Flexible SNAP Interview Scheduling
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services · Los Angeles, USA · 2022
Summary
SNAP requires an in-person or phone interview before approval. Letting applicants choose when and how that interview happens—rather than receiving an assigned time—raised approval rates substantially, primarily by reducing procedural denials from missed appointments. The experiment shows that interview scheduling is a meaningful access barrier, not just administrative process.
Research question
"Does giving SNAP applicants control over their interview timing and format increase approval rates?"
Methodology
Intervention
Flexible applicant-initiated interview scheduling vs. standard agency-scheduled interviews
Assignment
Randomized controlled trial (applicant)
Sample size
65,000 SNAP applicants
Primary outcome
SNAP approval rate; early approval rate; long-term participation
Effect estimate
+6 pp approval rate; doubles early approvals; +2 pp long-term participation
Decision
Flexible scheduling adopted across LA County SNAP intake
Result
Positive
+6 pp approval rate; doubles early approvals; +2 pp long-term participation
Evidence strength
Strong
Randomized controlled trial with large sample.
Replication status
Open for replication
Institution
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services
Location
Los Angeles, USA
Year
2022
Policy area
Benefits Enrollment
Mechanism
Simplification