House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member John Boozman have expressed concern over the fiscal year 2024 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rate. They released a joint statement highlighting the need for increased state accountability in managing SNAP funds.
"Another year, another troubling payment error rate in SNAP, a clear sign that the program lacks the state accountability measures hardworking taxpayers deserve," they stated. They criticized the current penalties from the USDA as insufficient for maintaining program integrity. The statement further emphasized their support for the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which aims to introduce reforms that would involve states more directly in managing SNAP benefits.
The proposed bill seeks to change how states administer their SNAP programs by introducing a cost-sharing mechanism tied to each state's error rate. The goal is to create accountability and encourage better oversight of SNAP funds.
For many years, states have relied on federal funding covering 100 percent of SNAP benefits regardless of performance, according to Thompson and Boozman. The proposed legislation aims to reduce waste and improve outcomes by incentivizing states to manage their programs more effectively.
The release also included data on payment error rates across various states and territories for FY 2024. Rates varied significantly, with Alaska having the highest at 24.66% and South Dakota showing one of the lowest at 3.28%. Overall, the United States recorded an average payment error rate of 10.93%.
