Illinois SNAP error rate risks hundreds of millions in taxpayer costs

Illinois is facing high error rates in its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with improper food subsidy payments potentially costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The state’s error rate rose from 11.56% in 2024 to 14.67% last year, ranking it fifth highest in the United States.

Under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, states with high error rates began paying more to administer the program on October 1. Governor J. B. Pritzker suggested the federal government’s intent was to push people off subsidies. However, Haywood Talcove, CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions government business, argued that the issue stems from antiquated technology and criminal exploitation rather than federal policy.

Talcove recommended that the state implement front-end identity verification to replace reliance on self-reported information and suggested hiring a third-party auditor to evaluate the system. He noted that without improvements, taxpayers could face costs of up to $700 million.