 111 502 86

Vehicle Assets 164,400 92 142,414 113 3,951 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,476 136 786 191 17 114

Home Equity 98,448 83 97,905 123 2,805 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 135,446 60 29,897 55 2,705 15

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 88,993 62 9,617 55 429 31

Households with children 91,598 187 123,134 145 1,604 84

With preschool-age children 46,191 197 60,986 158 530 79

With school-age children 71,014 190 101,664 155 1,460 87

Households with noncitizens 30,311 126 29,209 143 542 62

Household Food Security

Food-secure 236,542 74 142,075 101 4,557 18

Low food-security 31,463 62 19,787 123 258 24

Very low food-security 17,025 56 7,709 94 107 17

Unknown 35,482 89 24,138 110 943 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE H.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

H.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 196 79

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 940 1,019

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 619 700

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 980 1,307

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 318

Supplemental Security Income 547 466

Social Security 766 692

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 39,666 83,369

Financial assets countable under state rules 770 850

Vehicle Assets 1,890 3,574

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,532 1,606

Home Equity 89,042 108,997

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE H.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

H.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 73 103 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 813 1,416 1,596

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 539 999 1,167

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,005 1,469 1,407

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 338 288 316

Supplemental Security Income 458 623 444

Social Security 606 903 1,121

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 15,400 109,742 377,985

Financial assets countable under state rules 685 843 19,991

Vehicle Assets 2,834 4,535 4,027

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,622 1,425 4,713

Home Equity 98,741 117,194 139,161

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE H.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

H.14
Total Households 113,969 20,843 18.3

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,332 93.3

1-50% 3,942 3,160 80.2

51-100% 9,815 8,678 88.4

101-130% 6,389 4,745 74.3

131-200% 14,601 1,822 12.5

Greater than 200% 76,722 107 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,374 9.9

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,598 89.6

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,598 75.3

Social Security 30,477 6,451 21.2

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 10,413 10.8

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,706 4,893 5.9

Vehicle Assets 82,817 10,260 12.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 4,808 33 0.7

Home Equity 66,437 5,467 8.2

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 6,118 19.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,079 49.7

Households with children 39,580 8,566 21.6

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,157 26.4

With school-age children 31,881 6,787 21.3

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,820 28.1

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 14,624 15.3

Low food-security 5,234 2,309 44.1

Very low food-security 2,903 1,487 51.2

Unknown 10,390 2,424 23.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE H.13

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

H.15
Total Households 37,223 20,736 55.7

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,332 93.3

1-50% 3,942 3,160 80.2

51-100% 9,815 8,678 88.4

101-130% 6,389 4,745 74.3

131-200% 14,577 1,821 12.5

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,330 46.6

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,593 95.3

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,593 88.3

Social Security 12,941 6,377 49.3

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 10,323 42.7

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,650 4,844 29.1

Vehicle Assets 22,032 10,198 46.3

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 503 32 6.4

Home Equity 14,125 5,433 38.5

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 6,041 48.7

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,063 77.4

Households with children 14,638 8,559 58.5

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,155 61.6

With school-age children 11,725 6,782 57.8

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,812 61.6

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,534 51.9

Low food-security 3,233 2,297 71.0

Very low food-security 1,994 1,482 74.3

Unknown 3,996 2,424 60.7

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE H.14

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $1,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED 

H.16
APPENDIX I

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE ASSET LIMITS BY $2,000 IN 

THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 21,068 100.0 2.8 *** 11,800 100.0 2.6 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,366 11.2 2.8 *** 1,939 16.4 2.8 ***

1-50% 3,194 15.2 3.2 *** 2,702 22.9 3.7 ***

51-100% 8,752 41.5 2.0 *** 5,191 44.0 1.6 ***

101-130% 4,800 22.8 3.7 *** 1,612 13.7 4.2 ***

131-200% 1,842 8.7 3.0 *** 317 2.7 1.6

Greater than 200% 114 0.5 8.9 * 39 0.3 0.0

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,464 40.2 2.8 *** 4,182 35.4 2.7 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,599 7.6 0.1 * 1,408 11.9 0.1 *

Supplemental Security Income 3,602 17.1 0.4 ** 2,389 20.2 0.2 *

Social Security 6,526 31.0 3.2 *** 2,447 20.7 2.5 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,307 20.4 2.2 *** 830 7.0 1.3 **

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,533 26.3 3.5 *** 4,490 38.0 3.8 ***

Eligible for other benefit 11,228 53.3 2.7 *** 6,480 54.9 2.0 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 10,636 50.5 5.7 *** 5,075 43.0 6.2 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 5,115 24.3 12.5 *** 2,393 20.3 14.2 ***

Vehicle Assets 10,436 49.5 4.5 *** 5,217 44.2 4.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 40 0.2 119.9 *** 24 0.2 112.7 ***

Home Equity 5,583 26.5 5.0 *** 2,325 19.7 5.3 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 6,200 29.4 4.0 *** 2,150 18.2 3.7 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,086 14.7 0.6 *** 1,913 16.2 0.7 **

Households with children 8,631 41.0 2.1 *** 5,775 48.9 1.9 ***

With preschool-age children 4,176 19.8 1.7 *** 2,941 24.9 1.7 ***

With school-age children 6,847 32.5 2.2 *** 4,549 38.5 1.9 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,858 8.8 3.7 *** 877 7.4 3.3 **

Household Food Security

Food-secure 14,814 70.3 3.4 *** 7,831 66.4 3.3 ***

Low food-security 2,315 11.0 0.7 ** 1,443 12.2 0.4

Very low food-security 1,489 7.1 0.4 979 8.3 0.2

Unknown 2,450 11.6 2.7 *** 1,548 13.1 3.1 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE I.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Changea

I.3
Total Individuals 45,907 100.0 2.8 *** 26,793 100.0 2.6 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,103 8.9 2.8 *** 3,438 12.8 2.9 ***

1-50% 8,765 19.1 2.3 *** 7,619 28.4 2.5 ***

51-100% 18,271 39.8 2.5 *** 11,098 41.4 2.0 ***

101-130% 11,048 24.1 3.9 *** 3,969 14.8 4.0 ***

131-200% 3,564 7.8 2.3 *** 613 2.3 0.9 *

Greater than 200% 155 0.3 6.4 * 57 0.2 0.0

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 24,213 52.7 3.0 *** 12,047 45.0 2.8 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,040 11.0 0.2 4,429 16.5 0.3

Supplemental Security Income 6,692 14.6 0.9 ** 4,562 17.0 0.5 *

Social Security 9,957 21.7 3.3 *** 4,023 15.0 2.7 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,185 11.3 2.1 *** 919 3.4 1.2 **

Eligible for maximum benefit 10,227 22.3 3.2 *** 8,620 32.2 3.3 ***

Eligible for other benefit 30,495 66.4 2.9 *** 17,254 64.4 2.2 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 22,792 49.6 5.8 *** 11,539 43.1 6.1 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 10,939 23.8 12.9 *** 5,504 20.5 13.6 ***

Vehicle Assets 25,329 55.2 4.1 *** 13,355 49.8 4.0 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 87 0.2 156.6 *** 50 0.2 143.0 ***

Home Equity 12,760 27.8 5.3 *** 6,096 22.8 5.4 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,600 18.7 4.7 *** 2,858 10.7 4.2 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,324 13.8 1.3 ** 3,945 14.7 1.6 **

Households with children 30,475 66.4 2.4 *** 19,862 74.1 2.1 ***

With preschool-age children 15,900 34.6 2.2 *** 10,953 40.9 2.2 ***

With school-age children 25,604 55.8 2.5 *** 16,552 61.8 2.1 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,445 11.9 4.5 *** 2,565 9.6 2.7 **

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 31,592 68.8 3.5 *** 17,693 66.0 3.2 ***

Low food-security 5,697 12.4 0.7 ** 3,546 13.2 0.3

Very low food-security 3,555 7.7 0.2 2,245 8.4 0.2

Unknown 5,063 11.0 3.0 *** 3,308 12.3 3.5 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE I.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

of Total (000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

I.4
Total Benefits 3,361,490 2.8 *** 160 2,492,955 2.7 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 568,745 2.8 *** 240 474,327 2.9 *** 245

1-50% 1,057,457 2.5 *** 331 921,748 2.8 *** 341

51-100% 1,253,411 2.6 *** 143 867,213 2.1 *** 167

101-130% 388,200 4.0 *** 81 197,760 4.4 *** 123

131-200% 86,734 5.4 *** 47 27,416 2.2 86

Greater than 200% 6,942 1.4 * 61 4,490 0.0 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,524,185 2.8 *** 180 986,678 2.6 *** 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 414,248 0.1 * 259 386,407 0.1 * 274

Supplemental Security Income 359,016 0.7 ** 100 296,689 0.5 * 124

Social Security 513,028 3.7 *** 79 309,208 3.3 *** 126

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 43,344 2.2 *** 10 8,356 1.3 ** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,407,657 3.2 *** 254 1,178,904 3.4 *** 263

Eligible for other benefit 1,910,489 2.6 *** 170 1,305,695 2.0 *** 201

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,555,168 6.3 *** 146 1,060,254 6.5 *** 209

Financial assets countable under state rules 799,407 12.9 *** 156 530,085 13.8 *** 222

Vehicle Assets 1,750,158 4.3 *** 168 1,215,982 4.3 *** 233

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 6,656 154.4 *** 166 4,991 143.4 *** 210

Home Equity 826,294 5.3 *** 148 542,678 5.5 *** 233

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 465,234 5.3 *** 75 239,761 5.2 *** 112

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 388,066 1.4 *** 126 299,908 1.6 ** 157

Households with children 2,282,559 2.1 *** 264 1,796,959 2.0 *** 311

With preschool-age children 1,215,665 1.9 *** 291 985,926 1.9 *** 335

With school-age children 1,892,653 2.2 *** 276 1,480,101 2.0 *** 325

Households with noncitizens 409,519 3.7 *** 220 249,239 3.0 ** 284

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,253,178 3.5 *** 152 1,640,741 3.3 *** 210

Low food-security 415,428 0.5 ** 179 311,740 0.2 216

Very low food-security 265,186 0.2 178 203,989 0.1 208

Unknown 427,698 3.4 *** 175 336,485 3.7 *** 217

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE I.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Percent Average

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

I.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 160 0.0 *** 211 0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 968 0.2 *** 818 -0.1 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 650 0.2 *** 507 0.3 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,052 0.3 *** 928 0.5 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.1 371 0.1

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.1 * 496 0.0

Social Security 733 0.5 *** 600 0.3 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 53,326 -0.1 *** 55,601 -0.4 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 918 45.5 *** 883 54.3 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,458 3.3 *** 2,443 5.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,701 36.4 *** 1,742 22.8 ***

Home Equity 98,099 2.6 *** 88,261 2.6 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Changea

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE I.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

I.6
Total Households 14,311 4,800 1,956 9,832 1,612 357

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,560 2,918 986 2,845 1,144 193

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,395 166 37 1,286 97 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,085 394 122 2,189 170 30

Social Security 3,604 1,797 1,125 1,896 379 173

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,360 2,825 1,450 3,976 889 210

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 3,027 1,594 494 1,824 477 91

Vehicle Assets 6,339 2,807 1,290 4,139 913 165

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 27 9 5 19 5 0

Home Equity 3,218 1,464 901 1,830 392 102

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

101 - 130% 131% +

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE I.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100%

I.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 0.2 *** 81 0.3 *** 48 1.7 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 718 0.0 *** 1,313 0.2 *** 1,649 -0.3 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 486 0.4 *** 841 0.1 *** 975 -1.3 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 767 0.6 *** 1,340 0.3 *** 1,520 -0.7 **

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 344 0.8 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.1 637 0.4 483 -1.7

Social Security 578 0.3 *** 836 0.2 *** 1,066 0.2 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 42,166 -0.1 *** 48,486 5.4 *** 111,689 -3.8 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 848 50.9 *** 878 44.0 *** 1,471 30.7 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,365 4.7 *** 2,471 3.0 *** 2,885 -1.2 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,824 37.6 *** 1,449 21.0 ** 1,490 41.7

Home Equity 93,352 2.3 *** 99,516 4.2 *** 112,761 1.0 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE I.6

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

I.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 0.1 *** 123 0.2 *** 89 0.5

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 671 -0.4 *** 1,353 0.1 *** 1,648 -0.2

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 425 0.3 *** 739 -0.1 *** 872 -0.7 *

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 724 0.3 *** 1,328 0.5 *** 1,557 -0.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 357 1.1 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.1 647 0.0 456 -1.5

Social Security 531 0.4 *** 790 -0.2 946 0.4

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 48,504 -0.4 *** 68,582 0.8 * 134,887 -2.2

Financial assets countable under state rules 857 59.7 *** 859 61.2 *** 1,526 7.9 *

Vehicle Assets 2,361 6.1 *** 2,769 4.3 *** 2,685 -1.0

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,825 30.1 *** 1,501 -5.8 779 0.0

Home Equity 88,265 1.9 *** 82,366 8.0 * 110,888 -1.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE I.7

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

I.9
Total Households 14,561 100.0 6,507 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,084 14.3 281 4.3

1-50% 2,912 20.0 282 4.3

51-100% 5,210 35.8 3,542 54.4

101-130% 3,625 24.9 1,175 18.1

131-200% 646 4.4 1,196 18.4

Greater than 200% 83 0.6 31 0.5

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,667 45.8 1,796 27.6

TANF 1,466 10.1 133 2.0

SSI 968 6.6 2,634 40.5

Social Security 3,521 24.2 3,005 46.2

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,783 12.2 2,524 38.8

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,632 31.8 901 13.9

Eligible for other benefit 8,146 55.9 3,082 47.4

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 7,423 51.0 3,213 49.4

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,187 28.8 928 14.3

Vehicle Assets 7,215 49.5 3,222 49.5

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 15 0.1 25 0.4

Home Equity 3,429 23.5 2,155 33.1

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 3,208 22.0 2,992 46.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,481 10.2 1,605 24.7

Households with children 7,303 50.2 1,328 20.4

With preschool-age children 3,566 24.5 610 9.4

With school-age children 5,830 40.0 1,017 15.6

Households with noncitizens 1,420 9.8 438 6.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 10,020 68.8 4,794 73.7

Low food-security 1,643 11.3 672 10.3

Very low food-security 1,096 7.5 393 6.0

Unknown 1,802 12.4 648 10.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE I.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

I.10
Total Households 4,375 100.0 1,832 100.0 300 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 161 3.7 120 6.6 0 0.1

1-50% 136 3.1 145 7.9 1 0.5

51-100% 3,276 74.9 263 14.4 3 0.9

101-130% 668 15.3 493 26.9 14 4.7

131-200% 126 2.9 789 43.1 280 93.2

Greater than 200% 8 0.2 21 1.2 2 0.6

Households with Income from

Earnings 620 14.2 1,056 57.7 120 40.1

TANF 77 1.8 55 3.0 1 0.2

SSI 2,512 57.4 118 6.4 4 1.4

Social Security 2,277 52.0 543 29.6 185 61.8

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,589 36.3 672 36.7 262 87.3

Eligible for maximum benefit 610 14.0 286 15.6 5 1.7

Eligible for other benefit 2,175 49.7 873 47.7 33 11.0

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,687 38.6 1,257 68.6 268 89.4

Financial assets countable under state rules 678 15.5 244 13.3 6 2.0

Vehicle Assets 1,768 40.4 1,228 67.0 226 75.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 19 0.4 6 0.3 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,196 27.3 775 42.3 184 61.4

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,280 52.1 529 28.9 183 61.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,421 32.5 170 9.3 14 4.7

Households with children 478 10.9 831 45.4 19 6.4

With preschool-age children 222 5.1 381 20.8 7 2.2

With school-age children 365 8.3 635 34.7 17 5.6

Households with noncitizens 235 5.4 195 10.6 9 2.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 3,158 72.2 1,380 75.4 256 85.3

Low food-security 508 11.6 154 8.4 11 3.6

Very low food-security 305 7.0 82 4.5 6 1.9

Unknown 404 9.2 216 11.8 28 9.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE I.9

In 47 to 50 States

I.11
Total Households 316,403 72 184,796 101 5,837 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 28,994 180 25,297 211 32 152

1-50% 30,839 227 41,969 290 181 126

51-100% 211,015 64 53,496 203 583 211

101-130% 39,949 60 37,777 77 880 62

131-200% 5,143 41 25,894 33 4,080 15

Greater than 200% 463 56 363 17 82 49

Households with Income from

Earnings 81,418 131 101,509 96 3,010 25

TANF 10,383 135 4,525 82 61 88

SSI 133,328 53 6,669 57 71 17

Social Security 124,568 55 24,696 46 2,722 15

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 15,992 10 6,768 10 2,638 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 107,838 177 69,993 245 770 153

Eligible for other benefit 192,573 89 108,035 124 2,429 74

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 146,074 87 133,832 106 4,768 18

Financial assets countable under state rules 72,569 107 27,216 112 515 87

Vehicle Assets 159,187 90 136,451 111 3,928 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,833 152 1,357 215 17 114

Home Equity 97,705 82 94,689 122 2,811 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 134,153 59 28,728 54 2,695 15

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 85,977 61 9,234 54 431 31

Households with children 86,408 181 117,599 142 1,611 84

With preschool-age children 39,652 179 58,791 154 531 79

With school-age children 68,608 188 96,222 152 1,467 87

Households with noncitizens 28,540 121 26,948 138 542 62

Household Food Security

Food-secure 232,293 74 135,893 98 4,548 18

Low food-security 31,624 62 18,027 117 258 24

Very low food-security 17,025 56 7,680 94 86 15

Unknown 35,461 88 23,196 108 945 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE I.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

I.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 196 78

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 942 1,021

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 620 702

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Earnings 982 1,314

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 320

Supplemental Security Income 545 466

Social Security 769 691

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 40,435 83,107

Financial assets countable under state rules 894 1,025

Vehicle Assets 1,953 3,588

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,580 1,774

Home Equity 90,862 109,616

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE I.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

I.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 72 101 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 815 1,428 1,600

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 541 1,005 1,170

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,014 1,480 1,411

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 344 288 316

Supplemental Security Income 458 647 444

Social Security 605 907 1,121

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 13,288 113,232 380,914

Financial assets countable under state rules 883 969 19,627

Vehicle Assets 2,829 4,596 4,047

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,694 1,945 4,713

Home Equity 100,216 117,117 139,121

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE I.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

I.14
Total Households 113,969 21,068 18.5

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,366 94.6

1-50% 3,942 3,194 81.0

51-100% 9,815 8,752 89.2

101-130% 6,389 4,800 75.1

131-200% 14,601 1,842 12.6

Greater than 200% 76,722 114 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,464 10.0

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,599 89.6

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,602 75.3

Social Security 30,477 6,526 21.4

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 10,636 11.1

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,706 5,115 6.2

Vehicle Assets 82,817 10,436 12.6

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 4,808 40 0.8

Home Equity 66,437 5,583 8.4

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 6,200 19.3

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,086 49.8

Households with children 39,580 8,631 21.8

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,176 26.5

With school-age children 31,881 6,847 21.5

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,858 28.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 14,814 15.5

Low food-security 5,234 2,315 44.2

Very low food-security 2,903 1,489 51.3

Unknown 10,390 2,450 23.6

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE I.13

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

I.15
Total Households 37,223 20,953 56.3

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,366 94.6

1-50% 3,942 3,194 81.0

51-100% 9,815 8,752 89.2

101-130% 6,389 4,800 75.1

131-200% 14,577 1,841 12.6

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,420 47.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,594 95.3

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,597 88.4

Social Security 12,941 6,446 49.8

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 10,538 43.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,650 5,059 30.4

Vehicle Assets 22,032 10,369 47.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 503 39 7.8

Home Equity 14,125 5,543 39.2

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 6,116 49.3

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,071 77.6

Households with children 14,638 8,624 58.9

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,174 61.9

With school-age children 11,725 6,841 58.3

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,850 63.0

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,716 52.6

Low food-security 3,233 2,303 71.3

Very low food-security 1,994 1,484 74.4

Unknown 3,996 2,449 61.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE I.14

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $2,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED 

(000s) (000s) Percent

I.16
APPENDIX J

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE ASSET LIMITS BY $3,000 IN 

THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 21,319 100.0 4.0 *** 11,904 100.0 3.5 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,374 11.1 3.1 *** 1,945 16.3 3.1 ***

1-50% 3,231 15.2 4.5 *** 2,738 23.0 5.0 ***

51-100% 8,850 41.5 3.2 *** 5,236 44.0 2.5 ***

101-130% 4,875 22.9 5.4 *** 1,628 13.7 5.2 ***

131-200% 1,874 8.8 4.7 *** 318 2.7 1.8 *

Greater than 200% 116 0.5 10.3 * 39 0.3 0.2

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,532 40.0 3.6 *** 4,214 35.4 3.5 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,599 7.5 0.1 * 1,409 11.8 0.1 *

Supplemental Security Income 3,609 16.9 0.5 *** 2,392 20.1 0.4 *

Social Security 6,685 31.4 5.7 *** 2,493 20.9 4.4 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,376 20.5 3.9 *** 835 7.0 1.9 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,592 26.2 4.6 *** 4,538 38.1 4.9 ***

Eligible for other benefit 11,351 53.2 3.8 *** 6,531 54.9 2.8 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 10,886 51.1 8.2 *** 5,179 43.5 8.4 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 5,365 25.2 18.0 *** 2,496 21.0 19.1 ***

Vehicle Assets 10,605 49.7 6.2 *** 5,282 44.4 5.8 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 46 0.2 149.6 *** 27 0.2 145.1 ***

Home Equity 5,739 26.9 7.9 *** 2,382 20.0 7.9 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 6,365 29.9 6.8 *** 2,193 18.4 5.8 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,097 14.5 1.0 *** 1,921 16.1 1.2 ***

Households with children 8,670 40.7 2.5 *** 5,797 48.7 2.3 ***

With preschool-age children 4,187 19.6 2.0 *** 2,951 24.8 2.1 ***

With school-age children 6,882 32.3 2.7 *** 4,568 38.4 2.3 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,866 8.8 4.1 *** 881 7.4 3.8 ***

Household Food Security

Food-secure 15,046 70.6 5.0 *** 7,920 66.5 4.4 ***

Low food-security 2,316 10.9 0.7 ** 1,443 12.1 0.4

Very low food-security 1,498 7.0 1.0 ** 984 8.3 0.7 *

Unknown 2,459 11.5 3.1 *** 1,556 13.1 3.6 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE J.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Changea

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

J.3
Total Individuals 46,334 100.0 3.8 *** 26,976 100.0 3.3 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,114 8.9 3.1 *** 3,446 12.8 3.2 ***

1-50% 8,816 19.0 2.9 *** 7,667 28.4 3.2 ***

51-100% 18,446 39.8 3.5 *** 11,196 41.5 2.9 ***

101-130% 11,188 24.1 5.2 *** 3,995 14.8 4.7 ***

131-200% 3,612 7.8 3.7 *** 614 2.3 1.2 **

Greater than 200% 158 0.3 8.3 ** 57 0.2 0.2

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 24,405 52.7 3.8 *** 12,148 45.0 3.7 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,041 10.9 0.2 4,429 16.4 0.3

Supplemental Security Income 6,706 14.5 1.1 ** 4,569 16.9 0.6 *

Social Security 10,178 22.0 5.6 *** 4,090 15.2 4.4 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,275 11.4 3.9 *** 925 3.4 1.8 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 10,312 22.3 4.0 *** 8,687 32.2 4.1 ***

Eligible for other benefit 30,747 66.4 3.7 *** 17,364 64.4 2.9 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 23,217 50.1 7.8 *** 11,721 43.5 7.8 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 11,361 24.5 17.3 *** 5,686 21.1 17.4 ***

Vehicle Assets 25,656 55.4 5.5 *** 13,485 50.0 5.0 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 101 0.2 195.5 *** 59 0.2 182.9 ***

Home Equity 13,042 28.1 7.6 *** 6,196 23.0 7.2 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,824 19.0 7.5 *** 2,910 10.8 6.1 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,348 13.7 1.6 *** 3,965 14.7 2.1 **

Households with children 30,623 66.1 2.9 *** 19,948 73.9 2.6 ***

With preschool-age children 15,948 34.4 2.5 *** 10,999 40.8 2.6 ***

With school-age children 25,739 55.6 3.0 *** 16,628 61.6 2.5 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,461 11.8 4.8 *** 2,576 9.6 3.1 ***

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 31,981 69.0 4.8 *** 17,845 66.2 4.0 ***

Low food-security 5,698 12.3 0.7 ** 3,546 13.1 0.3

Very low food-security 3,575 7.7 0.8 ** 2,260 8.4 0.8 *

Unknown 5,080 11.0 3.4 *** 3,324 12.3 4.1 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

TABLE J.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

of Total (000s) of Total

J.4
Total Benefits 3,389,871 3.7 *** 159 2,511,888 3.5 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 570,231 3.1 *** 240 475,492 3.2 *** 245

1-50% 1,064,773 3.3 *** 330 928,697 3.5 *** 339

51-100% 1,267,010 3.7 *** 143 876,581 3.2 *** 167

101-130% 393,225 5.4 *** 81 199,168 5.1 *** 122

131-200% 87,658 6.5 *** 47 27,444 2.4 * 86

Greater than 200% 6,974 1.8 * 60 4,505 0.3 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,537,644 3.7 *** 180 996,195 3.6 *** 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 414,282 0.1 * 259 386,441 0.1 * 274

Supplemental Security Income 360,369 1.1 *** 100 297,586 0.8 * 124

Social Security 524,118 6.0 *** 78 315,888 5.6 *** 127

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 44,044 3.9 *** 10 8,406 1.9 *** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,419,865 4.1 *** 254 1,188,638 4.3 *** 262

Eligible for other benefit 1,925,963 3.4 *** 170 1,314,844 2.8 *** 201

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,583,532 8.2 *** 145 1,079,183 8.4 *** 208

Financial assets countable under state rules 827,533 16.9 *** 154 548,948 17.8 *** 220

Vehicle Assets 1,770,644 5.5 *** 167 1,229,024 5.4 *** 233

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 7,764 196.8 *** 170 5,884 187.0 *** 214

Home Equity 843,993 7.5 *** 147 553,099 7.6 *** 232

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 477,934 8.1 *** 75 245,488 7.7 *** 112

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 390,237 2.0 *** 126 302,025 2.3 *** 157

Households with children 2,292,466 2.6 *** 264 1,804,890 2.4 *** 311

With preschool-age children 1,219,663 2.3 *** 291 989,827 2.3 *** 335

With school-age children 1,901,517 2.7 *** 276 1,487,066 2.5 *** 326

Households with noncitizens 410,773 4.0 *** 220 250,421 3.5 *** 284

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,278,341 4.6 *** 151 1,656,591 4.3 *** 209

Low food-security 415,435 0.5 ** 179 311,741 0.2 216

Very low food-security 266,736 0.7 ** 178 205,429 0.8 * 209

Unknown 429,359 3.8 *** 175 338,127 4.2 *** 217

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

TABLE J.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Percent Average

J.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 159 -0.3 *** 211 -0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 968 0.1 *** 816 -0.3 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 649 0.1 *** 507 0.2 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,051 0.2 *** 926 0.3 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.1 371 0.1

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.1 ** 495 0.0 *

Social Security 733 0.4 *** 599 0.1 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 53,015 -0.7 *** 55,634 -0.4 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,113 76.4 *** 1,046 82.8 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,474 4.0 *** 2,468 6.6 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,852 48.5 *** 1,879 32.5 ***

Home Equity 99,054 3.6 *** 88,637 3.0 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE J.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea

J.6
Total Households 14,455 4,875 1,989 9,919 1,628 357

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,589 2,946 997 2,870 1,150 194

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,395 166 37 1,286 98 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,092 394 122 2,192 170 30

Social Security 3,690 1,838 1,157 1,935 384 173

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,504 2,900 1,483 4,062 905 211

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 3,170 1,669 527 1,910 494 92

Vehicle Assets 6,429 2,862 1,314 4,190 926 166

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 29 11 5 20 6 1

Home Equity 3,308 1,507 924 1,880 399 103

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE J.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

J.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 -0.1 *** 81 0.0 *** 48 1.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 717 -0.2 *** 1,311 0.0 *** 1,648 -0.3 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 485 0.2 *** 839 -0.1 *** 970 -1.8 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 765 0.4 *** 1,340 0.3 *** 1,514 -1.1 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 344 0.8 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.1 ** 637 0.4 484 -1.7

Social Security 578 0.3 *** 833 -0.1 *** 1,068 0.3 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 42,366 0.4 *** 47,807 3.9 *** 109,913 -5.4 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,039 84.7 *** 1,063 74.3 *** 1,712 52.1 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,379 5.4 *** 2,491 3.8 *** 2,902 -0.7 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,936 46.0 *** 1,597 33.4 ** 1,920 82.5 *

Home Equity 93,990 3.0 *** 100,266 5.0 *** 115,203 3.2 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE J.6

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

J.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 0.0 *** 122 -0.1 *** 89 0.4

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 669 -0.6 *** 1,350 -0.1 *** 1,649 -0.2 *

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 424 0.2 *** 736 -0.4 *** 872 -0.7 *

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 722 0.0 *** 1,328 0.5 *** 1,553 -0.4

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 357 1.1 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 * 647 0.0 456 -1.5

Social Security 530 0.3 *** 788 -0.4 * 947 0.5 *

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 48,866 0.4 *** 67,620 -0.6 * 134,459 -2.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,038 93.4 *** 981 84.1 *** 1,556 10.0 *

Vehicle Assets 2,384 7.1 *** 2,809 5.8 *** 2,692 -0.8 **

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,940 38.3 *** 1,739 9.2 * 1,278 64.0

Home Equity 88,606 2.3 *** 83,197 9.1 ** 110,357 -1.8

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE J.7

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

J.9
Total Households 14,872 100.0 6,448 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,110 14.2 264 4.1

1-50% 2,953 19.9 279 4.3

51-100% 5,335 35.9 3,515 54.5

101-130% 3,709 24.9 1,166 18.1

131-200% 677 4.6 1,196 18.6

Greater than 200% 88 0.6 28 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,758 45.4 1,773 27.5

TANF 1,466 9.9 132 2.1

SSI 972 6.5 2,637 40.9

Social Security 3,705 24.9 2,980 46.2

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,864 12.5 2,512 39.0

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,705 31.6 887 13.8

Eligible for other benefit 8,303 55.8 3,048 47.3

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 7,720 51.9 3,166 49.1

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,434 29.8 930 14.4

Vehicle Assets 7,432 50.0 3,172 49.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 18 0.1 28 0.4

Home Equity 3,618 24.3 2,121 32.9

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 3,403 22.9 2,962 45.9

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,489 10.0 1,608 24.9

Households with children 7,369 49.6 1,300 20.2

With preschool-age children 3,585 24.1 602 9.3

With school-age children 5,884 39.6 998 15.5

Households with noncitizens 1,436 9.7 430 6.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 10,310 69.3 4,737 73.5

Low food-security 1,647 11.1 669 10.4

Very low food-security 1,104 7.4 395 6.1

Unknown 1,811 12.2 647 10.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE J.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

J.10
Total Households 4,354 100.0 1,797 100.0 297 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 152 3.5 112 6.2 0 0.1

1-50% 136 3.1 141 7.9 1 0.5

51-100% 3,262 74.9 251 14.0 3 0.9

101-130% 675 15.5 477 26.6 14 4.7

131-200% 127 2.9 793 44.1 277 93.3

Greater than 200% 3 0.1 23 1.3 2 0.6

Households with Income from

Earnings 609 14.0 1,046 58.2 119 40.1

TANF 77 1.8 55 3.1 1 0.2

SSI 2,516 57.8 117 6.5 4 1.4

Social Security 2,267 52.1 530 29.5 183 61.6

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,580 36.3 673 37.4 259 87.4

Eligible for maximum benefit 610 14.0 272 15.1 5 1.7

Eligible for other benefit 2,164 49.7 852 47.4 32 10.9

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,680 38.6 1,222 68.0 265 89.3

Financial assets countable under state rules 677 15.6 247 13.7 6 2.0

Vehicle Assets 1,748 40.1 1,201 66.8 224 75.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 21 0.5 7 0.4 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,178 27.1 761 42.3 182 61.5

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,264 52.0 518 28.8 180 60.7

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,425 32.7 169 9.4 14 4.7

Households with children 462 10.6 819 45.6 19 6.5

With preschool-age children 218 5.0 377 21.0 7 2.3

With school-age children 353 8.1 628 34.9 17 5.7

Households with noncitizens 227 5.2 194 10.8 9 2.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 3,131 71.9 1,352 75.3 253 85.2

Low food-security 504 11.6 154 8.6 11 3.6

Very low food-security 309 7.1 80 4.5 6 2.0

Unknown 410 9.4 210 11.7 27 9.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE J.9

In 47 to 50 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

J.11
Total Households 309,731 71 178,268 99 5,778 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 26,160 173 22,260 199 32 152

1-50% 30,154 222 41,147 292 181 126

51-100% 207,034 63 52,291 208 583 211

101-130% 40,812 60 36,268 76 888 64

131-200% 5,144 41 25,922 33 4,013 15

Greater than 200% 427 129 381 17 81 50

Households with Income from

Earnings 76,183 125 99,873 96 2,972 25

TANF 10,276 134 4,496 82 61 88

SSI 134,426 53 6,393 55 70 17

Social Security 125,220 55 23,136 44 2,671 15

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 15,903 10 6,770 10 2,610 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 107,010 175 65,528 241 770 153

Eligible for other benefit 186,818 86 105,970 124 2,398 74

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 140,935 84 127,296 104 4,709 18

Financial assets countable under state rules 71,343 105 27,103 110 527 87

Vehicle Assets 152,515 87 130,874 109 3,911 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 3,081 146 1,260 189 17 114

Home Equity 92,739 79 93,169 122 2,764 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 132,865 59 27,316 53 2,641 15

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 87,190 61 8,872 52 430 31

Households with children 79,394 172 114,541 140 1,623 84

With preschool-age children 37,576 172 57,001 151 536 79

With school-age children 63,862 181 95,177 152 1,479 88

Households with noncitizens 24,899 110 26,546 137 543 63

Household Food Security

Food-secure 226,454 72 130,323 96 4,491 18

Low food-security 30,543 61 18,032 117 257 24

Very low food-security 18,118 59 7,328 91 87 15

Unknown 34,617 84 22,585 108 944 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE J.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

J.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 195 77

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 942 1,020

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 620 703

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 981 1,318

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 320

Supplemental Security Income 545 466

Social Security 768 689

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 40,748 82,922

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,115 1,103

Vehicle Assets 1,998 3,588

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,639 1,987

Home Equity 92,838 109,657

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE J.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

J.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 71 99 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 812 1,439 1,603

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 540 1,011 1,174

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,010 1,487 1,415

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 343 289 316

Supplemental Security Income 457 649 444

Social Security 601 915 1,123

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 12,824 113,765 385,003

Financial assets countable under state rules 927 1,138 19,408

Vehicle Assets 2,820 4,620 4,049

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,905 2,186 4,713

Home Equity 99,706 118,255 138,053

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE J.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

J.14
Total Households 113,969 21,319 18.7

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,374 94.9

1-50% 3,942 3,231 82.0

51-100% 9,815 8,850 90.2

101-130% 6,389 4,875 76.3

131-200% 14,601 1,874 12.8

Greater than 200% 76,722 116 0.2

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,532 10.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,599 89.6

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,609 75.5

Social Security 30,477 6,685 21.9

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 10,886 11.3

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,706 5,365 6.5

Vehicle Assets 82,817 10,605 12.8

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 4,808 46 0.9

Home Equity 66,437 5,739 8.6

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 6,365 19.8

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,097 50.0

Households with children 39,580 8,670 21.9

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,187 26.6

With school-age children 31,881 6,882 21.6

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,866 28.8

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 15,046 15.8

Low food-security 5,234 2,316 44.2

Very low food-security 2,903 1,498 51.6

Unknown 10,390 2,459 23.7

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP 

RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE J.13

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

J.15
Total Households 37,223 21,203 57.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,374 94.9

1-50% 3,942 3,231 82.0

51-100% 9,815 8,850 90.2

101-130% 6,389 4,875 76.3

131-200% 14,577 1,873 12.8

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,486 47.5

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,594 95.3

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,604 88.5

Social Security 12,941 6,604 51.0

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 10,788 44.7

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,650 5,308 31.9

Vehicle Assets 22,032 10,536 47.8

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 503 44 8.8

Home Equity 14,125 5,697 40.3

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 6,279 50.6

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,082 77.9

Households with children 14,638 8,663 59.2

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,185 62.0

With school-age children 11,725 6,877 58.7

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,857 63.2

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,948 53.4

Low food-security 3,233 2,304 71.3

Very low food-security 1,994 1,493 74.9

Unknown 3,996 2,458 61.5

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE J.14

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $3,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

J.16
APPENDIX K

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO INCREASE ASSET LIMITS BY $4,000 IN 

THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 21,459 100.0 4.7 *** 11,959 100.0 4.0 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,377 11.1 3.3 *** 1,948 16.3 3.2 ***

1-50% 3,263 15.2 5.5 *** 2,764 23.1 6.0 ***

51-100% 8,887 41.4 3.6 *** 5,247 43.9 2.7 ***

101-130% 4,919 22.9 6.3 *** 1,641 13.7 6.1 ***

131-200% 1,894 8.8 5.9 *** 319 2.7 2.2 **

Greater than 200% 119 0.6 13.5 ** 40 0.3 0.7

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,578 40.0 4.1 *** 4,233 35.4 3.9 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,599 7.5 0.1 * 1,409 11.8 0.1 *

Supplemental Security Income 3,609 16.8 0.5 *** 2,393 20.0 0.4 *

Social Security 6,755 31.5 6.8 *** 2,504 20.9 4.8 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,410 20.6 4.7 *** 838 7.0 2.3 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,643 26.3 5.5 *** 4,572 38.2 5.7 ***

Eligible for other benefit 11,405 53.2 4.3 *** 6,549 54.8 3.1 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 11,026 51.4 9.5 *** 5,233 43.8 9.6 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 5,503 25.6 21.0 *** 2,551 21.3 21.7 ***

Vehicle Assets 10,696 49.8 7.1 *** 5,317 44.5 6.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 51 0.2 180.9 *** 31 0.3 181.2 ***

Home Equity 5,799 27.0 9.0 *** 2,400 20.1 8.7 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 6,432 30.0 7.9 *** 2,201 18.4 6.2 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,116 14.5 1.6 *** 1,925 16.1 1.4 ***

Households with children 8,690 40.5 2.8 *** 5,811 48.6 2.5 ***

With preschool-age children 4,191 19.5 2.0 *** 2,955 24.7 2.2 ***

With school-age children 6,899 32.1 3.0 *** 4,578 38.3 2.5 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,877 8.7 4.8 *** 882 7.4 3.9 ***

Household Food Security

Food-secure 15,160 70.6 5.8 *** 7,965 66.6 5.0 ***

Low food-security 2,320 10.8 0.9 ** 1,444 12.1 0.4

Very low food-security 1,506 7.0 1.5 *** 990 8.3 1.3 *

Unknown 2,472 11.5 3.7 *** 1,561 13.0 3.9 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE K.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Changea

K.3
Total Individuals 46,554 100.0 4.3 *** 27,073 100.0 3.6 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,126 8.9 3.4 *** 3,458 12.8 3.5 ***

1-50% 8,866 19.0 3.5 *** 7,711 28.5 3.8 ***

51-100% 18,513 39.8 3.9 *** 11,217 41.4 3.1 ***

101-130% 11,248 24.2 5.8 *** 4,014 14.8 5.2 ***

131-200% 3,640 7.8 4.5 *** 615 2.3 1.3 **

Greater than 200% 161 0.3 10.6 ** 57 0.2 0.5

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 24,497 52.6 4.2 *** 12,184 45.0 4.0 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,041 10.8 0.2 4,429 16.4 0.3

Supplemental Security Income 6,707 14.4 1.1 ** 4,569 16.9 0.7 *

Social Security 10,265 22.1 6.5 *** 4,102 15.2 4.7 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,312 11.4 4.6 *** 928 3.4 2.2 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 10,393 22.3 4.8 *** 8,744 32.3 4.8 ***

Eligible for other benefit 30,849 66.3 4.0 *** 17,400 64.3 3.1 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 23,437 50.3 8.8 *** 11,818 43.7 8.6 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 11,578 24.9 19.5 *** 5,782 21.4 19.4 ***

Vehicle Assets 25,796 55.4 6.0 *** 13,544 50.0 5.4 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 111 0.2 227.1 *** 66 0.2 218.0 ***

Home Equity 13,137 28.2 8.4 *** 6,229 23.0 7.7 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,906 19.1 8.5 *** 2,920 10.8 6.5 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,376 13.7 2.1 *** 3,970 14.7 2.3 **

Households with children 30,696 65.9 3.2 *** 19,998 73.9 2.8 ***

With preschool-age children 15,958 34.3 2.5 *** 11,007 40.7 2.7 ***

With school-age children 25,804 55.4 3.3 *** 16,669 61.6 2.8 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,486 11.8 5.3 *** 2,578 9.5 3.2 ***

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 32,156 69.1 5.4 *** 17,928 66.2 4.5 ***

Low food-security 5,716 12.3 1.0 ** 3,547 13.1 0.3

Very low food-security 3,586 7.7 1.1 *** 2,267 8.4 1.1 **

Unknown 5,096 10.9 3.7 *** 3,331 12.3 4.2 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE K.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

of Total (000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

K.4
Total Benefits 3,408,816 4.3 *** 159 2,523,027 3.9 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 571,785 3.4 *** 241 477,005 3.5 *** 245

1-50% 1,071,423 3.9 *** 328 934,685 4.2 *** 338

51-100% 1,273,400 4.2 *** 143 878,661 3.4 *** 167

101-130% 396,158 6.2 *** 81 200,659 5.9 *** 122

131-200% 89,026 8.2 *** 47 27,493 2.5 ** 86

Greater than 200% 7,025 2.6 ** 59 4,523 0.7 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,546,002 4.2 *** 180 1,000,011 4.0 *** 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 414,282 0.1 * 259 386,441 0.1 * 274

Supplemental Security Income 360,424 1.1 *** 100 297,640 0.8 * 124

Social Security 528,369 6.8 *** 78 316,741 5.9 *** 127

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 44,382 4.7 *** 10 8,436 2.3 *** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,431,291 4.9 *** 254 1,196,632 5.0 *** 262

Eligible for other benefit 1,933,143 3.8 *** 169 1,317,958 3.0 *** 201

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,602,433 9.5 *** 145 1,090,293 9.5 *** 208

Financial assets countable under state rules 846,258 19.5 *** 154 560,022 20.2 *** 220

Vehicle Assets 1,782,108 6.2 *** 167 1,235,605 6.0 *** 232

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 8,750 234.5 *** 170 6,695 226.5 *** 213

Home Equity 852,189 8.6 *** 147 557,136 8.3 *** 232

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 482,713 9.2 *** 75 246,172 8.0 *** 112

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 392,158 2.5 *** 126 302,550 2.5 *** 157

Households with children 2,299,352 2.9 *** 265 1,810,363 2.7 *** 312

With preschool-age children 1,220,686 2.3 *** 291 990,732 2.4 *** 335

With school-age children 1,907,400 3.0 *** 276 1,491,639 2.8 *** 326

Households with noncitizens 412,805 4.5 *** 220 250,638 3.6 *** 284

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,293,069 5.3 *** 151 1,665,958 4.9 *** 209

Low food-security 416,705 0.8 ** 180 311,791 0.3 216

Very low food-security 267,764 1.1 *** 178 206,355 1.3 * 208

Unknown 431,279 4.3 *** 174 338,923 4.4 *** 217

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE K.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Percent Average

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

K.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 159 -0.4 *** 211 -0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 967 0.0 *** 814 -0.5 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 648 0.0 *** 506 0.1 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,049 0.0 *** 925 0.2 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.1 371 0.1

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.1 ** 495 0.0 *

Social Security 735 0.8 *** 600 0.4 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 53,249 -0.3 *** 56,354 0.9 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,236 96.0 *** 1,141 99.5 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,488 4.6 *** 2,485 7.3 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,002 60.4 *** 2,003 41.2 ***

Home Equity 99,184 3.7 *** 88,804 3.2 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE K.4

K.6
Total Households 14,527 4,919 2,013 9,959 1,641 359

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,621 2,957 1,000 2,884 1,154 194

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,395 166 37 1,286 98 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,092 394 122 2,192 170 30

Social Security 3,704 1,871 1,180 1,936 393 175

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,575 2,944 1,506 4,103 918 212

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 3,241 1,713 550 1,951 507 93

Vehicle Assets 6,467 2,899 1,331 4,214 936 167

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 32 14 6 22 8 1

Home Equity 3,335 1,524 940 1,894 402 104

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE K.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

K.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 -0.1 *** 81 -0.1 *** 48 1.4 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 716 -0.4 *** 1,309 -0.2 *** 1,646 -0.4 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 485 0.1 *** 837 -0.4 *** 967 -2.1 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 764 0.2 *** 1,339 0.2 *** 1,510 -1.4 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 344 0.8 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.1 ** 637 0.4 484 -1.7

Social Security 578 0.4 *** 835 0.1 *** 1,071 0.6 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 43,087 2.1 *** 47,554 3.4 *** 108,751 -6.4 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,143 103.3 *** 1,193 95.7 *** 1,913 70.0 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,393 6.0 *** 2,499 4.2 *** 2,929 0.2 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,051 54.6 *** 1,860 55.3 *** 2,068 96.6 *

Home Equity 94,173 3.2 *** 100,522 5.2 *** 114,794 2.8 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE K.6

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

K.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 0.0 *** 122 -0.1 *** 89 0.2 *

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 668 -0.8 *** 1,348 -0.3 *** 1,647 -0.3 **

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 424 0.1 *** 735 -0.7 *** 870 -1.0 **

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 721 -0.1 *** 1,327 0.5 *** 1,553 -0.4

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 357 1.1 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 * 647 0.0 456 -1.5

Social Security 530 0.3 *** 792 0.0 *** 946 0.4 **

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 49,892 2.5 *** 67,331 -1.0 ** 133,680 -3.1

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,129 110.4 *** 1,101 106.6 *** 1,615 14.2 **

Vehicle Assets 2,401 7.9 *** 2,825 6.4 *** 2,701 -0.4 **

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,006 43.0 *** 1,993 25.1 ** 2,013 158.3

Home Equity 88,766 2.5 *** 83,685 9.8 ** 109,319 -2.7 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE K.7

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

K.9
Total Households 15,069 100.0 6,390 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,124 14.1 254 4.0

1-50% 2,999 19.9 264 4.1

51-100% 5,400 35.8 3,487 54.6

101-130% 3,760 25.0 1,159 18.1

131-200% 695 4.6 1,198 18.8

Greater than 200% 91 0.6 28 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,816 45.2 1,761 27.6

TANF 1,467 9.7 132 2.1

SSI 976 6.5 2,633 41.2

Social Security 3,797 25.2 2,958 46.3

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,904 12.6 2,506 39.2

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,786 31.8 858 13.4

Eligible for other benefit 8,379 55.6 3,026 47.4

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 7,904 52.5 3,121 48.8

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,595 30.5 908 14.2

Vehicle Assets 7,582 50.3 3,115 48.7

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 21 0.1 30 0.5

Home Equity 3,718 24.7 2,081 32.6

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 3,494 23.2 2,938 46.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,522 10.1 1,594 24.9

Households with children 7,400 49.1 1,290 20.2

With preschool-age children 3,591 23.8 600 9.4

With school-age children 5,913 39.2 986 15.4

Households with noncitizens 1,452 9.6 425 6.6

Household Food Security

Food-secure 10,466 69.5 4,694 73.5

Low food-security 1,652 11.0 668 10.5

Very low food-security 1,116 7.4 390 6.1

Unknown 1,835 12.2 637 10.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE K.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

K.10
Total Households 4,307 100.0 1,788 100.0 295 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 141 3.3 112 6.3 0 0.0

1-50% 124 2.9 139 7.8 1 0.5

51-100% 3,244 75.3 241 13.5 3 0.9

101-130% 675 15.7 470 26.3 14 4.8

131-200% 123 2.9 801 44.8 275 93.2

Greater than 200% 0 0.0 26 1.4 2 0.5

Households with Income from

Earnings 608 14.1 1,036 57.9 118 40.1

TANF 77 1.8 55 3.1 1 0.2

SSI 2,512 58.3 117 6.5 4 1.4

Social Security 2,241 52.0 535 29.9 182 61.6

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,570 36.5 678 37.9 257 87.4

Eligible for maximum benefit 584 13.6 268 15.0 5 1.7

Eligible for other benefit 2,152 50.0 842 47.1 32 11.0

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,645 38.2 1,213 67.8 263 89.2

Financial assets countable under state rules 644 15.0 257 14.4 6 2.1

Vehicle Assets 1,700 39.5 1,192 66.7 222 75.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 22 0.5 8 0.4 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,140 26.5 759 42.5 181 61.6

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,238 52.0 522 29.2 179 60.7

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,411 32.8 170 9.5 14 4.7

Households with children 455 10.6 815 45.6 19 6.6

With preschool-age children 217 5.0 376 21.0 7 2.3

With school-age children 344 8.0 625 34.9 17 5.8

Households with noncitizens 223 5.2 193 10.8 8 2.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 3,094 71.9 1,349 75.4 251 85.2

Low food-security 504 11.7 154 8.6 11 3.6

Very low food-security 305 7.1 80 4.5 6 2.0

Unknown 403 9.4 206 11.5 27 9.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE K.9

In 47 to 50 States

K.11
Total Households 303,304 70 175,282 98 5,733 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 24,620 174 22,051 197 16 152

1-50% 27,954 226 40,483 291 181 126

51-100% 203,690 63 50,423 209 583 211

101-130% 41,959 62 35,732 76 895 64

131-200% 5,081 41 26,180 33 3,978 14

Greater than 200% 1 10 413 16 81 50

Households with Income from

Earnings 77,488 128 97,834 94 2,958 25

TANF 10,312 134 4,427 81 61 88

SSI 133,336 53 6,393 55 70 17

Social Security 122,058 54 23,033 43 2,657 15

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 15,802 10 6,824 10 2,591 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 102,117 175 64,307 240 751 153

Eligible for other benefit 185,385 86 104,151 124 2,391 74

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 136,118 83 124,282 102 4,664 18

Financial assets countable under state rules 66,515 103 27,813 108 535 88

Vehicle Assets 146,088 86 128,881 108 3,873 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 3,517 160 1,509 193 17 114

Home Equity 86,697 76 91,839 121 2,746 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 129,583 58 27,292 52 2,627 15

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 83,502 59 8,614 51 431 31

Households with children 78,083 172 113,223 139 1,631 84

With preschool-age children 37,457 173 56,689 151 536 79

With school-age children 61,885 180 94,176 151 1,487 88

Households with noncitizens 24,311 109 26,403 137 541 64

Household Food Security

Food-secure 221,622 72 127,962 95 4,448 18

Low food-security 30,543 61 17,930 117 257 24

Very low food-security 17,028 56 7,354 92 87 15

Unknown 34,111 85 22,035 107 942 35

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE K.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

K.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 194 76

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 940 1,024

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 619 703

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 979 1,321

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 320

Supplemental Security Income 544 466

Social Security 768 693

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 41,037 84,176

Financial assets countable under state rules 1,257 1,128

Vehicle Assets 2,064 3,522

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,708 2,212

Home Equity 93,317 109,667

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE K.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

K.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 70 98 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 812 1,448 1,604

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 539 1,017 1,176

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,010 1,493 1,417

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 343 289 316

Supplemental Security Income 458 649 444

Social Security 603 924 1,124

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 13,279 114,449 388,054

Financial assets countable under state rules 862 1,364 19,299

Vehicle Assets 2,680 4,627 4,043

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,101 2,477 4,713

Home Equity 100,108 117,193 138,239

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE K.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

K.14
Total Households 113,969 21,459 18.8

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,377 95.1

1-50% 3,942 3,263 82.8

51-100% 9,815 8,887 90.5

101-130% 6,389 4,919 77.0

131-200% 14,601 1,894 13.0

Greater than 200% 76,722 119 0.2

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,578 10.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,599 89.6

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,609 75.5

Social Security 30,477 6,755 22.2

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 11,026 11.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,706 5,503 6.7

Vehicle Assets 82,817 10,696 12.9

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 4,808 51 1.1

Home Equity 66,437 5,799 8.7

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 6,432 20.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,116 50.3

Households with children 39,580 8,690 22.0

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,191 26.6

With school-age children 31,881 6,899 21.6

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,877 28.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 15,160 15.9

Low food-security 5,234 2,320 44.3

Very low food-security 2,903 1,506 51.9

Unknown 10,390 2,472 23.8

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE K.13

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

K.15
Total Households 37,223 21,339 57.3

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,377 95.1

1-50% 3,942 3,263 82.8

51-100% 9,815 8,887 90.5

101-130% 6,389 4,919 77.0

131-200% 14,577 1,893 13.0

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,532 47.8

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,594 95.3

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,604 88.5

Social Security 12,941 6,671 51.5

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 10,924 45.2

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,650 5,443 32.7

Vehicle Assets 22,032 10,627 48.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 503 50 9.9

Home Equity 14,125 5,757 40.8

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 6,343 51.1

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,099 78.3

Households with children 14,638 8,683 59.3

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,188 62.1

With school-age children 11,725 6,893 58.8

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,869 63.6

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 15,058 53.8

Low food-security 3,233 2,308 71.4

Very low food-security 1,994 1,501 75.3

Unknown 3,996 2,471 61.8

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE K.14

 Simulated Change: Increase Asset Limits by $4,000

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED 

K.16
APPENDIX L

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE THE ASSET TEST IN THE 

MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 24,941 100.0 21.7 *** 13,446 100.0 16.9 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 10.0 8.7 *** 2,058 15.3 9.1 ***

1-50% 3,942 15.8 27.4 *** 3,374 25.1 29.4 ***

51-100% 9,815 39.4 14.4 *** 5,661 42.1 10.8 ***

101-130% 5,823 23.3 25.8 *** 1,878 14.0 21.4 ***

131-200% 2,578 10.3 44.1 *** 406 3.0 30.1 ***

Greater than 200% 283 1.1 169.7 *** 68 0.5 73.6 *

Households with Income from

Earnings 9,599 38.5 16.5 *** 4,707 35.0 15.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,601 6.4 0.2 *** 1,410 10.5 0.2 **

Supplemental Security Income 3,623 14.5 1.0 *** 2,399 17.8 0.7 ***

Social Security 8,536 34.2 35.0 *** 2,884 21.4 20.7 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,242 21.0 24.4 *** 891 6.6 8.8 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 6,780 27.2 26.8 *** 5,462 40.6 26.2 ***

Eligible for other benefit 12,919 51.8 18.2 *** 7,092 52.7 11.6 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 14,503 58.2 44.1 *** 6,714 49.9 40.6 ***

Vehicle Assets 13,428 53.8 34.4 *** 6,446 47.9 29.1 ***

Home Equity 8,213 32.9 54.4 *** 3,350 24.9 51.8 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,480 34.0 42.3 *** 2,675 19.9 29.1 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,181 12.8 3.7 *** 1,966 14.6 3.5 ***

Households with children 9,406 37.7 11.2 *** 6,260 46.6 10.4 ***

With preschool-age children 4,486 18.0 9.2 *** 3,147 23.4 8.8 ***

With school-age children 7,477 30.0 11.6 *** 4,955 36.9 11.0 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,993 8.0 11.2 *** 935 7.0 10.1 ***

Household Food Security

Food-secure 18,218 73.0 27.2 *** 9,242 68.7 21.9 ***

Low food-security 2,425 9.7 5.5 *** 1,494 11.1 3.9 ***

Very low food-security 1,549 6.2 4.5 *** 1,020 7.6 4.4 ***

Unknown 2,748 11.0 15.2 *** 1,690 12.6 12.5 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE L.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Changea

L.3
Total Individuals 53,197 100.0 19.2 *** 30,112 100.0 15.3 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,332 8.1 8.5 *** 3,645 12.1 9.1 ***

1-50% 10,180 19.1 18.8 *** 8,902 29.6 19.8 ***

51-100% 20,544 38.6 15.3 *** 12,201 40.5 12.2 ***

101-130% 13,082 24.6 23.1 *** 4,548 15.1 19.2 ***

131-200% 4,644 8.7 33.3 *** 724 2.4 19.3 ***

Greater than 200% 416 0.8 185.1 *** 91 0.3 60.7 **

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 27,413 51.5 16.6 *** 13,560 45.0 15.7 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,049 9.5 0.4 ** 4,434 14.7 0.4 **

Supplemental Security Income 6,763 12.7 2.0 *** 4,587 15.2 1.0 ***

Social Security 12,870 24.2 33.5 *** 4,615 15.3 17.8 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 6,342 11.9 24.9 *** 984 3.3 8.3 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 12,251 23.0 23.6 *** 10,219 33.9 22.5 ***

Eligible for other benefit 34,604 65.0 16.7 *** 18,908 62.8 12.0 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 30,067 56.5 39.6 *** 14,845 49.3 36.5 ***

Vehicle Assets 31,245 58.7 28.4 *** 15,973 53.0 24.3 ***

Home Equity 17,912 33.7 47.8 *** 8,353 27.7 44.5 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 11,856 22.3 44.4 *** 3,523 11.7 28.5 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,494 12.2 4.0 *** 4,036 13.4 3.9 ***

Households with children 33,602 63.2 12.9 *** 21,781 72.3 12.0 ***

With preschool-age children 17,233 32.4 10.7 *** 11,835 39.3 10.4 ***

With school-age children 28,251 53.1 13.1 *** 18,225 60.5 12.4 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,848 11.0 12.2 *** 2,759 9.2 10.4 ***

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 37,915 71.3 24.2 *** 20,541 68.2 19.8 ***

Low food-security 5,956 11.2 5.2 *** 3,648 12.1 3.1 ***

Very low food-security 3,686 6.9 3.9 *** 2,346 7.8 4.7 ***

Unknown 5,641 10.6 14.8 *** 3,577 11.9 12.0 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE L.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

of Total (000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

L.4
Total Benefits 3,908,047 19.5 *** 157 2,846,000 17.2 *** 212

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 600,469 8.5 *** 240 502,988 9.1 *** 244

1-50% 1,247,721 21.0 *** 317 1,094,930 22.1 *** 325

51-100% 1,440,738 17.9 *** 147 971,126 14.3 *** 172

101-130% 467,980 25.4 *** 80 232,523 22.8 *** 124

131-200% 127,096 54.5 *** 49 36,111 34.7 *** 89

Greater than 200% 24,043 251.1 *** 85 8,321 85.3 * 122

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,747,272 17.8 *** 182 1,121,527 16.6 *** 238

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 414,998 0.3 *** 259 386,978 0.3 ** 275

Supplemental Security Income 363,521 2.0 *** 100 298,693 1.2 *** 124

Social Security 671,705 35.8 *** 79 368,154 23.0 *** 128

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 52,752 24.4 *** 10 8,970 8.8 *** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,692,430 24.1 *** 250 1,402,941 23.1 *** 257

Eligible for other benefit 2,162,865 16.1 *** 167 1,434,088 12.1 *** 202

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 2,100,603 43.5 *** 145 1,412,205 41.8 *** 210

Vehicle Assets 2,187,341 30.3 *** 163 1,493,224 28.1 *** 232

Home Equity 1,208,493 53.9 *** 147 782,697 52.2 *** 234

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 667,484 51.0 *** 79 313,736 37.6 *** 117

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 403,312 5.4 *** 127 310,097 5.0 *** 158

Households with children 2,514,850 12.5 *** 267 1,973,315 12.0 *** 315

With preschool-age children 1,311,895 10.0 *** 292 1,063,375 10.0 *** 338

With school-age children 2,091,930 13.0 *** 280 1,633,112 12.5 *** 330

Households with noncitizens 439,884 11.3 *** 221 268,676 11.1 *** 287

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,729,805 25.4 *** 150 1,944,973 22.4 *** 210

Low food-security 430,258 4.1 *** 177 320,585 3.1 *** 215

Very low food-security 278,698 5.3 *** 180 215,761 5.9 *** 212

Unknown 469,285 13.5 *** 171 364,680 12.3 *** 216

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE L.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Percent Average

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

L.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 157 -1.8 *** 212 0.3 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 975 0.9 *** 800 -2.2 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 648 -0.1 *** 506 0.1 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,047 -0.2 *** 923 0.0 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.1 ** 371 0.1 **

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.0 *** 495 -0.1 ***

Social Security 766 5.0 *** 619 3.4 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 124,973 134.0 ** 178,467 219.5 *

Vehicle Assets 3,108 30.7 *** 3,126 35.0 ***

Home Equity 115,387 20.6 *** 109,541 27.3 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE L.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

L.6
Total Households 16,257 5,823 2,861 11,093 1,878 474

Households with Income from 

Earnings 5,148 3,325 1,127 3,212 1,286 208

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,396 167 37 1,288 98 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,099 396 128 2,198 171 30

Social Security 4,205 2,397 1,934 2,124 491 268

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 8,303 3,848 2,353 5,232 1,154 328

Vehicle Assets 7,815 3,619 1,993 5,086 1,115 244

Home Equity 4,523 2,157 1,534 2,656 547 148

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE L.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

L.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 202 0.7 *** 80 -0.4 *** 53 12.2 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 701 -2.4 *** 1,298 -1.0 *** 1,635 -1.1 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 484 0.0 *** 829 -1.4 *** 885 -10.4 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 761 -0.2 *** 1,341 0.4 *** 1,482 -3.2 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 ** 344 0.8 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 *** 636 0.4 480 -2.3 **

Social Security 578 0.4 *** 840 0.6 *** 1,083 1.8 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 78,801 86.7 *** 76,659 66.6 *** 366,928 215.9

Vehicle Assets 2,971 31.6 *** 3,101 29.3 *** 3,658 25.2 ***

Home Equity 114,251 25.2 *** 107,044 12.1 *** 130,466 16.8 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE L.6

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

L.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 232 0.7 *** 124 1.1 *** 94 5.2 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 645 -4.2 *** 1,341 -0.8 *** 1,615 -2.2 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 422 -0.2 *** 731 -1.2 *** 804 -8.6 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 718 -0.5 *** 1,332 0.9 *** 1,546 -0.8 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 ** 357 1.1 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 -0.1 ** 647 0.0 457 -1.2

Social Security 529 0.1 *** 806 1.8 *** 986 4.7 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 90,825 86.6 *** 108,078 58.9 *** 1,823,089 1,222

Vehicle Assets 3,098 39.3 *** 3,300 24.3 *** 2,897 6.8 ***

Home Equity 111,970 29.3 *** 93,330 22.4 *** 125,865 12.0 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE L.7

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($) Average ($)

L.9
Total Households 18,983 100.0 5,958 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,295 12.1 205 3.4

1-50% 3,815 20.1 127 2.1

51-100% 6,557 34.5 3,259 54.7

101-130% 4,796 25.3 1,026 17.2

131-200% 1,282 6.8 1,296 21.7

Greater than 200% 238 1.3 45 0.8

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,055 42.4 1,543 25.9

TANF 1,473 7.8 128 2.1

SSI 990 5.2 2,633 44.2

Social Security 5,621 29.6 2,915 48.9

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 2,647 13.9 2,595 43.6

Eligible for maximum benefit 6,133 32.3 647 10.9

Eligible for other benefit 10,203 53.7 2,716 45.6

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 11,773 62.0 2,730 45.8

Vehicle Assets 10,722 56.5 2,705 45.4

Home Equity 6,426 33.9 1,788 30.0

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 5,609 29.6 2,871 48.2

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,597 8.4 1,584 26.6

Households with children 8,344 44.0 1,061 17.8

With preschool-age children 3,988 21.0 499 8.4

With school-age children 6,674 35.2 803 13.5

Households with noncitizens 1,581 8.3 411 6.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 13,876 73.1 4,342 72.9

Low food-security 1,788 9.4 637 10.7

Very low food-security 1,163 6.1 386 6.5

Unknown 2,155 11.4 593 9.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE L.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

L.10
Total Households 4,130 100.0 1,628 100.0 201 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 114 2.8 91 5.6 0 0.1

1-50% 85 2.1 41 2.5 1 0.3

51-100% 3,148 76.2 109 6.7 2 1.2

101-130% 640 15.5 377 23.1 10 4.9

131-200% 138 3.3 972 59.7 185 92.4

Greater than 200% 5 0.1 38 2.3 2 1.2

Households with Income from

Earnings 512 12.4 930 57.1 102 50.7

TANF 76 1.8 52 3.2 1 0.3

SSI 2,514 60.9 116 7.1 3 1.4

Social Security 2,218 53.7 591 36.3 105 52.4

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,575 38.1 842 51.8 177 88.4

Eligible for maximum benefit 515 12.5 132 8.1 0 0.2

Eligible for other benefit 2,040 49.4 653 40.1 23 11.4

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,492 36.1 1,069 65.7 169 84.2

Vehicle Assets 1,521 36.8 1,039 63.8 145 72.5

Home Equity 1,057 25.6 620 38.1 111 55.2

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,212 53.6 558 34.3 101 50.1

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,406 34.0 165 10.1 13 6.4

Households with children 387 9.4 655 40.2 20 9.9

With preschool-age children 174 4.2 318 19.5 7 3.4

With school-age children 296 7.2 489 30.1 18 8.8

Households with noncitizens 216 5.2 188 11.5 7 3.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,965 71.8 1,207 74.2 170 84.6

Low food-security 478 11.6 150 9.2 9 4.5

Very low food-security 306 7.4 74 4.5 6 2.8

Unknown 380 9.2 196 12.1 16 8.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE L.9

In 47 to 50 States

L.11
Total Households 264,827 64 96,009 59 3,769 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 18,821 165 16,231 178 16 152

1-50% 16,153 190 9,364 227 48 86

51-100% 186,120 59 19,497 180 528 219

101-130% 38,307 60 23,101 61 967 98

131-200% 5,355 39 27,300 28 2,169 12

Greater than 200% 70 14 516 14 43 18

Households with Income from

Earnings 53,137 104 63,757 69 2,655 26

TANF 9,980 132 3,375 65 61 88

SSI 133,194 53 5,737 49 62 23

Social Security 116,536 53 11,162 19 1,290 12

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 15,850 10 8,478 10 1,785 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 85,110 165 25,166 190 59 152

Eligible for other benefit 163,867 80 62,364 95 1,925 84

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 101,147 68 49,018 46 2,700 16

Vehicle Assets 107,377 71 58,624 56 2,453 17

Home Equity 64,102 61 27,141 44 1,565 14

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 124,476 56 10,201 18 1,109 11

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 81,574 58 7,083 43 528 41

Households with children 55,845 144 59,567 91 1,778 89

With preschool-age children 26,584 153 37,415 118 602 89

With school-age children 42,577 144 47,636 97 1,658 94

Households with noncitizens 23,319 108 26,540 141 526 72

Household Food Security

Food-secure 190,443 64 59,645 49 2,747 16

Low food-security 25,777 54 14,870 99 209 23

Very low food-security 17,602 57 7,834 106 85 15

Unknown 31,005 82 13,660 70 728 45

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE L.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

L.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 187 61

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 950 1,050

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 618 719

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 984 1,375

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 320

Supplemental Security Income 544 466

Social Security 799 704

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 140,677 57,241

Vehicle Assets 3,323 2,256

Home Equity 118,899 102,761

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE L.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

L.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 64 59 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 820 1,566 1,700

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 546 1,067 1,262

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,073 1,527 1,502

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 343 286 316

Supplemental Security Income 457 650 403

Social Security 606 988 1,157

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 9,829 71,518 385,776

Vehicle Assets 1,682 2,894 3,712

Home Equity 97,376 107,339 128,522

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE L.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

L.14
Total Households 113,969 24,941 21.9

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,500 100.0

1-50% 3,942 3,942 100.0

51-100% 9,815 9,815 100.0

101-130% 6,389 5,823 91.1

131-200% 14,601 2,578 17.7

Greater than 200% 76,722 283 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 9,599 11.4

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,601 89.7

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,623 75.8

Social Security 30,477 8,536 28.0

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 14,503 15.1

Vehicle Assets 82,817 13,428 16.2

Home Equity 66,437 8,213 12.4

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 8,480 26.3

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,181 51.3

Households with children 39,580 9,406 23.8

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,486 28.5

With school-age children 31,881 7,477 23.5

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,993 30.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 18,218 19.1

Low food-security 5,234 2,425 46.3

Very low food-security 2,903 1,549 53.4

Unknown 10,390 2,748 26.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE L.13

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

L.15
Total Households 37,223 24,657 66.2

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,500 100.0

1-50% 3,942 3,942 100.0

51-100% 9,815 9,815 100.0

101-130% 6,389 5,823 91.1

131-200% 14,577 2,577 17.7

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 9,509 53.2

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,595 95.4

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,618 88.9

Social Security 12,941 8,316 64.3

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 14,239 59.0

Vehicle Assets 22,032 13,250 60.1

Home Equity 14,125 8,064 57.1

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 8,228 66.3

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,164 80.0

Households with children 14,638 9,399 64.2

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,484 66.5

With school-age children 11,725 7,472 63.7

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,983 67.5

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 17,968 64.2

Low food-security 3,233 2,407 74.5

Very low food-security 1,994 1,544 77.4

Unknown 3,996 2,738 68.5

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED 

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE L.14

 Simulated Change: Eliminate the Asset Test

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

L.16
APPENDIX M

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO EXCLUDE ASSETS IN RETIREMENT 

ACCOUNTS FROM COUNTABLE ASSETS IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 20,847 100.0 1.7 *** 11,683 100.0 1.6 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,333 11.2 1.4 *** 1,916 16.4 1.5 **

1-50% 3,167 15.2 2.4 *** 2,676 22.9 2.6 ***

51-100% 8,676 41.6 1.1 *** 5,154 44.1 0.9 ***

101-130% 4,711 22.6 1.8 *** 1,574 13.5 1.7 ***

131-200% 1,843 8.8 3.0 *** 321 2.7 2.7 *

Greater than 200% 118 0.6 12.1 * 42 0.4 7.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,357 40.1 1.5 *** 4,137 35.4 1.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,597 7.7 0.0 1,407 12.0 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 3,590 17.2 0.0 2,385 20.4 0.1

Social Security 6,463 31.0 2.2 *** 2,419 20.7 1.3 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,285 20.6 1.7 *** 826 7.1 0.8 *

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,480 26.3 2.5 *** 4,432 37.9 2.4 ***

Eligible for other benefit 11,082 53.2 1.4 *** 6,425 55.0 1.1 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 10,420 50.0 3.5 *** 4,960 42.5 3.8 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,773 22.9 5.0 *** 2,213 18.9 5.6 ***

Vehicle Assets 10,271 49.3 2.8 *** 5,134 43.9 2.9 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 19 0.1 3.2 * 11 0.1 2.6

Home Equity 5,551 26.6 4.4 *** 2,331 20.0 5.6 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 6,131 29.4 2.9 *** 2,114 18.1 2.0 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,074 14.7 0.2 * 1,899 16.3 0.0

Households with children 8,557 41.0 1.2 *** 5,738 49.1 1.2 ***

With preschool-age children 4,135 19.8 0.7 *** 2,915 24.9 0.8 ***

With school-age children 6,798 32.6 1.4 *** 4,534 38.8 1.5 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,797 8.6 0.3 * 851 7.3 0.2

Household Food Security

Food-secure 14,636 70.2 2.2 *** 7,737 66.2 2.0 ***

Low food-security 2,311 11.1 0.5 * 1,443 12.3 0.4 *

Very low food-security 1,493 7.2 0.6 987 8.4 1.0

Unknown 2,407 11.5 0.9 ** 1,516 13.0 0.9 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE M.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Changea

M.3
Total Individuals 45,349 100.0 1.6 *** 26,516 100.0 1.5 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,043 8.9 1.3 ** 3,390 12.8 1.5 **

1-50% 8,692 19.2 1.5 *** 7,551 28.5 1.6 ***

51-100% 18,070 39.8 1.4 *** 11,019 41.6 1.3 ***

101-130% 10,815 23.8 1.7 *** 3,878 14.6 1.6 ***

131-200% 3,563 7.9 2.3 *** 616 2.3 1.4 *

Greater than 200% 166 0.4 13.9 * 62 0.2 10.2

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 23,891 52.7 1.6 *** 11,926 45.0 1.8 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,028 11.1 0.0 4,417 16.7 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 6,637 14.6 0.1 4,544 17.1 0.1

Social Security 9,861 21.7 2.3 *** 3,986 15.0 1.7 **

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,165 11.4 1.7 *** 917 3.5 0.9 *

Eligible for maximum benefit 10,126 22.3 2.1 *** 8,514 32.1 2.1 ***

Eligible for other benefit 30,058 66.3 1.4 *** 17,086 64.4 1.2 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 22,244 49.1 3.3 *** 11,268 42.5 3.6 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 10,120 22.3 4.5 *** 5,065 19.1 4.6 ***

Vehicle Assets 24,910 54.9 2.4 *** 13,168 49.7 2.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 35 0.1 3.7 22 0.1 3.9

Home Equity 12,628 27.8 4.2 *** 6,089 23.0 5.3 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,447 18.6 2.9 *** 2,797 10.6 2.0 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,261 13.8 0.3 * 3,883 14.6 0.0

Households with children 30,145 66.5 1.3 *** 19,705 74.3 1.3 ***

With preschool-age children 15,693 34.6 0.8 *** 10,821 40.8 1.0 ***

With school-age children 25,353 55.9 1.5 *** 16,475 62.1 1.6 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,229 11.5 0.4 * 2,507 9.5 0.3

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 31,131 68.6 2.0 *** 17,469 65.9 1.9 ***

Low food-security 5,674 12.5 0.2 * 3,544 13.4 0.2

Very low food-security 3,570 7.9 0.6 2,265 8.5 1.0

Unknown 4,974 11.0 1.2 ** 3,238 12.2 1.3 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE M.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

of Total (000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

M.4
Total Benefits 3,325,565 1.7 *** 160 2,468,947 1.7 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 560,463 1.3 *** 240 467,789 1.5 ** 244

1-50% 1,048,545 1.7 *** 331 913,427 1.8 *** 341

51-100% 1,243,062 1.7 *** 143 862,026 1.5 *** 167

101-130% 379,962 1.8 *** 81 193,059 1.9 *** 123

131-200% 84,570 2.8 *** 46 27,394 2.2 * 85

Greater than 200% 8,964 30.9 * 76 5,252 17.0 124

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,510,126 1.8 *** 181 979,622 1.9 *** 237

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 413,754 0.0 259 385,926 0.0 274

Supplemental Security Income 356,891 0.1 99 295,561 0.1 124

Social Security 506,066 2.3 *** 78 304,119 1.6 *** 126

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 43,128 1.7 *** 10 8,312 0.8 * 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,393,866 2.2 *** 254 1,164,333 2.1 *** 263

Eligible for other benefit 1,888,571 1.4 *** 170 1,296,302 1.3 *** 202

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,520,059 3.9 *** 146 1,036,913 4.1 *** 209

Financial assets countable under state rules 742,455 4.8 *** 156 489,435 5.1 *** 221

Vehicle Assets 1,724,288 2.7 *** 168 1,198,835 2.8 *** 234

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 2,771 5.9 * 147 2,160 5.3 188

Home Equity 828,322 5.5 *** 149 546,388 6.3 *** 234

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 456,442 3.3 *** 74 233,702 2.5 *** 111

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 383,524 0.2 * 125 295,364 0.0 156

Households with children 2,265,374 1.4 *** 265 1,786,948 1.4 *** 311

With preschool-age children 1,201,353 0.7 *** 291 974,962 0.8 *** 335

With school-age children 1,881,809 1.6 *** 277 1,476,067 1.7 *** 326

Households with noncitizens 397,090 0.5 * 221 242,750 0.4 285

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,224,425 2.2 *** 152 1,621,721 2.1 *** 210

Low food-security 414,399 0.3 * 179 311,816 0.3 * 216

Very low food-security 267,762 1.1 179 206,702 1.5 210

Unknown 418,978 1.3 ** 174 328,708 1.3 * 217

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE M.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Percent Average

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

M.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 160 0.0 *** 211 0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 967 0.0 *** 817 -0.2 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 649 0.0 *** 506 0.0 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,049 0.0 *** 924 0.1 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.0 371 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.0 495 0.0

Social Security 734 0.6 *** 602 0.6 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 55,485 3.9 *** 58,975 5.6 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 635 0.8 *** 580 1.3 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,406 1.2 *** 2,351 1.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,224 -1.9 1,386 -2.2

Home Equity 96,104 0.5 *** 86,423 0.5 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Changea

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE M.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

M.6
Total Households 14,176 4,711 1,961 9,746 1,574 363

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,525 2,848 983 2,827 1,114 196

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,394 165 37 1,286 97 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,080 390 120 2,185 170 30

Social Security 3,551 1,787 1,125 1,861 380 178

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,229 2,736 1,455 3,892 851 217

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 2,824 1,474 475 1,687 432 94

Vehicle Assets 6,236 2,731 1,304 4,070 890 174

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 11 4 3 8 2 0

Home Equity 3,210 1,433 908 1,840 383 109

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

101 - 130% 131% +

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE M.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100%

M.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 0.2 *** 81 0.0 *** 48 1.3 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 717 -0.2 *** 1,311 0.0 *** 1,650 -0.2 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 484 0.0 *** 841 0.1 *** 976 -1.2 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 763 0.1 *** 1,338 0.2 *** 1,522 -0.5 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 341 0.0 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 634 0.0 492 0.0

Social Security 576 0.0 *** 837 0.4 *** 1,069 0.4 ***

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 45,314 7.4 *** 47,389 3.0 *** 114,269 -1.6 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 568 1.0 *** 615 0.9 1,096 -2.6

Vehicle Assets 2,295 1.7 *** 2,405 0.3 *** 2,934 0.4 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,295 -2.4 * 1,199 0.1 1,022 -2.8

Home Equity 91,099 -0.2 *** 95,582 0.1 *** 114,634 2.7 **

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE M.6

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

M.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 0.1 *** 123 0.2 ** 90 1.0 *

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 671 -0.4 *** 1,351 -0.1 *** 1,646 -0.3 **

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 423 0.0 *** 739 -0.1 *** 861 -2.1 **

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 724 0.3 *** 1,323 0.2 ** 1,552 -0.4

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 353 0.0 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 -0.1 647 0.0 463 0.0

Social Security 529 0.0 ** 797 0.7 ** 953 1.1 *

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 52,333 7.5 *** 70,402 3.5 133,402 -3.3 *

Financial assets countable under state rules 550 2.5 *** 545 2.3 * 1,260 -11.0

Vehicle Assets 2,269 2.0 *** 2,666 0.4 ** 2,665 -1.8 *

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,361 -3.0 1,593 0.0 779 0.0

Home Equity 86,365 -0.3 *** 78,283 2.7 * 116,058 3.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE M.7

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

M.9
Total Households 14,210 100.0 6,637 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,037 14.3 296 4.5

1-50% 2,862 20.1 306 4.6

51-100% 5,106 35.9 3,570 53.8

101-130% 3,490 24.6 1,221 18.4

131-200% 621 4.4 1,222 18.4

Greater than 200% 96 0.7 22 0.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,519 45.9 1,838 27.7

TANF 1,455 10.2 142 2.1

SSI 948 6.7 2,642 39.8

Social Security 3,417 24.0 3,046 45.9

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,740 12.2 2,546 38.4

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,534 31.9 946 14.3

Eligible for other benefit 7,937 55.9 3,145 47.4

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 7,118 50.1 3,301 49.7

Financial assets countable under state rules 3,879 27.3 894 13.5

Vehicle Assets 6,938 48.8 3,333 50.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 8 0.1 11 0.2

Home Equity 3,365 23.7 2,185 32.9

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 3,113 21.9 3,017 45.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,444 10.2 1,630 24.6

Households with children 7,157 50.4 1,400 21.1

With preschool-age children 3,485 24.5 650 9.8

With school-age children 5,724 40.3 1,074 16.2

Households with noncitizens 1,341 9.4 456 6.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,741 68.5 4,896 73.8

Low food-security 1,622 11.4 689 10.4

Very low food-security 1,097 7.7 395 6.0

Unknown 1,751 12.3 656 9.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE M.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

M.10
Total Households 4,387 100.0 1,950 100.0 300 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 163 3.7 133 6.8 0 0.1

1-50% 135 3.1 169 8.7 2 0.6

51-100% 3,264 74.4 303 15.6 3 0.9

101-130% 686 15.6 521 26.7 13 4.4

131-200% 136 3.1 806 41.3 280 93.6

Greater than 200% 3 0.1 17 0.9 1 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 605 13.8 1,110 56.9 123 41.0

TANF 82 1.9 59 3.1 1 0.2

SSI 2,510 57.2 128 6.6 4 1.4

Social Security 2,291 52.2 572 29.3 183 61.2

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,601 36.5 682 35.0 263 87.7

Eligible for maximum benefit 623 14.2 317 16.3 5 1.8

Eligible for other benefit 2,163 49.3 950 48.7 32 10.6

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,670 38.1 1,364 69.9 268 89.4

Financial assets countable under state rules 656 14.9 234 12.0 5 1.7

Vehicle Assets 1,784 40.7 1,326 68.0 224 74.7

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 10 0.2 1 0.0 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,159 26.4 846 43.4 180 60.2

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,272 51.8 566 29.0 180 60.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,438 32.8 178 9.1 14 4.8

Households with children 490 11.2 891 45.7 19 6.5

With preschool-age children 229 5.2 415 21.3 7 2.4

With school-age children 382 8.7 676 34.7 17 5.6

Households with noncitizens 228 5.2 219 11.3 9 2.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 3,155 71.9 1,486 76.2 255 85.0

Low food-security 514 11.7 165 8.5 11 3.6

Very low food-security 307 7.0 82 4.2 6 1.9

Unknown 411 9.4 216 11.1 28 9.5

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE M.9

In 47 to 50 States

M.11
Total Households 320,043 73 208,412 107 5,714 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 32,526 199 29,179 220 32 152

1-50% 31,206 231 50,929 301 219 130

51-100% 208,509 64 60,631 200 583 211

101-130% 41,022 60 40,564 78 823 62

131-200% 6,367 47 26,786 33 3,984 14

Greater than 200% 413 128 324 19 73 60

Households with Income from

Earnings 75,395 125 113,610 102 3,027 25

TANF 12,880 157 5,625 95 61 88

SSI 132,855 53 8,772 69 55 13

Social Security 127,208 56 27,443 48 2,592 14

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 16,111 10 6,865 10 2,643 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 115,930 186 79,070 249 801 153

Eligible for other benefit 188,002 87 122,476 129 2,269 72

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 143,346 86 155,066 114 4,643 17

Financial assets countable under state rules 70,235 107 26,201 112 483 97

Vehicle Assets 163,731 92 155,330 117 3,783 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,406 144 100 104 17 114

Home Equity 93,670 81 107,173 127 2,639 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 134,276 59 31,962 56 2,549 14

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 89,420 62 10,608 60 432 30

Households with children 90,292 184 135,008 151 1,597 82

With preschool-age children 45,417 199 70,227 169 546 77

With school-age children 70,964 186 108,368 160 1,442 86

Households with noncitizens 28,009 123 33,598 153 542 62

Household Food Security

Food-secure 232,621 74 157,638 106 4,407 17

Low food-security 32,167 63 19,902 121 259 24

Very low food-security 17,413 57 7,511 91 72 12

Unknown 37,842 92 23,361 108 976 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE M.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

M.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 196 80

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 940 1,019

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 619 700

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 976 1,306

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 319

Supplemental Security Income 545 466

Social Security 767 697

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 42,725 82,999

Financial assets countable under state rules 622 695

Vehicle Assets 1,871 3,519

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,394 1,099

Home Equity 87,916 108,714

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE M.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

M.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 73 107 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 813 1,403 1,595

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 538 986 1,171

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 995 1,466 1,400

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 338 294 316

Supplemental Security Income 457 638 440

Social Security 610 908 1,118

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 15,179 107,706 380,258

Financial assets countable under state rules 576 635 19,117

Vehicle Assets 2,691 4,547 4,037

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,051 1,040 4,713

Home Equity 97,430 117,403 140,499

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE M.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

M.14
Total Households 113,969 20,847 18.3

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,333 93.3

1-50% 3,942 3,167 80.4

51-100% 9,815 8,676 88.4

101-130% 6,389 4,711 73.7

131-200% 14,601 1,843 12.6

Greater than 200% 76,722 118 0.2

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,357 9.9

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,597 89.5

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,590 75.1

Social Security 30,477 6,463 21.2

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 10,420 10.8

Financial assets countable under state rules 81,942 4,773 5.8

Vehicle Assets 82,817 10,271 12.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 4,801 19 0.4

Home Equity 66,437 5,551 8.4

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 6,131 19.0

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,074 49.6

Households with children 39,580 8,557 21.6

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,135 26.3

With school-age children 31,881 6,798 21.3

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,797 27.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 14,636 15.3

Low food-security 5,234 2,311 44.2

Very low food-security 2,903 1,493 51.4

Unknown 10,390 2,407 23.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE M.13

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

M.15
Total Households 37,223 20,729 55.7

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,333 93.3

1-50% 3,942 3,167 80.4

51-100% 9,815 8,676 88.4

101-130% 6,389 4,711 73.7

131-200% 14,577 1,842 12.6

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,309 46.5

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,592 95.2

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,585 88.1

Social Security 12,941 6,379 49.3

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 10,319 42.7

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,439 4,718 28.7

Vehicle Assets 22,032 10,197 46.3

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 495 18 3.6

Home Equity 14,125 5,505 39.0

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 6,043 48.7

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,058 77.3

Households with children 14,638 8,550 58.4

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,133 61.3

With school-age children 11,725 6,793 57.9

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,789 60.9

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,536 51.9

Low food-security 3,233 2,299 71.1

Very low food-security 1,994 1,487 74.6

Unknown 3,996 2,407 60.2

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

TABLE M.14

Simulated Change: Exclude Assets in Retirement Accounts from Countable Assets

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED 

(000s) (000s) Percent

M.16
APPENDIX N 

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO EXCLUDE ALL VEHICLES FROM 

COUNTABLE ASSETS IN THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 20,545 100.0 0.3 *** 11,533 100.0 0.3 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,309 11.2 0.3 *** 1,894 16.4 0.4 ***

1-50% 3,105 15.1 0.4 *** 2,618 22.7 0.4 ***

51-100% 8,591 41.8 0.2 *** 5,114 44.3 0.1 ***

101-130% 4,641 22.6 0.3 *** 1,555 13.5 0.5 **

131-200% 1,792 8.7 0.2 ** 313 2.7 0.1

Greater than 200% 107 0.5 2.1 40 0.3 0.7

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,260 40.2 0.3 *** 4,085 35.4 0.3 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,597 7.8 0.0 1,407 12.2 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 3,590 17.5 0.0 2,384 20.7 0.0

Social Security 6,333 30.8 0.1 *** 2,390 20.7 0.1 **

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,217 20.5 0.1 * 820 7.1 0.0

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,367 26.1 0.4 *** 4,346 37.7 0.4 ***

Eligible for other benefit 10,961 53.4 0.3 *** 6,367 55.2 0.2 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 10,107 49.2 0.4 *** 4,804 41.7 0.6 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,576 22.3 0.6 *** 2,116 18.3 1.0 ***

Vehicle Assets 10,042 48.9 0.5 *** 5,025 43.6 0.7 ***

Home Equity 5,355 26.1 0.7 *** 2,229 19.3 1.0 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 5,977 29.1 0.3 *** 2,081 18.0 0.4 **

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,068 14.9 0.0 * 1,899 16.5 0.0

Households with children 8,479 41.3 0.3 *** 5,686 49.3 0.3 ***

With preschool-age children 4,120 20.1 0.3 *** 2,901 25.2 0.3 ***

With school-age children 6,717 32.7 0.2 *** 4,478 38.8 0.3 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,795 8.7 0.2 850 7.4 0.1

Household Food Security

Food-secure 14,363 69.9 0.3 *** 7,606 66.0 0.3 ***

Low food-security 2,303 11.2 0.1 ** 1,439 12.5 0.1 *

Very low food-security 1,485 7.2 0.1 979 8.5 0.2

Unknown 2,394 11.7 0.4 ** 1,508 13.1 0.4 **

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE N.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Changea

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

N.3
Total Individuals 44,771 100.0 0.3 *** 26,210 100.0 0.3 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,007 9.0 0.4 ** 3,355 12.8 0.4 **

1-50% 8,595 19.2 0.3 *** 7,460 28.5 0.4 ***

51-100% 17,861 39.9 0.2 *** 10,897 41.6 0.2 ***

101-130% 10,668 23.8 0.4 *** 3,834 14.6 0.5 **

131-200% 3,489 7.8 0.2 ** 607 2.3 0.1

Greater than 200% 150 0.3 2.8 57 0.2 0.5

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 23,581 52.7 0.3 *** 11,747 44.8 0.2 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,028 11.2 0.0 4,417 16.9 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 6,635 14.8 0.0 4,542 17.3 0.1

Social Security 9,656 21.6 0.2 *** 3,923 15.0 0.1 **

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,085 11.4 0.1 * 909 3.5 0.1

Eligible for maximum benefit 9,959 22.2 0.5 *** 8,384 32.0 0.5 ***

Eligible for other benefit 29,727 66.4 0.3 *** 16,917 64.5 0.2 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 21,641 48.3 0.5 *** 10,946 41.8 0.6 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 9,759 21.8 0.7 *** 4,893 18.7 1.0 ***

Vehicle Assets 24,459 54.6 0.5 *** 12,932 49.3 0.7 ***

Home Equity 12,219 27.3 0.8 *** 5,844 22.3 1.1 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,239 18.4 0.3 *** 2,753 10.5 0.4 **

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,248 14.0 0.0 3,885 14.8 0.0

Households with children 29,843 66.7 0.3 *** 19,509 74.4 0.3 ***

With preschool-age children 15,611 34.9 0.3 *** 10,749 41.0 0.3 ***

With school-age children 25,052 56.0 0.3 *** 16,267 62.1 0.3 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,218 11.7 0.2 2,503 9.5 0.2

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 30,621 68.4 0.3 *** 17,215 65.7 0.4 ***

Low food-security 5,666 12.7 0.1 ** 3,540 13.5 0.1

Very low food-security 3,552 7.9 0.1 2,247 8.6 0.2

Unknown 4,932 11.0 0.3 ** 3,208 12.2 0.4 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

TABLE N.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

of Total (000s) of Total

N.4
Total Benefits 3,280,256 0.3 *** 160 2,437,032 0.4 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 555,364 0.4 *** 241 462,908 0.4 *** 244

1-50% 1,034,962 0.4 *** 333 900,576 0.4 *** 344

51-100% 1,225,365 0.3 *** 143 851,356 0.2 *** 166

101-130% 375,280 0.6 *** 81 190,854 0.8 ** 123

131-200% 82,381 0.1 ** 46 26,816 0.0 86

Greater than 200% 6,905 0.8 64 4,523 0.7 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,487,403 0.3 *** 180 964,215 0.3 *** 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 413,755 0.0 259 385,927 0.0 274

Supplemental Security Income 356,707 0.1 99 295,376 0.1 124

Social Security 495,268 0.1 *** 78 299,570 0.1 ** 125

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 42,441 0.1 * 10 8,250 0.0 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,369,976 0.4 *** 255 1,145,889 0.5 *** 264

Eligible for other benefit 1,867,839 0.3 *** 170 1,282,893 0.3 *** 201

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,472,812 0.6 *** 146 1,003,284 0.7 *** 209

Financial assets countable under state rules 714,725 0.9 *** 156 471,474 1.2 *** 223

Vehicle Assets 1,689,697 0.7 *** 168 1,175,123 0.8 *** 234

Home Equity 793,246 1.0 *** 148 520,787 1.3 *** 234

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 443,948 0.4 *** 74 229,356 0.6 ** 110

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 382,973 0.1 * 125 295,523 0.1 156

Households with children 2,243,143 0.4 *** 265 1,768,832 0.4 *** 311

With preschool-age children 1,196,655 0.3 *** 290 970,489 0.3 *** 335

With school-age children 1,857,983 0.3 *** 277 1,456,347 0.3 *** 325

Households with noncitizens 395,576 0.1 220 242,310 0.2 285

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,185,866 0.4 *** 152 1,595,397 0.4 *** 210

Low food-security 413,907 0.1 ** 180 311,422 0.1 * 216

Very low food-security 265,285 0.2 179 204,225 0.2 209

Unknown 415,198 0.4 ** 173 325,988 0.4 ** 216

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

TABLE N.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Percent Average

N.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 160 0.1 *** 211 0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 967 0.0 *** 818 0.0 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 648 0.0 *** 506 0.0 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,049 0.0 *** 923 0.0 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.0 371 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.0 495 0.0

Social Security 730 0.0 *** 598 0.0 **

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 54,079 1.3 *** 57,152 2.3 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 632 0.2 *** 575 0.5 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,457 3.3 *** 2,419 4.5 ***

Home Equity 96,004 0.4 *** 86,530 0.6 ***

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE N.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

N.6
Total Households 14,005 4,641 1,899 9,625 1,555 352

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,464 2,823 973 2,787 1,106 192

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,394 165 37 1,286 97 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,080 390 120 2,184 170 30

Social Security 3,517 1,741 1,075 1,853 369 168

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,050 2,666 1,391 3,766 832 206

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 2,712 1,431 433 1,611 419 86

Vehicle Assets 6,113 2,679 1,250 3,988 874 163

Home Equity 3,099 1,395 861 1,756 373 100

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE N.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

N.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 0.1 *** 81 0.2 *** 47 -0.1 **

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 718 0.0 *** 1,311 0.0 *** 1,654 0.0 *

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 484 0.0 *** 840 0.0 *** 987 0.0 **

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 762 0.0 *** 1,336 0.0 *** 1,532 0.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 341 0.0 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 634 0.0 492 0.0

Social Security 576 0.0 ** 835 0.0 1,063 -0.1 **

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 43,220 2.4 *** 46,422 0.9 115,992 -0.1 *

Financial assets countable under state rules 564 0.2 *** 613 0.5 ** 1,124 -0.2 *

Vehicle Assets 2,339 3.6 *** 2,477 3.3 *** 2,990 2.3 *

Home Equity 91,657 0.4 *** 95,747 0.2 ** 112,075 0.4 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE N.6

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

N.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 0.1 *** 123 0.2 ** 89 0.0

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 673 -0.1 *** 1,352 0.0 ** 1,651 0.0

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 423 0.0 *** 739 -0.1 ** 879 0.0

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 722 0.0 *** 1,320 0.0 ** 1,559 0.0

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 353 0.0 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 647 0.0 463 0.0

Social Security 529 0.0 792 0.0 943 0.0

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 50,126 3.0 *** 69,055 1.5 137,568 -0.2

Financial assets countable under state rules 539 0.3 *** 542 1.6 1,414 -0.1

Vehicle Assets 2,327 4.6 *** 2,781 4.8 ** 2,742 1.1

Home Equity 87,277 0.8 *** 76,202 -0.1 * 112,082 -0.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE N.7

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

N.9
Total Households 14,310 100.0 6,234 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,078 14.5 230 3.7

1-50% 2,875 20.1 230 3.7

51-100% 5,165 36.1 3,427 55.0

101-130% 3,507 24.5 1,134 18.2

131-200% 595 4.2 1,197 19.2

Greater than 200% 91 0.6 16 0.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,593 46.1 1,667 26.7

TANF 1,464 10.2 133 2.1

SSI 953 6.7 2,637 42.3

Social Security 3,391 23.7 2,941 47.2

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,721 12.0 2,496 40.0

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,567 31.9 800 12.8

Eligible for other benefit 8,022 56.1 2,938 47.1

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 7,101 49.6 3,006 48.2

Financial assets countable under state rules 3,888 27.2 688 11.0

Vehicle Assets 7,112 49.7 2,930 47.0

Home Equity 3,381 23.6 1,974 31.7

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 3,069 21.4 2,908 46.6

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,475 10.3 1,594 25.6

Households with children 7,263 50.8 1,216 19.5

With preschool-age children 3,562 24.9 558 8.9

With school-age children 5,785 40.4 932 14.9

Households with noncitizens 1,375 9.6 420 6.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,775 68.3 4,589 73.6

Low food-security 1,659 11.6 644 10.3

Very low food-security 1,096 7.7 389 6.2

Unknown 1,781 12.4 613 9.8

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE N.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

N.10
Total Households 4,073 100.0 1,856 100.0 306 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 114 2.8 117 6.3 0 0.1

1-50% 76 1.9 152 8.2 1 0.5

51-100% 3,139 77.1 284 15.3 3 0.9

101-130% 623 15.3 498 26.8 13 4.4

131-200% 120 3.0 790 42.6 287 93.8

Greater than 200% 0 0.0 15 0.8 1 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 479 11.8 1,063 57.3 124 40.6

TANF 74 1.8 58 3.1 1 0.2

SSI 2,505 61.5 128 6.9 4 1.3

Social Security 2,197 53.9 557 30.0 187 61.3

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,558 38.3 671 36.1 267 87.3

Eligible for maximum benefit 506 12.4 289 15.6 5 1.6

Eligible for other benefit 2,009 49.3 896 48.3 34 11.1

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,436 35.2 1,296 69.9 274 89.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 495 12.1 189 10.2 5 1.5

Vehicle Assets 1,471 36.1 1,229 66.2 230 75.1

Home Equity 1,018 25.0 771 41.6 185 60.6

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,181 53.6 542 29.2 185 60.4

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,403 34.5 176 9.5 14 4.7

Households with children 359 8.8 838 45.1 19 6.3

With preschool-age children 168 4.1 383 20.6 7 2.3

With school-age children 271 6.6 645 34.8 17 5.4

Households with noncitizens 204 5.0 208 11.2 9 2.8

Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,912 71.5 1,417 76.4 260 84.9

Low food-security 478 11.7 155 8.3 11 3.6

Very low food-security 306 7.5 77 4.1 6 2.1

Unknown 377 9.3 207 11.2 29 9.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE N.9

In 47 to 50 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

N.11
Total Households 258,446 63 185,966 100 5,904 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 18,821 165 23,115 198 32 152

1-50% 14,808 194 42,662 281 181 126

51-100% 184,146 59 56,179 198 583 211

101-130% 35,625 57 37,268 75 817 61

131-200% 5,043 42 26,476 34 4,214 15

Greater than 200% 1 10 266 18 77 63

Households with Income from

Earnings 48,312 101 104,986 99 3,054 25

TANF 9,703 130 4,894 85 61 88

SSI 132,360 53 8,676 68 55 13

Social Security 115,849 53 27,564 49 2,744 15

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 15,684 10 6,749 10 2,686 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 83,765 166 67,747 234 770 153

Eligible for other benefit 158,996 79 111,470 124 2,448 72

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 94,766 66 138,976 107 4,835 18

Financial assets countable under state rules 39,649 80 15,022 80 441 96

Vehicle Assets 102,367 70 131,862 107 3,968 17

Home Equity 60,497 59 90,484 117 2,797 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 123,083 56 30,101 56 2,713 15

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 81,474 58 10,684 61 431 30

Households with children 51,091 142 116,212 139 1,586 82

With preschool-age children 24,381 145 60,022 157 541 77

With school-age children 38,471 142 96,699 150 1,432 86

Households with noncitizens 21,797 107 30,366 146 542 62

Household Food Security

Food-secure 184,746 63 140,411 99 4,568 18

Low food-security 25,777 54 17,019 110 260 24

Very low food-security 17,602 57 6,347 83 95 15

Unknown 30,320 80 22,189 107 981 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE N.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

N.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 198 72

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 938 1,024

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 617 705

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 975 1,344

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 317

Supplemental Security Income 546 465

Social Security 763 691

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 43,017 80,208

Financial assets countable under state rules 624 676

Vehicle Assets 2,417 2,553

Home Equity 89,406 107,302

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE N.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

N.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 63 100 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 807 1,417 1,590

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 536 1,001 1,161

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,035 1,476 1,401

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 337 293 316

Supplemental Security Income 457 638 440

Social Security 599 909 1,119

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 5,367 101,229 372,726

Financial assets countable under state rules 488 590 24,359

Vehicle Assets 1,555 3,486 3,952

Home Equity 95,144 116,013 137,813

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE N.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

N.14
Total Households 113,969 20,545 18.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,309 92.3

1-50% 3,942 3,105 78.8

51-100% 9,815 8,591 87.5

101-130% 6,389 4,641 72.6

131-200% 14,601 1,792 12.3

Greater than 200% 76,722 107 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,260 9.8

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,597 89.5

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,590 75.1

Social Security 30,477 6,333 20.8

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 10,107 10.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,700 4,576 5.5

Vehicle Assets 82,817 10,042 12.1

Home Equity 66,437 5,355 8.1

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 5,977 18.6

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,068 49.5

Households with children 39,580 8,479 21.4

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,120 26.2

With school-age children 31,881 6,717 21.1

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,795 27.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 14,363 15.0

Low food-security 5,234 2,303 44.0

Very low food-security 2,903 1,485 51.2

Unknown 10,390 2,394 23.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE N.13

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP 

RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

N.15
Total Households 37,223 20,437 54.9

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,309 92.3

1-50% 3,942 3,105 78.8

51-100% 9,815 8,591 87.5

101-130% 6,389 4,641 72.6

131-200% 14,577 1,791 12.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,214 46.0

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,592 95.2

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,585 88.1

Social Security 12,941 6,258 48.4

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 10,019 41.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,644 4,529 27.2

Vehicle Assets 22,032 9,978 45.3

Home Equity 14,125 5,320 37.7

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 5,899 47.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,053 77.2

Households with children 14,638 8,473 57.9

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,118 61.0

With school-age children 11,725 6,712 57.2

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,785 60.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,273 51.0

Low food-security 3,233 2,291 70.9

Very low food-security 1,994 1,480 74.2

Unknown 3,996 2,393 59.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE N.14

 Simulated Change: Exclude All Vehicles From Countable Assets

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

N.16
APPENDIX O 

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO EXCLUDE ONE VEHICLE PER DRIVER 

FROM COUNTABLE ASSETS FOR STATES WITH LESS GENEROUS RULES IN 

THE MATH SIPP+ MODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 20,520 100.0 0.1 *** 11,514 100.0 0.1 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,306 11.2 0.2 ** 1,891 16.4 0.2 **

1-50% 3,098 15.1 0.2 *** 2,612 22.7 0.2 ***

51-100% 8,588 41.9 0.1 *** 5,110 44.4 0.1 ***

101-130% 4,632 22.6 0.1 ** 1,549 13.5 0.1 **

131-200% 1,789 8.7 0.0 * 312 2.7 0.0

Greater than 200% 107 0.5 2.1 40 0.3 0.7

Households with Income from

Earnings 8,249 40.2 0.2 *** 4,078 35.4 0.1 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,597 7.8 0.0 1,407 12.2 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 3,590 17.5 0.0 2,384 20.7 0.0

Social Security 6,330 30.8 0.1 ** 2,390 20.8 0.1 **

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 4,215 20.5 0.1 820 7.1 0.0

Eligible for maximum benefit 5,356 26.1 0.2 *** 4,336 37.7 0.2 ***

Eligible for other benefit 10,948 53.4 0.1 *** 6,358 55.2 0.1 ***

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 10,086 49.2 0.2 *** 4,789 41.6 0.3 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 4,563 22.2 0.3 *** 2,107 18.3 0.5 ***

Vehicle Assets 10,017 48.8 0.3 *** 5,006 43.5 0.3 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 9 0.0 -51.3 *** 8 0.1 -28.5 ***

Home Equity 5,337 26.0 0.4 *** 2,216 19.2 0.4 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 5,968 29.1 0.1 *** 2,075 18.0 0.1 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,068 15.0 0.0 * 1,899 16.5 0.0

Households with children 8,469 41.3 0.2 *** 5,678 49.3 0.2 ***

With preschool-age children 4,114 20.1 0.2 *** 2,898 25.2 0.2 ***

With school-age children 6,710 32.7 0.1 *** 4,471 38.8 0.1 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,795 8.7 0.2 850 7.4 0.1

Household Food Security

Food-secure 14,346 69.9 0.1 *** 7,595 66.0 0.2 ***

Low food-security 2,303 11.2 0.1 ** 1,439 12.5 0.1 *

Very low food-security 1,484 7.2 0.0 978 8.5 0.1

Unknown 2,388 11.6 0.1 * 1,503 13.0 0.1 *

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent Number Percent

(000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.1)

TABLE O.1

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets 

Changea

O.3
Total Individuals 44,712 100.0 0.2 *** 26,167 100.0 0.2 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 4,004 9.0 0.3 ** 3,353 12.8 0.4 **

1-50% 8,582 19.2 0.2 ** 7,446 28.5 0.2 **

51-100% 17,848 39.9 0.1 *** 10,884 41.6 0.1 ***

101-130% 10,644 23.8 0.1 *** 3,820 14.6 0.1 **

131-200% 3,484 7.8 0.0 * 607 2.3 0.0

Greater than 200% 150 0.3 2.8 57 0.2 0.5

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 23,555 52.7 0.2 *** 11,732 44.8 0.1 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 5,028 11.2 0.0 4,417 16.9 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 6,635 14.8 0.0 4,542 17.4 0.1

Social Security 9,651 21.6 0.1 ** 3,922 15.0 0.1 *

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 5,082 11.4 0.1 909 3.5 0.0

Eligible for maximum benefit 9,941 22.2 0.3 *** 8,367 32.0 0.3 ***

Eligible for other benefit 29,689 66.4 0.1 *** 16,891 64.6 0.1 ***

Individuals in Households with Assets

Financial Assets 21,592 48.3 0.3 *** 10,912 41.7 0.3 ***

Financial assets countable under state rules 9,730 21.8 0.4 *** 4,876 18.6 0.7 ***

Vehicle Assets 24,400 54.6 0.3 *** 12,888 49.3 0.3 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 10 0.0 -70.4 *** 9 0.0 -57.4 **

Home Equity 12,175 27.2 0.4 *** 5,810 22.2 0.5 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 8,227 18.4 0.2 ** 2,745 10.5 0.1 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,248 14.0 0.0 3,885 14.8 0.0

Households with children 29,804 66.7 0.2 *** 19,480 74.4 0.2 ***

With preschool-age children 15,590 34.9 0.2 *** 10,738 41.0 0.2 ***

With school-age children 25,020 56.0 0.1 *** 16,242 62.1 0.1 ***

Households with noncitizens 5,218 11.7 0.2 2,503 9.6 0.2

Individuals by Household Food Security

Food-secure 30,577 68.4 0.2 *** 17,186 65.7 0.2 ***

Low food-security 5,666 12.7 0.1 ** 3,540 13.5 0.1

Very low food-security 3,549 7.9 0.1 2,244 8.6 0.1

Unknown 4,920 11.0 0.1 * 3,196 12.2 0.0 **

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE O.2

Changea

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Individuals in Households Eligible under Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

of Total (000s) of Total

Percent

a

 Percent change from number eligible and number participating under current FSP rules (see Table D.2)

(000s)

Number Percent Percent

Changea

Number Percent

O.4
Total Benefits 3,275,197 0.2 *** 160 2,432,534 0.2 *** 211

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 554,852 0.3 ** 241 462,533 0.4 ** 245

1-50% 1,033,177 0.2 *** 333 898,823 0.2 *** 344

51-100% 1,224,101 0.2 *** 143 850,103 0.1 *** 166

101-130% 373,826 0.2 ** 81 189,738 0.2 ** 122

131-200% 82,336 0.1 * 46 26,813 0.0 86

Greater than 200% 6,905 0.8 64 4,523 0.7 114

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 1,485,837 0.2 *** 180 963,039 0.1 *** 236

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 413,754 0.0 259 385,926 0.0 274

Supplemental Security Income 356,706 0.1 99 295,375 0.1 124

Social Security 495,195 0.1 ** 78 299,526 0.1 ** 125

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 42,425 0.1 10 8,248 0.0 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 1,367,361 0.2 *** 255 1,143,442 0.3 *** 264

Eligible for other benefit 1,865,412 0.1 *** 170 1,280,844 0.1 *** 201

Benefits for Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,468,851 0.4 *** 146 999,881 0.4 *** 209

Financial assets countable under state rules 712,426 0.6 *** 156 469,592 0.8 *** 223

Vehicle Assets 1,684,638 0.4 *** 168 1,170,625 0.4 *** 234

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 964 -63.2 *** 108 875 -57.3 *** 109

Home Equity 789,549 0.6 *** 148 517,401 0.6 *** 234

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 442,731 0.2 *** 74 228,306 0.1 *** 110

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 382,973 0.1 * 125 295,523 0.1 156

Households with children 2,239,969 0.2 *** 264 1,766,002 0.2 *** 311

With preschool-age children 1,195,247 0.2 *** 291 969,424 0.2 *** 335

With school-age children 1,855,313 0.2 *** 277 1,453,892 0.2 *** 325

Households with noncitizens 395,576 0.1 220 242,310 0.2 285

Benefits by Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,182,426 0.2 *** 152 1,592,516 0.2 *** 210

Low food-security 413,907 0.1 ** 180 311,422 0.1 * 216

Very low food-security 264,910 0.1 179 203,851 0.1 208

Unknown 413,954 0.1 * 173 324,746 0.0 * 216

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE O.3

Benefit 

All Eligible Households Participating Households

Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Percent Average

a

 Percent change from benefits for eligible households and participating households under current FSP rules (see Table D.3)

Changea Changea

Total 

($000s)

Total 

($000s) Benefit 

Percent Average

O.5
Potential Monthly Benefit 160 0.1 *** 211 0.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 967 0.0 *** 818 0.0 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 648 0.0 *** 506 0.0 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,049 0.0 *** 923 0.0 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 367 0.0 371 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 487 0.0 495 0.0

Social Security 729 0.0 ** 598 0.0 *

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 53,708 0.6 ** 56,434 1.0 **

Financial assets countable under state rules 632 0.1 *** 573 0.1 ***

Vehicle Assets 2,416 1.6 *** 2,351 1.5 ***

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,648 32.1 *** 1,644 16.0 **

Home Equity 95,969 0.3 *** 86,569 0.6 **

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Percent

Changea

Average Value for Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE O.4

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.4)

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

All Eligible 

Households

Participating 

Households

Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Percent

Changea

O.6
Total Households 13,991 4,632 1,896 9,613 1,549 352

Households with Income from 

Earnings 4,461 2,816 972 2,785 1,100 192

Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families 1,394 165 37 1,286 97 25

Supplemental Security Income 3,080 390 120 2,184 170 30

Social Security 3,517 1,741 1,072 1,853 369 168

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 6,041 2,657 1,388 3,758 826 206

Financial assets countable under 

state rules 2,706 1,424 432 1,606 414 86

Vehicle Assets 6,099 2,670 1,247 3,976 867 163

Vehicle assets countable under 

state rules 6 3 0 6 2 0

Home Equity 3,089 1,390 858 1,747 369 99

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE O.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Participating Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Number of Households Eligible under Simulated Change (000s)

All Eligible Households by Gross 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

O.7
Potential Monthly Benefit 201 0.1 *** 81 0.1 ** 47 0.0 *

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 718 0.0 *** 1,311 0.0 *** 1,654 0.0

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 484 0.0 *** 840 0.0 ** 987 0.0

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 763 0.0 *** 1,336 0.0 ** 1,532 0.1

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 371 0.0 341 0.0 325 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 468 0.0 634 0.0 492 0.0

Social Security 576 0.0 ** 835 0.0 1,062 -0.1 **

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 42,700 1.2 ** 46,132 0.3 ** 116,108 0.0

Financial assets countable under state rules 563 0.2 *** 611 0.2 1,126 0.0 *

Vehicle Assets 2,296 1.7 *** 2,431 1.4 ** 2,967 1.5

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,661 25.2 *** 1,609 34.4 *** 1,722 63.8 ***

Home Equity 91,631 0.4 *** 95,742 0.2 111,955 0.3

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

101 - 130%

All Eligible Households

131% +

Average Values among All Eligible Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

TABLE O.6

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

O.8
Potential Monthly Benefit 230 0.1 *** 122 0.1 ** 89 0.0

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 673 0.0 *** 1,352 0.0 ** 1,651 0.0

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 423 0.0 *** 740 0.0 * 878 0.0

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 722 0.0 *** 1,321 0.0 * 1,559 0.0

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 373 0.0 353 0.0 319 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 484 0.0 647 0.0 463 0.0

Social Security 529 0.0 792 0.0 942 0.0

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset 

Type

Financial Assets 49,407 1.5 * 68,171 0.2 137,730 -0.1

Financial assets countable under state rules 538 0.2 *** 534 0.3 * 1,414 -0.1

Vehicle Assets 2,264 1.7 *** 2,680 1.0 ** 2,724 0.4

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,660 18.3 * 1,608 1.0 * 0 -100.0

Home Equity 87,253 0.8 ** 76,387 0.2 112,357 0.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE O.7

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

101 - 130%

Participating Households

131% +

Average Values among Participating Households under Simulated 

Change

0 - 100%

a Percent change from average values under current FSP rules (see Table D.7)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

O.9
Total Households 14,248 100.0 6,272 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,068 14.5 237 3.8

1-50% 2,860 20.1 239 3.8

51-100% 5,155 36.2 3,433 54.7

101-130% 3,483 24.4 1,149 18.3

131-200% 591 4.1 1,198 19.1

Greater than 200% 91 0.6 16 0.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 6,569 46.1 1,680 26.8

TANF 1,464 10.3 133 2.1

SSI 953 6.7 2,637 42.0

Social Security 3,388 23.8 2,943 46.9

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,721 12.1 2,494 39.8

Eligible for maximum benefit 4,538 31.8 818 13.0

Eligible for other benefit 7,989 56.1 2,959 47.2

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 7,051 49.5 3,035 48.4

Financial assets countable under state rules 3,852 27.0 710 11.3

Vehicle Assets 7,050 49.5 2,967 47.3

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 9 0.1 0 0.0

Home Equity 3,339 23.4 1,998 31.9

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 3,048 21.4 2,920 46.6

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,475 10.3 1,594 25.4

Households with children 7,238 50.8 1,232 19.6

With preschool-age children 3,543 24.9 571 9.1

With school-age children 5,769 40.5 941 15.0

Households with noncitizens 1,375 9.6 420 6.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 9,732 68.3 4,614 73.6

Low food-security 1,659 11.6 644 10.3

Very low food-security 1,092 7.7 392 6.2

Unknown 1,766 12.4 622 9.9

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Eligible under All 

State Rules

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO 

FSP RULES BY NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

TABLE O.8

Households Eligible under Simulated Change

Eligible under Some 

But Not All State 

Rules

O.10
Total Households 4,073 100.0 1,892 100.0 306 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 114 2.8 123 6.5 0 0.1

1-50% 76 1.9 161 8.5 1 0.5

51-100% 3,139 77.1 290 15.4 3 0.9

101-130% 623 15.3 513 27.1 13 4.4

131-200% 120 3.0 790 41.8 287 93.8

Greater than 200% 0 0.0 15 0.8 1 0.4

Households with Income from

Earnings 479 11.8 1,077 56.9 124 40.5

TANF 74 1.8 58 3.1 1 0.2

SSI 2,505 61.5 128 6.8 4 1.3

Social Security 2,197 53.9 558 29.5 188 61.4

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 1,558 38.3 668 35.3 267 87.3

Eligible for maximum benefit 506 12.4 307 16.2 5 1.6

Eligible for other benefit 2,009 49.3 917 48.4 34 11.1

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 1,436 35.2 1,325 70.0 274 89.6

Financial assets countable under state rules 495 12.1 211 11.1 5 1.5

Vehicle Assets 1,471 36.1 1,265 66.9 230 75.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Home Equity 1,018 25.0 795 42.0 186 60.7

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,181 53.6 554 29.3 185 60.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 1,403 34.5 176 9.3 14 4.7

Households with children 359 8.8 853 45.1 19 6.3

With preschool-age children 168 4.1 396 20.9 7 2.3

With school-age children 271 6.6 654 34.5 17 5.4

Households with noncitizens 204 5.0 208 11.0 9 2.8

Household Food Security

Food-secure 2,912 71.5 1,442 76.2 260 85.0

Low food-security 478 11.7 155 8.2 11 3.6

Very low food-security 306 7.5 79 4.2 6 2.0

Unknown 377 9.3 216 11.4 29 9.4

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

Households Eligible under Simulated Change in Some But Not All 

States

In 6 to 46 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

In 1 to 5 States

Number 

(000s)

Percent 

of Total

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME 

BUT NOT ALL STATES

TABLE O.9

In 47 to 50 States

O.11
Total Households 258,446 63 193,873 102 5,909 19

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 18,821 165 24,148 196 32 152

1-50% 14,808 194 45,460 283 181 126

51-100% 184,146 59 58,202 200 583 211

101-130% 35,625 57 39,312 77 817 61

131-200% 5,043 42 26,486 34 4,219 15

Greater than 200% 1 10 266 18 77 63

Households with Income from

Earnings 48,312 101 106,394 99 3,053 25

TANF 9,703 130 4,978 86 61 88

SSI 132,360 53 8,676 68 55 13

Social Security 115,849 53 27,550 49 2,751 15

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 15,684 10 6,727 10 2,691 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 83,765 166 72,321 235 770 153

Eligible for other benefit 158,996 79 114,825 125 2,448 72

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 94,766 66 144,360 109 4,838 18

Financial assets countable under state rules 39,649 80 19,012 90 441 96

Vehicle Assets 102,367 70 139,769 110 3,973 17

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 0 0 47 145 1 49

Home Equity 60,497 59 95,788 121 2,802 15

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 123,083 56 32,120 58 2,720 15

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 81,474 58 10,684 61 431 30

Households with children 51,091 142 121,003 142 1,586 82

With preschool-age children 24,381 145 63,141 159 541 77

With school-age children 38,471 142 100,071 153 1,432 86

Households with noncitizens 21,797 107 30,366 146 542 62

Household Food Security

Food-secure 184,746 63 145,731 101 4,575 18

Low food-security 25,777 54 17,019 110 260 24

Very low food-security 17,602 57 7,057 89 95 15

Unknown 30,320 80 24,066 111 979 34

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

Total 

($000)

Average 

Benefit 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE IN SOME BUT NOT 

ALL STATES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Potential Benefits for Households Eligible under Simulated Change 

in Some But Not All States

TABLE O.10

In 47 to 50 States In 6 to 46 States In 1 to 5 States

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

O.12
Potential Monthly Benefit 198 73

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 938 1,023

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 617 704

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 974 1,342

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 372 317

Supplemental Security Income 546 465

Social Security 763 691

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 41,631 81,762

Financial assets countable under state rules 623 680

Vehicle Assets 2,279 2,742

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,649 1,621

Home Equity 89,467 106,832

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Households Eligible 

under All State Rules

TABLE O.11

Average among Households by State 

Eligibility under Simulated Change ($)

Households Eligible 

under Some But Not 

All State Rules

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE 

ASSETS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH HOUSEHOLD WAS ELIGIBLE

O.13
Potential Monthly Benefit 63 102 19

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 807 1,409 1,590

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 536 996 1,162

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 1,035 1,471 1,400

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 337 293 316

Supplemental Security Income 457 638 440

Social Security 599 910 1,119

Amount of Assets among Households with Asset Type

Financial Assets 5,367 104,291 372,536

Financial assets countable under state rules 488 612 24,359

Vehicle Assets 1,555 3,897 3,973

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 0 1,535 3,725

Home Equity 95,144 114,504 138,023

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Eligible in 1 

to 5 States

TABLE O.12

Eligible in 47 

to 50 States

Average among Households Eligible under 

Simulated Change in Some But Not All States ($)

Eligible in 6 

to 46 States

AVERAGE POTENTIAL MONTHLY BENEFIT, AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME, AND AVERAGE ASSETS OF 

HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES IN SOME BUT NOT ALL STATES

O.14
Total Households 113,969 20,520 18.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,306 92.2

1-50% 3,942 3,098 78.6

51-100% 9,815 8,588 87.5

101-130% 6,389 4,632 72.5

131-200% 14,601 1,789 12.3

Greater than 200% 76,722 107 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 84,522 8,249 9.8

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,784 1,597 89.5

Supplemental Security Income 4,780 3,590 75.1

Social Security 30,477 6,330 20.8

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 96,091 10,086 10.5

Financial assets countable under state rules 82,706 4,563 5.5

Vehicle Assets 82,817 10,017 12.1

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 1,357 9 0.7

Home Equity 66,437 5,337 8.0

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 32,187 5,968 18.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 6,197 3,068 49.5

Households with children 39,580 8,469 21.4

With preschool-age children 15,751 4,114 26.1

With school-age children 31,881 6,710 21.0

Households with noncitizens 6,485 1,795 27.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 95,441 14,346 15.0

Low food-security 5,234 2,303 44.0

Very low food-security 2,903 1,484 51.1

Unknown 10,390 2,388 23.0

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP 

RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE O.13

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

All Households

O.15
Total Households 37,223 20,412 54.8

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 2,500 2,306 92.2

1-50% 3,942 3,098 78.6

51-100% 9,815 8,588 87.5

101-130% 6,389 4,632 72.5

131-200% 14,577 1,788 12.3

Households with Income from

Earnings 17,865 8,203 45.9

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,672 1,592 95.2

Supplemental Security Income 4,070 3,585 88.1

Social Security 12,941 6,256 48.3

Households with Assets

Financial Assets 24,154 9,998 41.4

Financial assets countable under state rules 16,650 4,516 27.1

Vehicle Assets 22,032 9,953 45.2

Vehicle assets countable under state rules 157 9 5.7

Home Equity 14,125 5,302 37.5

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 12,411 5,890 47.5

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 3,956 3,053 77.2

Households with children 14,638 8,462 57.8

With preschool-age children 6,748 4,112 60.9

With school-age children 11,725 6,704 57.2

Households with noncitizens 2,939 1,785 60.7

Household Food Security

Food-secure 28,000 14,255 50.9

Low food-security 3,233 2,291 70.9

Very low food-security 1,994 1,479 74.2

Unknown 3,996 2,387 59.7

Source: 2006 Baseline of 2002 MATH SIPP+ model, September 2007 update

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 200 PERCENT OF POVERTY 

ELIGIBLE UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

(000s) (000s) Percent

TABLE O.14

 Simulated Change: Exclude One Vehicle Per Driver From Countable Assets

Number Number Row

Households Eligible 

under Simulated Change

Households with Gross Income below 200 

Percent of Poverty

O.16
APPENDIX P

BASELINE TABULATIONS IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2006 QC MINIMODEL 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 11,315 100.0

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 1,581 14.0

1-50% 2,809 24.8

51-100% 5,457 48.2

101-130% 1,232 10.9

131-200% 223 2.0

Greater than 200% 14 0.1

Households with Income from

Earnings 3,364 29.7

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,472 13.0

Supplemental Security Income 3,029 26.8

Social Security 2,730 24.1

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 702 6.2

Eligible for maximum benefit 3,627 32.1

Eligible for other benefit 6,985 61.7

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,024 17.9

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 2,619 23.1

Households with children 5,906 52.2

With preschool-age children 3,115 27.5

With school-age children 4,513 39.9

Households with noncitizens 690 6.1

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

TABLE P.1

Participating Households

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006

P.3
Total Individuals 25,595 100.0

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a Percentage 

of Poverty Level

No income 2,831 11.1

1-50% 7,688 30.0

51-100% 11,508 45.0

101-130% 3,102 12.1

131-200% 445 1.7

Greater than 200% 20 0.1

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 10,493 41.0

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 4,542 17.7

Supplemental Security Income 5,377 21.0

Social Security 4,401 17.2

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 822 3.2

Eligible for maximum benefit 6,914 27.0

Eligible for other benefit 17,859 69.8

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,611 10.2

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 5,216 20.4

Households with children 19,480 76.1

With preschool-age children 10,856 42.4

With school-age children 15,989 62.5

Households with noncitizens 1,832 7.2

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING 

IN FY 2006

TABLE P.2

Participating Individuals

Number 

(000s)

Percent of 

Total

P.4
Total Benefits 2,358,293 208

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a 

Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 391,027 247

1-50% 924,969 329

51-100% 904,955 166

101-130% 126,040 102

131-200% 10,989 49

Greater than 200% 313 23

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 831,468 247

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 435,859 296

Supplemental Security Income 399,857 132

Social Security 293,353 107

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 7,023 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 948,432 261

Eligible for other benefit 1,402,838 201

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 184,220 91

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 378,363 144

Households with children 1,789,310 303

With preschool-age children 1,016,050 326

With school-age children 1,430,760 317

Households with noncitizens 158,742 230

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

Total Benefits 

($000s)

BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006 BY 

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

Average 

Benefit ($)

TABLE P.3

Benefits for Participating 

Households

P.5
Monthly Benefit 208

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 782

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 478

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 894

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 391

Supplemental Security Income 470

Social Security 626

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN 

FY 2006

TABLE P.4

Average Value ($)

P.6
Total Households 9,847 1,232 236

Households with Income from 

Earnings 2,485 736 143

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,407 55 9

Supplemental Security Income 2,820 169 39

Social Security 2,138 481 111

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

Number of Participating Households by 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

(000s)

HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006 BY POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE P.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

P.7
Monthly Benefit 226 102 48

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive 

Income 672 1,362 1,608

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net 

Income 394 820 945

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with 

Income Type

Earnings 723 1,362 1,454

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 392 351 442

Supplemental Security Income 461 614 494

Social Security 557 852 980

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

Average Value ($)

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING IN FY 2006 

BY POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE P.6

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

P.8
APPENDIX Q

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

FOR NON-PURE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 11,205 100.0 -1.0 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 1,581 14.1 0.0

1-50% 2,809 25.1 0.0

51-100% 5,457 48.7 0.0

101-130% 1,224 10.9 -0.6 ***

131-200% 127 1.1 -42.8 ***

Greater than 200% 7 0.1 -50.1 **

Households with Income from

Earnings 3,277 29.2 -2.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,469 13.1 -0.2 *

Supplemental Security Income 3,024 27.0 -0.2 ***

Social Security 2,703 24.1 -1.0 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 643 5.7 -8.5 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 3,627 32.4 0.0

Eligible for other benefit 6,935 61.9 -0.7 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,010 17.9 -0.7 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 2,606 23.3 -0.5 ***

Households with children 5,830 52.0 -1.3 ***

With preschool-age children 3,071 27.4 -1.4 ***

With school-age children 4,463 39.8 -1.1 ***

Households with noncitizens 682 6.1 -1.2 **

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE Q.1

Households Participating under 

Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Number Percent Percent

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table P.1)

Changea (000s) of Total

Q.3
Total Individuals 25,319 100.0 -1.1 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty Level

No income 2,831 11.2 0.0

1-50% 7,688 30.4 0.0

51-100% 11,508 45.5 0.0

101-130% 3,075 12.1 -0.9 ***

131-200% 208 0.8 -53.3 ***

Greater than 200% 9 0.0 -55.9 *

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 10,256 40.5 -2.3 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 4,534 17.9 -0.2 **

Supplemental Security Income 5,363 21.2 -0.3 ***

Social Security 4,353 17.2 -1.1 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 726 2.9 -11.7 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 6,914 27.3 0.0

Eligible for other benefit 17,680 69.8 -1.0 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,591 10.2 -0.7 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 5,189 20.5 -0.5 ***

Households with children 19,248 76.0 -1.2 ***

With preschool-age children 10,708 42.3 -1.4 ***

With school-age children 15,820 62.5 -1.1 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,803 7.1 -1.5 ***

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE Q.2

Individuals Participating under 

Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table P.2)

Number Percent Percent

Changea (000s) of Total

Q.4
Total Benefits 2,354,132 -0.2 *** 210

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty Level

No income 391,027 0.0 247

1-50% 924,969 0.0 329

51-100% 904,955 0.0 166

101-130% 125,867 -0.1 *** 103

131-200% 7,070 -35.7 *** 56

Greater than 200% 245 -21.7 ** 36

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 827,533 -0.5 *** 253

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 435,805 0.0 * 297

Supplemental Security Income 399,802 0.0 *** 132

Social Security 293,045 -0.1 *** 108

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 6,427 -8.5 *** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 948,432 0.0 261

Eligible for other benefit 1,399,273 -0.3 *** 202

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 184,080 -0.1 *** 92

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 378,229 0.0 *** 145

Households with children 1,785,529 -0.2 *** 306

With preschool-age children 1,013,430 -0.3 *** 330

With school-age children 1,428,182 -0.2 *** 320

Households with noncitizens 158,384 -0.2 ** 232

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

TABLE Q.3

Benefits for Households Participating under 

Simulated Change

BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES 

BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table P.3)

Changea Total ($000s) Benefit ($)

Percent Average

Q.5
Monthly Benefit 210 0.8 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 770 -1.5 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 467 -2.3 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 873 -2.4 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 391 0.1 **

Supplemental Security Income 470 0.0 ***

Social Security 622 -0.6 ***

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE Q.4

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table P.4)

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Average Value 

($)

Percent

Changea

Q.6
Total Households 9,847 1,224 134

Households with Income from 

Earnings 2,485 735 57

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,407 55 7

Supplemental Security Income 2,820 168 36

Social Security 2,138 476 89

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE Q.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Number of Participating Households by 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

(000s)

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Q.7
Monthly Benefit 226 0.0 103 0.5 ** 55 14.1 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 672 0.0 1,359 -0.2 *** 1,444 -10.2 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 394 0.0 815 -0.6 *** 755 -20.1 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 723 0.0 1,361 -0.1 * 1,082 -25.6 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 392 0.0 352 0.2 511 15.8 **

Supplemental Security Income 461 0.0 614 0.0 * 489 -1.2 **

Social Security 557 0.0 847 -0.5 *** 987 0.8 ***

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

TABLE Q.6

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED 

CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table P.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

Q.8
APPENDIX R

TABULATIONS FOR SIMULATION TO ELIMINATE CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 

FOR NON-PURE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVING ONLY NONCASH BENEFITS 
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO ALLOW FOR DOUBLE-SIDED COPYING 
Total Households 11,213 100.0 -0.9 ***

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Level

No income 1,581 14.1 0.0

1-50% 2,809 25.1 0.0

51-100% 5,457 48.7 0.0

101-130% 1,226 10.9 -0.5 ***

131-200% 133 1.2 -40.1 ***

Greater than 200% 7 0.1 -48.2 **

Households with Income from

Earnings 3,281 29.3 -2.5 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,472 13.1 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 3,029 27.0 0.0

Social Security 2,707 24.1 -0.8 ***

Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 649 5.8 -7.6 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 3,627 32.4 0.0

Eligible for other benefit 6,937 61.9 -0.7 ***

Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,012 17.9 -0.6 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 2,611 23.3 -0.3 ***

Households with children 5,835 52.0 -1.2 ***

With preschool-age children 3,072 27.4 -1.4 ***

With school-age children 4,467 39.8 -1.0 ***

Households with noncitizens 682 6.1 -1.1 **

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

Number Percent Percent

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table O.1)

Changea (000s) of Total

TABLE R.1

Households Participating under 

Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE 

TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households 

Receiving Only Non-cash Benefits

R.3
Total Individuals 25,342 100.0 -1.0 ***

Individuals by Household Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty Level

No income 2,831 11.2 0.0

1-50% 7,688 30.3 0.0

51-100% 11,508 45.4 0.0

101-130% 3,083 12.2 -0.6 **

131-200% 223 0.9 -50.0 ***

Greater than 200% 9 0.0 -53.3 *

Individuals in Households with Income from

Earnings 10,269 40.5 -2.1 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 4,542 17.9 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 5,377 21.2 0.0

Social Security 4,367 17.2 -0.8 ***

Individuals by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 738 2.9 -10.2 ***

Eligible for maximum benefit 6,914 27.3 0.0

Eligible for other benefit 17,690 69.8 -0.9 ***

Individuals by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 2,596 10.2 -0.6 ***

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 5,204 20.5 -0.2 ***

Households with children 19,265 76.0 -1.1 ***

With preschool-age children 10,714 42.3 -1.3 ***

With school-age children 15,834 62.5 -1.0 ***

Households with noncitizens 1,804 7.1 -1.5 ***

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table O.2)

Number Percent Percent

Changea (000s) of Total

TABLE R.2

Individuals Participating under 

Simulated Change

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households 

Receiving Only Non-cash Benefits

R.4
Total Benefits 2,354,244 -0.2 *** 210

Benefits by Household Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty Level

No income 391,027 0.0 247

1-50% 924,969 0.0 329

51-100% 904,955 0.0 166

101-130% 125,890 -0.1 *** 103

131-200% 7,156 -34.9 *** 54

Greater than 200% 247 -20.8 ** 35

Benefits for Households with Income from

Earnings 827,609 -0.5 *** 252

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 435,859 0.0 296

Supplemental Security Income 399,857 0.0 132

Social Security 293,108 -0.1 *** 108

Benefits by Household Benefit Level

Eligible for minimum benefit 6,487 -7.6 *** 10

Eligible for maximum benefit 948,432 0.0 261

Eligible for other benefit 1,399,325 -0.3 *** 202

Benefits by Household Composition

Households with elderly adults 184,102 -0.1 *** 92

Households with disabled nonelderly adults 378,285 0.0 *** 145

Households with children 1,785,613 -0.2 *** 306

With preschool-age children 1,013,473 -0.3 *** 330

With school-age children 1,428,243 -0.2 *** 320

Households with noncitizens 158,387 -0.2 ** 232

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table O.3)

Changea Total ($000s) Benefit ($)

Percent Average

TABLE R.3

Benefits for Households Participating under 

Simulated Change

BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES 

BY SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households 

Receiving Only Non-cash Benefits

R.5
Monthly Benefit 210 0.7 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with Positive Income 771 -1.4 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with Positive Net Income 468 -2.0 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among Households with Income Type

Earnings 873 -2.4 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 391 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 470 0.0

Social Security 623 -0.5 ***

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER 

SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES

TABLE R.4

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table O.4)

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households 

Receiving Only Non-cash Benefits

Average Value 

($)

Percent

Changea

R.6
Total Households 9,847 1,226 140

Households with Income from 

Earnings 2,485 735 62

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 1,407 55 9

Supplemental Security Income 2,820 169 39

Social Security 2,138 477 92

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY 

POVERTY LEVEL

TABLE R.5

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

Number of Participating Households by 

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

(000s)

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households 

Receiving Only Non-cash Benefits

R.7
Monthly Benefit 226 0.0 103 0.4 ** 53 10.3 ***

Monthly Gross Income among Households with 

Positive Income 672 0.0 1,360 -0.1 *** 1,462 -9.1 ***

Monthly Net Income among Households with 

Positive Net Income 394 0.0 816 -0.4 *** 785 -17.0 ***

Monthly Amount of Income Type among 

Households with Income Type

Earnings 723 0.0 1,360 -0.1 1,103 -24.2 ***

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 392 0.0 351 0.0 442 0.0

Supplemental Security Income 461 0.0 614 0.0 494 0.0

Social Security 557 0.0 848 -0.4 *** 982 0.2 ***

Source: FY 2006 QC Minimodel

* Change is statistically different from zero at a 90% level of significance

** Change is statistically different from zero at a 95% level of significance

*** Change is statistically different from zero at a 99% level of significance

a Percent change from number participating in FY 2006 (see Table O.6)

Percent

Changea

Percent

Changea Changea

Average 

($)

Percent Average 

($)

Average 

($)

0 - 100% 101 - 130% 131% +

TABLE R.6

 Simulated Change: Eliminate Categorical Eligibility for Non-Pure Public Assistance Households Receiving Only Non-cash 

Benefits

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty

AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATING UNDER SIMULATED 

CHANGE TO FSP RULES BY POVERTY LEVEL

R.8