SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of low-income individuals and families put food on the table. In fact, over 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits each month, with children making up nearly 44% of all SNAP recipients.
SNAP’s Hidden Costs: Fraud, Delays, and Complexity
SNAP is essential for food security, but many eligible individuals face roadblocks when trying to access benefits. Lengthy application processes, delays in approvals, and inefficiencies in the system can make getting food assistance a frustrating experience. Additionally, fraud and improper payments divert funds away from those who truly need them, impacting the program’s overall effectiveness.
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SNAP application rejection rates range from 15% to 30% due to incomplete or incorrect information.
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Approximately 6% of SNAP participants are improperly classified, leading to benefit overpayments or underpayments.
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According to the USDA, the SNAP improper payment rate was approximately 10.3% in 2023, amounting to $11.2 billion in erroneous payments.
State and federal leaders face the challenge of improving efficiency while maintaining program integrity.