Warning Issued Over SNAP Benefit Delays

State authorities have been warned by the U.S. federal government that they must ensure the timely delivery of SNAP benefits after delays in processing have been reported across the country.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed in a press release issued on Thursday that it's concerned over state administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wrote the letter to underline the "situation and encourages immediate state actions to improve."

SNAP benefits are funded by the federal government but distributed at the state level and, in some areas, by county authorities. Recent reporting by Newsweek found that some states are leaving SNAP recipients waiting months on end for a decision regarding their applications, leaving some of America's most vulnerable people without access to adequate groceries.

"SNAP serves as our nation's foundational safety net, a crucial resource for the well-being of low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities," Vilsack said in a press release on Thursday.

"Timely and accurate SNAP processing is critical to meeting the nutrition needs of low-income families and protecting the integrity of SNAP. Americans in need should have access to essential benefits without unnecessary delays. States must deliver benefits in the right amounts, to the right individuals, in the required periods of time."

The only states that have not received Vilsack's letter are Alabama, Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Vermont. All other states have recieved correspondence from the USDA. Washington, D.C., Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands also received letters.

The letter assures state leaders that the "USDA is ready to work with you to ensure that those in need of nutrition assistance receive timely and accurate benefits." States have also been urged "to make investments in systems and staffing to improve efficiency, provide excellent customer service, and meet federal standards."

Decisions on whether to issue SNAP benefits must be made within 30 days, according to federal law. Some recipients have waited in excess of 60 days for their decision to come through.

Some Tennessee residents told Newsweek that they have been waiting over six months for vital assistance. The issue has been put down to a new system for applications that was introduced in summer 2023.

Several counties in Colorado have also experienced delays in SNAP issuance, with one county processing just a quarter of applications within the federally mandated time limit. In Florida, glitches in a newly implemented portal have caused SNAP recipients to lose all or part of their recertification applications.