Data standardization can enhance the ability of states and the federal government to administer the SNAP program more effectively by strengthening oversight, improving decision-making by program administrators, and fostering innovation through the greater use of data analytics. Data standardization may also help states and the federal government to reduce improper benefit payments, as well as to improve the detection and prevention of fraud, waste, and abuse by allowing for easier data sharing.
Greater use of data sharing may improve program integrity by increasing the accuracy of payments, improving efficiency and case management through increased automation, improving decision-making by expanding verification, and by allowing for better-targeted efforts through data analysis of trends across states and populations served by the program.