Millions of Americans receive incorrect amounts on their food stamps due to flaws in certification and benefit calculation
A recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has revealed significant problems in the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. According to the report, a large number of recipients are not receiving the correct amounts of their food stamps, with an overall error rate of 11.68% in FY 2023.
Payment Errors: Shortfalls and Excesses
The report details that the overpayment rate was 10.03%, while the underpayment rate reached 1.65%. These errors arise primarily when state agencies incorrectly certify beneficiaries, resulting in over- or under-assignments of benefits. The FNS stresses that these problems are not due to fraud, but to the complexity of the eligibility determination and benefit calculation processes by state agencies.
Impact on Beneficiaries
These errors affect millions of households across the country, creating discrepancies in benefits crucial to meeting the daily nutritional needs of many families. «SNAP is a cornerstone of our nation’s safety net, and accurate benefits are crucial to families in need and to public trust,» said Cindy Long, FNS Administrator, in a statement. Long emphasized that «high SNAP payment error rates are unacceptable» and that states must improve payment accuracy or face financial penalties.
States with Highest Error Rates
In terms of underpayments, Washington D.C. leads with a rate of 4.58%, followed by Maryland (3.91%), Delaware (3.57%) and Maine (3.41%). On the other hand, overpayments are more common, with Alaska registering an alarming rate of 59.59% and New Jersey 33.43%.
Importance of SNAP Payment Accuracy
SNAP benefits, essential to help low-income individuals and families purchase food, are distributed monthly through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Ensuring the accuracy of these payments is critical not only to the well-being of beneficiary families, but also to maintaining confidence in the system.
Federal Initiatives to Improve Accuracy
USDA is taking steps to address these problems. In the President’s FY 2025 budget, funding has been requested to improve the accuracy of SNAP payments, strengthen program integrity, provide funding for quality control, upgrade computer systems, and establish a new Office of Training and Development. These initiatives reflect the federal government’s commitment to ensure accurate and efficient distribution of SNAP benefits.