Is SNAP Fraud Really an Issue?
SNAP fraud is a major problem. One of the most prolific instances of fraud can be seen in my home state of Oklahoma. To the chagrin of Republican lawmakers, the state has one of the highest rates of both SNAP beneficiaries and alleged SNAP fraud cases in the country. Consistently ranking high—often 4th or 5th for SNAP participation—the state has an alarming amount of suspected fraud.
How do we know there is fraud?
Of the state's residents, roughly 12% meet the threshold of the federal poverty line. This may not seem like much, but when compared to the state's SNAP enrollment of 17%, a question begins to emerge: How did the extra 5% obtain benefits for which they are seemingly ineligible for?
Those involved with state policy have suggested several reasons for this enrollment discrepancy:
Lax Enforcement: The OCPA (a conservative think tank) suggests there is laxness in enforcing existing laws and cross-checks intended to restrict ineligible participation.
Policy Loopholes: State auditors argue that Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)—a policy allowing states to bypass federal asset limits—has had its "guardrails" widened to include undeserving recipients.
Post-2020 Retention: Many lawmakers argue that most people are simply continuing to receive benefits even after their income rose above the poverty line following the 2020 pandemic.
Where do we go from here?
While Oklahoma has its issues, it is not alone. New Mexico, Florida, Alaska, Oregon, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Alabama, and California all see high amounts of fraud in one category or another. This is not a single-state issue; it is a national one. While this seems like a difficult situation, there is hope. With the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill," there are new incentives for states to become more efficient with federal funds. However, those incentives come with caveats: should a state fail to meet the bill's requirements by 2028, they will face high penalties, potentially pushing states into even greater problems. The issue now falls to you, the voter, to find candidates who are aware of these problems and have solutions to reverse them. Stay informed on local politics, stay involved with your representatives, and push for reform where it matters.
