Illinois SNAP Errors Could Cost Taxpayers Up to $700 Million in Penalties
Illinois risks millions in penalties under a new federal law due to errors in determining who qualifies for food assistance.
To protect taxpayers and struggling families, the state must increase its administrative precision.
Current Error Rate
The Department of Agriculture reported Illinois' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rate at 11.56% in 2024, which is higher than the national average and worse than 38 other states.
Consequences of Errors
Illinois' 12% error rate could cost the state $705 million annually, with overpayments accounting for 10.6% of SNAP errors in 2024, while underpayments were rare at less than 1%.
Illinois taxpayers could be on the hook for millions in penalties if the state makes too many mistakes for people on food assistance.
Following the lead of other states could provide a path forward for Illinois to improve its administrative precision and reduce errors.
Author's summary: Illinois faces penalties due to SNAP errors.
- Error rate: 11.56% in 2024
- Potential annual cost: $705 million
- Overpayments: 10.6% of SNAP errors in 2024
- Underpayments: less than 1% in 2024