Data released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows Illinois’ error rate for food assistance payments continues to climb, with new federal penalties scheduled to take effect in the coming years.
The report shows Illinois recorded a 14.7% error rate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments during federal fiscal year 2025. Of those errors, 13.3% were overpayments. The rate is up from 11.6% the previous year.
Federal officials define an erroneous payment as one that is more than $57 higher or lower than intended.
Illinois’ rate places it among the highest in the nation, behind only Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia.
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie says the increase reflects mismanagement and puts vulnerable residents at risk, while Gov. JB Pritzker says the data reflects earlier federal policy changes and does not account for recent state efforts to reduce errors. Pritzker also said the state’s rate has fallen below FY24 levels but did not provide a figure.
Under federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, states with error rates above 10% will be required to begin covering a portion of SNAP benefit costs starting in fiscal year 2029. Illinois could face an estimated $700 million in costs if its rate does not improve.
Beginning in fiscal year 2027, states will also be required to cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from 50%.
The Illinois Department of Human Services says it is investing in new technology, increased eligibility reviews, and additional staffing to improve accuracy and compliance. The agency also notes that most errors are considered minor beneficiary reporting mistakes.
Illinois lawmakers included funding in the new state budget for additional DHS staff and a new emergency assistance program for families impacted by changes to SNAP eligibility.