35 US states may owe the federal government billions by 2027 due to changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) targeting payment errors. States with error rates above 6% will share benefit costs, with some considering withdrawal from the program.
Dozens of US states may owe millions in food aid costs due to high error rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Nine states with low error rates are exempt from new cost-sharing requirements, while others have until October 2027 to reduce errors or face budget cuts, potential program withdrawal, or tighter eligibility.
A new federal law requires states with high SNAP payment error rates to cover a share of benefits starting in October 2027. States with error rates between 6% and 15% could face millions in new costs, potentially impacting public services or leading to tighter eligibility rules.
