SNAP Participation and Employment Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a common reason why individuals who work may still need to participate in SNAP?

They are required to participate in SNAP to maintain employment.

They prefer to work part-time jobs and don't want full-time employment.

Their employment provides inadequate income or has inconsistent work hours. (correct)

They work in high paying jobs with benefits that are difficult to understand.

Which occupation had more than one in five workers participating in SNAP?

Customer Service Representatives

Secretaries

Cashiers (correct)

Office Clerks

In 2022, what percentage of workers in service occupations earned at or below the federal minimum wage?

Around 80 percent

73 percent (correct)

Nearly 60 percent

Approximately 33 percent

Which group of workers is less likely to have access to paid sick leave?

Black, Latinx, and women workers (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence for workers lacking paid sick or vacation leave?

They lose wages when taking unpaid leave. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of SNAP participants are employed in professional and business services?

10 percent (A) Signup and view all the answers

How are stability in jobs and access to paid leave related?

Greater access to paid leave is associated with job retention. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to workers without access to paid family leave?

They might have to quit their jobs to care for family. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of SNAP participants work in service occupations?

28 percent (D) Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of the total workforce is utilizing SNAP?

Approximately 10 percent (C) Signup and view all the answers

What trend is expected for low-paying jobs over the next decade?

The number of low-paying jobs will continue to grow. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are most likely to cause low-paying workers to experience unstable incomes?

Irregular or unpredictable schedules. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of workers are estimated to be living below the poverty line despite full-time jobs?

1 in 9 workers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the scheduling practices in low-paying occupations?

Frequent changes with little advance notice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one health-related outcome associated with unstable work schedules?

Increased psychological distress. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic groups are more likely to report inadequate access to child care?

Black households (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major reason that workers in low-paying jobs experience more unemployment?

There is a lack of job security in temporary positions (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the eligibility for unemployment insurance affect low-paid workers?

Low-paid workers are less likely to be covered (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which group is particularly disadvantaged by the eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance?

Black, Latinx, and women workers (A) Signup and view all the answers

What trend was observed regarding unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Racial and ethnic differences in receipt persisted (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between education level and unemployment insurance eligibility?

Lower education levels are linked to less likelihood of applying (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does irregular work scheduling affect workers' lives?

It can increase psychological distress. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What impact do low-paying jobs have on workers concerning benefits?

They often do not provide benefits such as paid leave. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might workers with incomes below $40,000 struggle to pay bills?

Income fluctuations are often caused by irregular work schedules. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which group is primarily concentrated in self-employment as gig workers?

Self-employed passenger drivers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What research could be conducted to evaluate gig work?

Investigating which workers gain from flexible schedules and which face downsides. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What challenges do low-wage workers in industries like retail and food service face?

Income instability and difficulty managing child care. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What often happens to low-wage workers who become sick or have caregiving responsibilities?

They may lose their jobs or delay health care. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do SNAP benefits change for households with rising earnings?

Benefits are gradually reduced as earnings rise. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 20 percent deduction from earned income in the SNAP benefit formula?

To reflect the cost of work-related expenses and further assist workers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which group of workers is most likely to experience unstable incomes due to irregular work schedules and inadequate work hours?

Workers in low-paying service industries with inconsistent schedules. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the SNAP program on workers with fluctuating pay, specifically when their earnings decline?

They can qualify for higher SNAP benefits to smooth out their income. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these occupations has more than 1 in 5 workers participating in SNAP?

Home health and personal care aides (A), Agricultural graders and sorters (B), Maids and housekeeping cleaners (C), School bus monitors (D) Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions that many workers participate in SNAP while they are working. What does this suggest about SNAP's role in supporting workers?

SNAP can provide a safety net for workers who may experience periods of low income or unemployment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these occupations listed in the text is NOT classified as a service occupation?

Truck drivers (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant that many SNAP participants "stop participating when they are earning more"?

This suggests that SNAP is only intended for temporary use, not long-term reliance. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does SNAP's structure support workers?

By allowing workers to participate in the program while they are employed and supplement their earnings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the text's main point about SNAP's relationship to workers in low-paying jobs?

SNAP is a vital program for supporting workers in low-paying jobs who may experience periods of low income or unemployment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a characteristic of workers participating in SNAP?

They tend to work in occupations with high turnover and irregular scheduling. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which percentage of workers in SNAP are employed in professional jobs?

14 percent (D) Signup and view all the answers

In SNAP participation, which is the least common industry sector for workers?

Construction (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which group is most likely to struggle with income fluctuations?

Workers with incomes below $40,000. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of gig work?

It is often not governed by wage or salary agreements. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does losing a low-paying job have on workers concerning health care?

They may delay needed health care or lose jobs due to caregiving roles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which group of workers is less likely to receive unemployment insurance despite a higher incidence of unemployment?

Workers in low-paying jobs (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group faces disadvantages under unemployment insurance eligibility requirements?

Women, Black, and Latinx workers (C) Signup and view all the answers

What trend was noted about unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Racial and ethnic disparities in receipt persisted. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to low-paid workers experiencing more periods of unemployment?

Growth of temporary and short-term jobs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of jobs in which many SNAP participants work?

They are often part-time and low-wage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

SNAP and Low-Paying Jobs

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) aids millions of workers by providing income to feed their families.
Approximately 15.7 million workers, or 10 percent of all workers, participated in SNAP in the past year.
Many workers in vital occupations (e.g., home health aides, school bus monitors) rely on SNAP to supplement low or fluctuating wages.
Common occupations of SNAP participants include service, professional, transportation, administrative support, and sales roles.
Many SNAP participants are working or seeking employment, using SNAP to bridge gaps between jobs or during periods of low earnings.
A significant portion of SNAP participants are in occupations with low pay.
One study estimated that 1 in 9 full-time workers were in jobs that did not meet their family's poverty line..
The number of low-paying jobs is anticipated to increase, with several occupations projected to experience high growth.

Low-Paying Jobs Characteristics

Low-paying jobs often have volatile earnings due to irregular schedules.
Many low-paying jobs lack benefits like paid sick leave and health insurance.
About 58 percent of low-wage workers have paid sick leave, compared to 80 percent overall.
Many low-paying jobs have unpredictable work schedules, impacting workers' ability to plan finances and manage childcare.
COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated hardship in low-wage industries and disproportionately affected women, people of color, and those without college degrees.
Many low-paying jobs do not provide paid sick leave and health insurance,
Workers in these occupations, especially women, people of color, and those without college degrees, are less likely to have access to unemployment insurance when faced with job loss

SNAP as a Support System

More than two-thirds of SNAP recipients are not anticipated to be in the labor force, because they are children, older adults, or have disabilities.
Many workers participate in SNAP temporarily, during periods of unemployment or low wages.
A significant percentage of working-age SNAP recipients are actively employed.
SNAP benefits respond to income instability among workers in low-wage jobs, helping to fill income gaps during unemployment or low earnings.
SNAP benefits decrease as earnings increase, assisting with the cost of maintaining work.

Quality of Low-Paying Jobs

Minimum wage increases are needed for lower-income workers.
Scheduling and leave legislation can improve worker stability and consistency.
Better enforcement of existing labor regulations would help workers obtain their due pay and benefits.
Stronger unemployment insurance programs are needed.
Access to affordable childcare is crucial for workers to maintain employment.
Targeted funding and support for low-wage workers' financial/economic well-being are needed.

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Description

Test your knowledge on SNAP participation statistics and related employment questions. This quiz covers various occupations, wage levels, and benefits, providing insight into how work and SNAP eligibility intersect. Challenge yourself to understand the complexities of employment in relation to public assistance programs.