USDA’s yearly SNAP error rates slightly dip amid “Big, Beautiful Bill” approaching deadline

A vote-a-rama for President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” is about to enter its 24th hour in the Senate as Friday’s deadline quickly approaches. While there is still a lot of debate over GOP plans for the SNAP program, some brand-new data could add fuel to that fire.

USDA has released its yearly findings for error rates in the SNAP program. The Department found the error rate at just below 11 percent, which is a small decline from 2023. Alaska came in the highest at nearly 25 percent, but is still down from the 60 percent of the previous year.

Error rates took a climb after the Pandemic. In 2019, the nationwide total was a little more than seven percent.

Ag lawmakers are letting their frustrations be known. Both Congressional Ag Committee Chairs say the new rates are an example of why the reconciliation package needs to pass, bringing it much-needed accountability to the program. They are calling for historic reforms and want proper payments to b stopped before they happen.

Related Stories
Producers should coordinate immediately with their CPA and legal counsel to ensure their corporate structures and operational realities are perfectly aligned before the September deadline.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
Practical changes to retailer stocking standards promote more options all while reducing fraud and abuse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen joins us to discuss the importance of a traditional Farm Bill and his concerns over shifting policy approaches.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.