USDA Reports 10.62% SNAP Payment Error Rate for FY 2025, Triggering New Financial Penalties for States

The USDA reported a national SNAP payment error rate of 10.62% for fiscal year 2025, a figure that will trigger new financial accountability measures for many states beginning in 2027. Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that the national Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rate for fiscal year 2025 was 10.62%, representing approximately $10.1 billion in improper payments. The payment error rate measures how accurately states determine SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts, including both overpayments and underpayments. Although the FY 2025 rate is slightly lower than the previous year’s figure, it remains well above the 6% threshold established under federal law.

States Could Face New Financial Penalties