The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reported Illinois' error rate for SNAP benefits has reached 11.5%. State lawmakers are concerned, as states with error rates higher than 6% will start losing federal SNAP funding starting in Fiscal Year 2028.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reported Illinois' error rate for SNAP benefits has reached 11.5%. State lawmakers are concerned, as states with error rates higher than 6% will start losing federal SNAP funding starting in Fiscal Year 2028.

The Illinois Department of Human Services told the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules this week that they are working to ensure the state can minimize errors and follow the new federal rules.

DHS leaders said they are looking at multiple options to prevent taxpayers from being on the hook for roughly $800 million of funding.

"It is increasing our redetermination schedule from yearly to every six months," said DHS Policy Development Bureau Chief Sara Bechtold. "So, people will have to renew their benefits every six months. It requires people to submit proof of housing expenses to make sure that housing expenses are being recorded appropriately and calculated correctly."

The department is also suggesting adjustments for the cost-of-living allocation rate. Still, leaders said the federal government has been slow to give guidance to states.

"Is it fair to say that you all are working as it stands right now, given whatever guidance you've gotten from the feds, to reach these individuals?" asked Rep. Curtis Tarver (D-Chicago). "I mean, we're talking about one of the most basic things that you need in order to sustain life."

DHS said they hold monthly meetings with partners and advocates to provide updates on changes coming down the pipeline. The agency stressed it is important that local organizations understand the changes and can communicate them as effectively as possible with the people they serve.

"It's a very expensive benefit," said Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). "If we can reduce the error rate in the state of Illinois, we'll be doing a good service for both of those groups."

DHS officials noted roughly two-thirds of the SNAP errors are inadvertent client errors. Lawmakers said they are willing to create new policies to help reduce those issues. 

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