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Basic page SNAP Quality Control - Error Tolerance Threshold

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 set a tolerance level, or threshold, for excluding small errors from calculation of the SNAP payment error rate. Beginning with fiscal year 2015, the threshold has been adjusted annually to correspond with changes in the Thrifty Food Plan for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.

04/30/2024
Resource | Policy FY 15 SNAP QC Tolerance Level

SNAP’s QC system uses a tolerance level to set the threshold for determining which errors are included in the national payment error rate calculation. The first year the TFP based adjustment will occur is FY 2015. FNS is adjusting the threshold using the TFP for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. FNS calculated the percentage change between the June 30, 2013 TFP (FY 2014) and the June 30, 2014 TFP (FY 2015). FNS has applied that percentage to the $37 QC tolerance level, which results in an increase to $38.

SNAP QC PM 14-03
04/29/2024
Resource | Policy WIC FMNP and SFMNP FY 2022 Guidance Package

This guidance provides resources that state agencies may use when considering next steps and set forth instructions for submitting state plan amendments that involve operational changes such as electronic solution proposals and/or WIC FMNP waiver requests.

04/11/2024
Resource | Federal Register Documents Comment Request - Understanding Risk Assessment in SNAP Payment Accuracy

FNS is conducting a study, Understanding Risk Assessment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Payment Accuracy, to develop a comprehensive picture of whether and how SNAP state agencies use RA tools and determine if these tools create disparate impacts on protected classes. 

04/09/2024
Resource | Federal Register Documents Information Collection - Request for Comments on Evaluating the Interview Requirement for SNAP Certification Study

This is a new information collection for the contract of the study titled “Evaluating the Interview Requirement for SNAP Certification.” The purpose of this collection is to help FNS describe the effects of waiving the interview requirement, including SNAP agency processes and staff experiences with implementing the no-interview demonstration, analyzing the differences in outcomes for SNAP applicants and recipients, and identifying key lessons to inform future policy or implementation.

04/04/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Use of Nonmerit Personnel in SNAP Administration

This memo seeks to clarify existing policy and flexibilities regarding the use of nonmerit personnel in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

03/21/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Online Application Policy Clarification

This memo reiterates and clarifies existing online application policy for state agencies. 

02/20/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Letter from Secretary Vilsack to Governors on SNAP Performance and Operations
01/31/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance SNAP Application Processing Timeliness: Effective Practices, Promising Initiatives, and Helpful Resources

States are responsible for meeting federal SNAP requirements for timely processing of applications. This resource summarizes the valuable information contributed by participating states.

01/16/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance SNAP Payment Accuracy: Effective Practices, Promising Initiatives, and Helpful Resources

States are responsible for maintaining the integrity of SNAP by issuing accurate benefits to eligible households. This resource summarizes the valuable information contributed by participating states.

01/11/2024
Page updated: October 14, 2021