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OCTOBER 2021
SNAP Households Survey -
October Results
Providers (formerly Fresh EBT) is a free mobile app that helps over 5 million low-income families manage their SNAP benefits. To understand how the circumstances in the lives of Providers users are changing, we have been conducting surveys each month.
October 2021 key findings
The following insights come from a 10-minute multiple choice and open response survey conducted by Providers to a random sample of 5,648 of over 5 million Providers users from October 1 - October 14, 2021. All respondents are EBT cardholders.
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insight1
INSIGHT 01
The September Child Tax Credit again reduced food and financial insecurity
Source: Random sample of Providers users
The September Child Tax Credit reduced hardship
Families that received the September CTC were less likely to:
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not have most things they needed at home
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rely on others for meals, and
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have less than $25 on hand.
How has the Child Tax Credit affected your family?
With the child tax credit from October I won't get evicted this month
Providers User
California
I was able to afford the children’s school photos which I haven’t been able to in years
Providers User
Texas
insight2
INSIGHT 02
Less than 40% of Providers users paid October rent on time
Source: Random sample of Providers users
Less than 40% of Providers users paid October rent on time
Even fewer Black and Latinx users paid October rent on time
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43% of users owe back rent or mortgage.
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Rental assistance has still only reached 15% of users, but awareness of these programs is increasing.
Latinx users were the least likely to have received rental assistance since March 2020 -- only 9%.
insight3
INSIGHT 03
Fewer households are receiving unemployment benefits and P-EBT
Source: Random sample of Providers users
Fewer households are receiving unemployment benefits and P-EBT
Currently receiving unemployment benefits
Started a new job
Lost or quit a job
Only 2% of users are currently receiving unemployment benefits, but the portion who have lost or quit a job is rising faster than those reporting starting a new job
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Only 35% of users are currently receiving P-EBT, down 5 percentage points from September.
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Families receiving P-EBT were less likely to skip meals or worry that their food would run out before they had the means to buy more. They were also more likely to have every they needed in their homes.
insights 4
I received unemployment and used that money to pay rent in advance and taxes owed, and help friends and family with food, bills and small random needs, but now I'm running out as the GA governor stopped those payments, and can't afford to help others or care for my medical needs right now.
Providers User
California
INSIGHT 04
Over half of Providers users think the money they have will only last 1-2 days
Source: Random sample of Providers users
Over half of Providers users think the money they have will only last 1-2 days
4pp
increase since just August in those who think the money they have on hand will only last 1-2 days
55%
of Providers users have less than $25 on hand
60%
of Providers users have borrowed or used credit in the past 30 days to cover their expenses
I’ve been borrowing money that I know I might not be able to pay back so soon. I’ve also been having to sleep over several peoples houses because I am currently homeless. But I try to pay whoever back with whatever I can.
Providers User
Rhode Island
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