Lawmakers are taking action to address growing concerns over errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps millions of low-income Americans access food. A new bill has been introduced to improve payment accuracy and ensure only those who are eligible receive the correct benefits. The initiative comes as recent reports show a rise in errors, such as overpayments or underpayments, in SNAP distributions.
Why Payment Accuracy Matters
SNAP, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides vital support to families struggling with food insecurity. But errors in determining how much help someone gets can create major issues. Overpayments can lead to wasted taxpayer dollars, while underpayments can leave families without enough food assistance. The USDA already uses a strict quality control process to track how well state agencies handle eligibility checks and benefit calculations. However, the rise in errors has caught the attention of Congress.
What the New Legislation Proposes
The recently introduced bill seeks to increase accountability by changing the way errors are reported. Under current rules, small errors can go unreported, but the new bill would require that all mistakes—no matter the size—be reported and tracked. This change is meant to boost transparency and prevent errors from being ignored.
Republican lawmakers behind the bill argue that stricter reporting will help clean up mistakes and improve trust in the program. They emphasize that every dollar should go to the people who truly need it, without waste.
USDA Expands Efforts to Help States
While lawmakers work on the legislative side, the USDA is stepping in with additional support for state agencies. In late 2024, the USDA updated its “Keys to Payment Accuracy,” a guide full of tips and best practices for preventing errors. This guide encourages state workers to use better training, accurate data analysis, and detailed reviews of applications to minimize mistakes.
To help states verify information, the USDA has also partnered with major companies like Equifax and Experian. A $198.7 million contract was recently awarded to give states access to payroll databases, making it easier to check a person’s income and job status during the application process. Verifying this information more efficiently is expected to reduce common errors related to incorrect income reporting.
What This Means for SNAP Recipients
The goal of these efforts is to make sure benefits are distributed more accurately and quickly. With fewer errors, eligible families won’t face delays or reductions in their food assistance, and taxpayer funds will be spent more efficiently.
As the bill moves through Congress, both lawmakers and federal agencies will continue working together to improve the program. Advocates say that if done right, the changes could have a long-term impact by ensuring SNAP remains a reliable safety net for millions of Americans.
