Benefits Decoded explores the harmful impacts of the adoption of automated decision systems in public benefits programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as “food stamps”), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Medicaid. 

Two major goals of the project include:

1. Launch a national public records request campaign to build a comprehensive database of which programs in which states are using algorithms and to what extent.
2. Understand in more detail the additional legal obligations that states may have when adopting algorithms in these programs, particularly as they relate to constitutional procedural due process. 

Overall, we hope to build new ways for marginalized communities to challenge wrongful benefit denials based on better awareness of program practices and novel legal strategies.