Leaders and experts from state and national think tanks signed the Alliance for Opportunity’s (A4O) coalition letter calling on Congress to reject a proposed delay of the new state match for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The Senate Agriculture committee recently reported the Agricultural Act of 2026 with a one-year delayed implementation of the SNAP benefit cost share. This coalition letter emphasizes that moving back the date will slow the progress states are making on SNAP payment error rates. States need the tools to improve SNAP administration—not another year to wait.
For the Alliance for Opportunity and its partners, improving SNAP payment accuracy is about more than meeting a federal benchmark. It is about building a safety net that uses public resources responsibly, directs assistance to families who need it most, and empowers states to administer the program effectively.
SNAP Cost-Sharing Timeline Is the Framework States Need to Serve Eligible Recipients Well
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed the way states share responsibility for SNAP by tying a portion of benefit costs to state payment error rates. For decades, the federal government has covered 100% of SNAP benefit costs while states shared administrative expenses. That structure gave states little motivation to invest in the caseworker time, data checks, and other safeguards needed to improve payment accuracy.
As a result, improper payments have become a significant challenge. In 2013, only four states and the District of Columbia had error rates above 6%. By 2024, error rates were well above 6% in 42 states and the District of Columbia.
The new cost-sharing arrangement gives states a reason to address improper payments, helping to protect taxpayer resources while making sure benefits truly reach eligible recipients. States with error rates below 6% will owe no share of SNAP benefit costs, while states with higher error rates will be responsible for a portion of those costs.
States Are Already Showing Progress
New Jersey has reduced its SNAP payment error rate from 14.33% to 6.86% in a single year. Kentucky lowered its rate from 9.11% to 4.70%, while West Virginia reduced its rate from 9.43% to 6.69%.
Other states are investing in better verification systems, updated technology, payment-integrity tools, and additional training for eligibility workers.
These improvements are critical for strengthening the long-term administration of SNAP, and states’ early response shows that momentum for change is growing. Implementation delays will only prolong the error rate problem in the states that need relief the most.
A4O Coalition to Congress: Give States Better Tools, Not More Delays
Instead of changing the timeline, Congress can pursue other practical reforms that will help states meet the new requirements:
- Restore the federal SNAP administrative match to 50% for one year, giving states additional resources to improve systems before most benefit cost-sharing requirements take effect. Congress would have to offset this cost if chosen.
- Reform SNAP’s “right to file” rules to help states address incomplete and potentially automated applications.
- End the outdated merit-system personnel requirement so states have greater flexibility to modernize eligibility determinations.
- Give states greater access to federal data sources that can help verify household composition, income, and eligibility.