Georgia continues to rank among the states with the highest payment error rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to newly released federal data, prompting state officials to implement changes aimed at improving accuracy and avoiding future financial penalties.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports Georgia’s SNAP payment error rate for 2025 was 15.2 percent, well above the national average of 10.6 percent. The payment error rate measures benefits that were issued either above or below the correct amount based on a household’s eligibility. Federal officials emphasize that the figure does not measure fraud, but instead reflects mistakes made during the eligibility or benefit determination process, including both administrative errors and errors resulting from incorrect or incomplete information.

The findings come as changes to federal law place greater responsibility on states to improve program accuracy. Beginning in October, states will be responsible for 75 percent of SNAP administrative costs, up from the current 50 percent. States with persistently high payment error rates could also face additional cost-sharing requirements in future years if improvements are not made.

The Georgia Department of Human Services says it is taking steps to reduce payment errors by modernizing the eligibility system and increasing automation. State officials have launched a review of technology solutions and requested federal approval for additional automation intended to reduce manual processing errors and improve the accuracy of benefit determinations.

According to USDA, payment errors may occur when a household receives more benefits than it should, receives less than it qualifies for, or when eligibility is determined incorrectly. The agency noted that overpayments must be recovered and underpayments must be corrected so eligible households receive the proper benefit amount.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the payment error rates demonstrate the need for stronger accountability in administering the nation’s largest food assistance program. Federal officials say they will continue working with states to identify the causes of payment errors and implement improvements to ensure benefits are distributed accurately.

SNAP provides monthly food assistance to millions of low-income Americans, including thousands of Georgia families, helping them purchase groceries while meeting federal eligibility requirements.