Simplified Reporting and Transitional Benefits in the Food Stamp Program—Case Studies of State Implementation

This study examines the experiences of four states—Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri, and Ohio—that use the simplified reporting option of the Food Stamp Program; Arizona also uses the transitional benefit option. States reported reduced staff workload, improved client access, and reduced quality control errors with simplified reporting but faced some operational challenges that made realizing the option's full potential difficult. They also viewed transitional benefits as a valuable support for families but one that required substantial planning and staff resources. With simplified reporting, states lengthen the certification period for most food stamp recipients, minimize reporting requirements between recertifications, and reduce exposure to quality control errors. With transitional benefits, states automatically continue benefits for up to five months for most families that leave TANF. These options were introduced in 2000 and expanded under the 2002 Farm Act.