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
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
The new rule removes prevented-plant buy-up coverage, prompting strong objections from farm groups concerned about added risk exposure.
Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach shares her appreciation for rural communities and outlines how the Working Families Tax Cut is aimed to support farm families on RFD-TV’s Champions of Rural America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Seasonal pricing strength is lining up with crop stress, giving wheat producers another weather-driven marketing window. Shaun Haney joins us to discuss concerns from ag bankers on farm profitability.
Dr. Ernie Goss joined us to break down the latest Rural Main Street Index, discuss pressures on farm finances and equipment sales, and share expectations for the ag economy ahead.
Just like cows, kids experience ups and downs—from small frustrations to unexpected moments—but there is still good in every day.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss rural mental health awareness, the importance of reducing stigma in agriculture, and resources available to farmers, ranchers, and rural families seeking support.
Utah Senator John Curtis joins us for “Champions of Rural America” to discuss new legislation to improve forest management and wildfire prevention and its broader implications for rural communities and infrastructure.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson joins us to discuss rural electric co-ops’ push for expanded USDA loan programs, rising energy demand from data center expansion, wildfire mitigation and other policy priorities impacting rural power infrastructure.