GAO: 15 of 20 Major Benefit Programs Lacked Fraud-Risk Documentation
A revised GAO report found that only five of 20 major state-administered programs documented fraud-risk assessments across $1.1 trillion in obligations.
SNAP
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Arkansas’ new SNAP limits move forward despite court challenge
Arkansas SNAP and Summer EBT benefits cannot buy specified soda, beverages and candy under rules that began July 1, while the legal fight continues.
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SNAP retailers face new USDA stocking standards by Nov. 4
Many inventory-based SNAP retailers must stock 28 qualifying staple-food varieties by Nov. 4, while SNAP shoppers can still buy accessory foods.
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States Face a New Federal Cost Burden for Administering SNAP
A USDA proposal would codify a 25% federal share of ordinary SNAP administrative costs in fiscal 2027, shifting an estimated $16.9 billion to states.
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Nevada families have until Aug. 9 to apply for summer food benefits
Nevada’s Summer EBT deadline is Sunday, Aug. 9. Eligible children may receive a one-time $120 grocery benefit, but some families must apply.
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USDA will require SNAP retailers to stock more staple foods beginning in fall 2026
A final USDA rule will require SNAP-authorized retailers nationwide to carry seven varieties of staple foods across four categories, while increasing perishable-food requirements and closing loopholes for some snack foods.
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Phoenix launches one-time aid for residents who lost SNAP benefits
Phoenix has launched one-time assistance for eligible households that lost SNAP benefits, including $600 for utilities and $100 for transportation.
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GAO Flags Fraud Risks in 20 State-Administered Federal Programs With $1.2 Trillion in FY 2025 Funding
A new Government Accountability Office report examines fraud risks and oversight practices in 20 large federally funded programs administered by states and other government entities, including Medicaid, SNAP and disaster assistance.
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GAO warns states lack adequate safeguards for major federally funded benefit programs
A new Government Accountability Office report examines fraud risks in 20 state-administered federal programs that received an estimated $1.2 trillion in fiscal year 2025.
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GAO says programs handling $1.2 trillion face persistent fraud-management gaps
A new Government Accountability Office review finds continuing weaknesses in fraud-risk controls across 20 federally funded programs administered by states and local governments.
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Federal SNAP Data Lawsuits Put State Benefit Privacy in Court
The Justice Department sued four states over five years of SNAP records, escalating a dispute over federal oversight, privacy and data security.
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More Than 1.5 Million Children May Have Lost SNAP Access
Updated state data suggest more than 1.5 million children may have lost SNAP access, as new federal rules add paperwork and future costs for states.
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Louisiana SNAP hot-food waiver expires Aug. 13 after Tropical Storm Arthur
Louisiana SNAP households can use existing benefits for eligible hot or prepared foods at authorized retailers through Aug. 13, but the waiver adds no funds, covers no restaurant meals and may require retailer system updates.
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Connecticut begins distributing $300 grocery benefits to residents who lost SNAP eligibility
Connecticut began distributing one-time $300 grocery benefits Aug. 4 to some residents who lost SNAP eligibility under new federal work rules. Eligible residents must contact a local community action agency rather than wait for an EBT deposit.
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Louisiana’s SUN Bucks application deadline is Aug. 20. Who still needs to apply?
Louisiana families may receive a one-time $120 SUN Bucks grocery benefit for each eligible child. Applications for summer 2026 are due Aug. 20, and unused funds expire 122 days after issuance or loading.
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Governors confront the next phase of Medicaid and SNAP changes
States are preparing for Medicaid community-engagement rules and higher SNAP costs as technology, staffing, outreach and accuracy decisions approach key deadlines.
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Maryland begins statewide rollout of chip-enabled EBT cards
Maryland is rolling out EMV chip-and-tap EBT cards statewide through the Department of Human Services, a change the state says will provide more fraud-resistant access to SNAP and cash-assistance benefits.
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Louisiana SNAP recipients may use benefits for hot food through Aug. 13 after storm damage
Louisiana health officials announced a USDA-approved temporary waiver allowing SNAP participants statewide to use benefits for hot or prepared foods through Aug. 13, 2026, following Tropical Storm Arthur.
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North Dakota warns refugees and asylees of October changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
North Dakota Health and Human Services says a federal eligibility change taking effect Oct. 1, 2026, will revise the “qualified alien” definition used for SNAP and Medicaid, affecting refugees, asylees and other humanitarian categories identified by the agency.
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Florida’s SNAP Error Rate Puts Nearly $1 Billion at Risk
Florida’s 12.97% SNAP error rate remains above the federal threshold for future state cost sharing. New reporting and oversight deadlines begin August 1.
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Arkansas SNAP recipients get new ebtEDGE app after theft reports
Arkansas SNAP recipients are moving to a new EBT processor and app with card locks and transaction controls after DHS reported suspicious benefit activity.
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North Dakota SNAP restrictions remain scheduled for Sept. 1. What shoppers and grocers need to know
North Dakota’s USDA-approved SNAP demonstration project remains scheduled for Sept. 1, blocking EBT purchases of defined sweetened beverages, energy drinks and candy while retailers update checkout systems.