MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s most efficient and effectively run program, according to payment error rates released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
SNAP helps low-income South Dakotans purchase food they need to stay healthy while they work to regain financial independence. The SNAP payment error rates measure how accurately states determine household eligibility and benefit amounts. South Dakota’s error rate was 2.47% for fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the lowest of all states. The national rate was 10.62%.
“South Dakota continues to remain a leader in this nation — and I am proud that we continue to have the lowest SNAP error rate,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We will continue to make smart administrative decisions that safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure benefits are delivered accurately to those who qualify.”
South Dakota has finished first in SNAP error rate in every year numbers were kept since FY15, except FY19 when the state finished second. A state’s payment error rate is the combination of the overpayment error rate and underpayment error rate. Errors can result from clerical mistakes or from a participant providing inaccurate or incomplete information.
“These numbers reflect a remarkably high rate of accuracy compared to our peers. They are the product of consistent and disciplined efforts made by our staff every day,” said Matt Althoff, the cabinet secretary for the Department of Social Services (DSS), which administers SNAP. “The distinction has been earned through quality training and effective quality control measures, and continuous refinement of processes and procedures. It also reflects a collective resolve among our staff at every level to be good stewards of taxpayer monies.”
H.R.1 added new standards for states’ payment error rates, implementing financial consequences for states above the 6% threshold. States with error rates at or above the threshold will be responsible for covering more of their state’s benefits. South Dakota’s sub-6% error rate means that an estimated $26 million in state general funds were saved during the upcoming fiscal year.
South Dakota’s SNAP also has the lowest Case and Procedural Error Rate in the nation and is the only state to be in the single digits. The national rate was 38.34% while South Dakota’s is at 6.19%. CAPER looks at the accuracy or the decision (deny, terminate, suspend); the accuracy of the notices sent to the household; and the timeliness of the action and notice.