Soon I will be introducing legislation that directs the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to issue a report which analyzes the Commonwealth’s payment error rate for the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP). The legislation will require DHS to issue the report on an annual basis beginning January 1, 2026.

SNAP provides eligible low-income households with redeemable benefits for SNAP-eligible foods at SNAP-eligible retailers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP payment error rates measure how accurately the state determines household eligibility and benefit amounts. The payment error rates include both overpayments and underpayments to households.

Due to the recent federal changes under One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1), it is critical that Pennsylvania accurately assesses the SNAP payment error rate. Prior to the enactment of HR 1, the federal government fully funded SNAP benefits. Beginning in FY 2027/28 (possibly later), states are required to cover increased costs to pay for SNAP based on their payment error rate.

The USDA reported that Pennsylvania’s FY 2024 SNAP error rate is 10.76%. Pursuant to HR 1, if a state’s payment error rate is 10% or higher, the federal government will cover 85% and the state will cover 15%. According to the Independent Fiscal Office, should Pennsylvania’s error rate remain over 10%, the Commonwealth will be responsible for an additional cost of approximately $675 million.

This study is important to help the state of Pennsylvania effectively decrease our payment error rate, which must become a priority for the Commonwealth. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation to ensure that DHS focuses its efforts on reducing the payment error rate while preserving our tax dollars and improving program integrity.