Imagine losing federal food aid for 300,000 Americans because of paperwork slip-ups. That’s the stark reality looming for states like Massachusetts, where high error rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could trigger deep funding cuts.
In a major overhaul, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon tie federal SNAP funding directly to states’ accuracy in administering benefits. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 passed this summer, states with error rates above 6% must cover 5% to 15% of costs starting in fiscal year 2028. You can see the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 – Information Memorandum HERE.
The most error-plagued ones get until 2030 to shape up.Massachusetts, clocking in at 14.1%, is squarely in the crosshairs—joining Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon in the 14-16% danger zone. Alaska leads the pack at a whopping 24.66%. SNAP errors—mostly over- or underpayments—measure incorrect payouts as a percentage of total benefits, with the national average at about 11% for fiscal year 2024. For the full state-by-state rundown, see the USDA’s latest report HERE.
USDA photo.…