Mississippi’s SNAP error rate declines but still triggers potential federal costs
Mississippi’s SNAP error rate has fallen to 8.69%, according to the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). The rate was 10.69% last June, surpassing the 6% threshold that would exempt the state from matching funds under new federal rules.
The changes, enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law last summer, require states with error rates above 6% to contribute a share of the costs. States with error rates between 8% and 10% must provide a 10% match, which could cost Mississippi an estimated $80 million if the rate remains above 8%, according to state officials and advocates.
The law, set to take effect this October, represents the most significant overhaul of the federal SNAP program in more than 60 years. It aims to curb waste, fraud, and abuse in public assistance programs, with the USDA monitoring error rates through monthly reviews and annual audits.
Despite the decline, Mississippi continues to use the traditional change reporting system, which some advocates say requires more resources and oversight. Most states have transitioned to simplified reporting, which reduces the reporting burden and is associated with lower error rates.
State officials requested additional funding from the Legislature for 2026 to offset potential costs. Some lawmakers, including Senator Daniel Sparks, expressed concern about the financial implications if error rates remain above the threshold. Sparks noted that an error rate of 8.69% could result in an $80 million liability for the state, depending on federal assessments.
Questions remain about how error rates will be calculated and which data will be used for federal compliance. The USDA reviews a sample of cases annually, and the timing of these reviews may affect Mississippi’s reported rate and its financial obligations. A request for clarification from MDHS about the specific rate it plans to use was not answered by press time.
As nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits and over 12% of Mississippians participate in the program, the state’s actions will have statewide implications. The federal government has indicated that total SNAP costs could rise to $15 billion annually once the new rules are fully implemented.
Source: Original Article
