USDA Says States Must Improve SNAP Efficiency. Here's What that Means for You

The Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack has written to 47 states and territories to urge them to improve their SNAP food benefit delivery. Indeed, only six states met what the USDA deems to be acceptable levels of performance. Moreover, many states fell dramatically short of the USDA's targets.

Many local authorities need to improve their SNAP efficiency

SNAP provides essential support to millions of American households and there are a few ways to track its efficiency. These include timely processing of applications, paying out the right amount of money, and appropriate handling of denials or benefit terminations. We've identified the worst states or territories in each of these categories.

1. Issues with benefit denials or suspensions

Sometimes states have to deny people SNAP benefits or end the service. When they do, the USDA wants the decisions to be accurate, communicated well, and for people to be given fair notice. However, the stats show that, on average, there were issues with over 40% of denials, suspensions, or terminations nationwide.

Worryingly, according to Vilsack's letters, that figure is as high as 80% in the worst-performing states and territories:

• District of Columbia: 80.46%
• Kentucky: 79.67%
• South Carolina: 79.63%
• Delaware: 76.27%
• Georgia: 74.82%

What you can do

Being denied benefits can be a huge blow. But there are steps you can take to appeal the decision. Start by finding out why you were denied. It might be that there's missing or incorrect information on your application, or perhaps your income is too high.

Talk to your local SNAP benefits office, or wherever you applied, and be prepared to follow up in writing. You might also look for a section called "I want to appeal" on the letter you received. Write "I disagree with this decision" and send the signed and dated letter back to your local provider.

Ask your case worker about the timeline for the appeals and what other steps are involved. Even if you are feeling stressed, try not to take your frustrations out on the person you speak to.

Many issues can be resolved this way. If not, you may need to put in a formal Fair Hearing Request. The process varies from state to state, but this is a way people can legally challenge any benefits decisions.

2. Speedy application processing

In theory, eligible households should receive benefits within 30 days of their application. If you're in dire straits, you may qualify for speedy processing and be entitled to an answer within seven days.

The USDA wants to see 95% of applications processed in time. Unfortunately, 32 states and territories did not meet this threshold, including:

• District of Columbia: 43.47%
• North Dakota: 55.68%
• New York: 64.95%
• Florida: 66.37%
• Guam: 69.81%

What you can do

A worrying number of states have backlogs of applications, so people aren't getting their money in time. There aren't any easy answers here. Persevere and keep calling your local SNAP office. Where possible, write emails or letters so you have a paper trail.

Use coupons, cash back apps, and in store discounts to stretch the money you have as far as possible. Learn how to cook with low-cost staples like rice and beans. It may not be gourmet, but you can make a meal for a family of four for a couple of dollars, which can make a big difference.

If you can't afford food, reach out to local food pantries and soup kitchens. They are there to help. Call United Way at 211 to find out what support is available in your area.

3. Getting the payment right

Another issue? Some people don't receive what they're entitled to. There are more cases of overpayment than underpayment, but neither is helpful. It's worth noting that many of the payment issues stem from what the CBPP calls "honest mistakes" rather than fraud.

Even so, some states are a long way from the USDA's target total error rate of 6% across both underpayment and overpayment. For example:

• Alaska: 56.98% (56.69% overpayments and 0.29% underpayments)
• Maryland: 35.56% (32.65% overpayments and 2.91% underpayments)
• Oregon: 22.99% (21.76% overpayments and 1.23% underpayments)
• Delaware: 22.44% (18.61% overpayments and 3.83% underpayments)
• Hawaii: 21.78% (19.65% overpayments and 2.13% underpayments)

What you can do:

If you notice an error in your SNAP payment, don't ignore it. Contact your local SNAP office to tell them you think the amount is not correct, even if you've been paid too much. Indeed, if the error is in your favor, try not to spend that money as you'll need to pay it back. An unexpected benefit repayment demand could throw your finances off course, especially if you've got limited funds in your bank account.

What the USDA's efficiency drive means for you

If you rely on SNAP benefits, delays or errors can have a huge impact on your well-being and personal finances. It's good to know that the USDA is pushing for changes, but that doesn't make it any easier if you're struggling today.

If you only take one thing away from the USDA's letters, know that you have rights. It is horrible to feel like you've been swallowed up on a bureaucratic machine, particularly if it means you are not getting the help you're entitled to.

If you aren't making progress with your local SNAP office, don't be afraid to complain to the USDA directly. Or write to your senators. Or contact the local media. There are moves afoot to improve the system. But the more you can do to draw attention to the issues, the sooner those changes might arrive.