Food Stamps and the Elderly: Why Is Participation so Low?

Estimates imply that only one-third of elderly persons who are eligible for food stamps actually participate in the program, which is half the rate that exists among younger people. This study investigates potential reasons for the relatively low take-up rate among the elderly. Analyzing new data, w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of human resources 2003-01, Vol.38 (Supp.), p.1080-1111
Main Authors: Haider, Steven J., Jacknowitz, Alison, Schoeni, Robert F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Age groups
Aid
Asset income
Assistance
Business studies
Economic models
Economic theory
Economics
Electronics benefit transfer
Entitlement programs
Food shortages
Food stamps
Households
Human capital
Human resources
Income
Itemized deductions
Older adults
Older people
Participation
Pension eligibility
Studies
Subsidies
Citations: Items that cite this one
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Summary:Estimates imply that only one-third of elderly persons who are eligible for food stamps actually participate in the program, which is half the rate that exists among younger people. This study investigates potential reasons for the relatively low take-up rate among the elderly. Analyzing new data, we conclude that the low take-up rate is not explained by measurement error and little is explained by various behavioral factors. Despite this much lower take-up rate, elderly who are eligible for assistance but not enrolled in the program do not appear to be especially needy.
ISSN:0022-166X
1548-8004
DOI:10.2307/3558982