Policy & Practice | Winter 2025

The path forward demands more than policy tweaks—it requires thoughtful interventions, collaboration across teams, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions and approaches.

of time. Others, however, have been called into question by data analysis and evaluation. This can inform how states approach accuracy improve ment. For instance, we’ve found: n Experienced eligibility workers were not always more accurate than newer staff; n Output and accuracy are not mutually exclusive. Workers who completed the highest volume of work were no more likely to make errors than workers who completed less work; and n Cases assumed to have consistent circumstances—such as those headed by Supplemental Security Income recipients and elderly indi viduals—require attention, too. Their situations can change in ways that impact their SNAP allotments. Training won’t solve everything. States can no longer simply commit to re-training all staff on policy related to error-prone elements. Training can be a part of error rate improvement but states are looking more closely

What’s Next? The urgency to improve SNAP

at the format or delivery method, target audience(s), and the evaluation process to ensure the effort has the desired effect. States are balancing client conve nience with accuracy. Several states are considering, or have eliminated, self-attestation of shelter and utility expenses due to the number or errors in those areas, adding an unwanted burden on clients and eligibility workers. At the same time, states are investing in new ways for SNAP partic ipants to report changes or be notified of important deadlines or program requirements.

payment accuracy has never been greater. The path forward demands more than policy tweaks—it requires thoughtful interventions, collabora tion across teams, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions and approaches. A successful effort will not only reduce the payment error rate but improve overall program integrity and strengthen client service and access.

Paul Lefkowitz is a Senior Consultant with Public Consulting Group (PCG).

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Winter 2025 Policy & Practice