| DATE: | August 13, 2025 |
|---|---|
| SUBJECT: | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Quality Control (QC) Error Tolerance Threshold for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 |
| MEMO CODE: | QC Policy Memo 25-04 |
| TO: | All SNAP State Agencies All Regional SNAP Directors |
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, requires the SNAP QC system use a tolerance level to set a monetary threshold for determining which QC errors are included in the calculation of payment error rates. This threshold is adjusted annually to correspond with changes in the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). Following Congress’ requirement and based on changes in the TFP, the threshold will increase from $57 in FY 2025 to $58 for FY 2026. For FY 2026, all state agencies must use $58 as the QC tolerance level. Errors less than or equal to the threshold must be excluded from payment error rate calculations unless associated with a determination that the household was ineligible for the sample month’s benefits. However, all errors, regardless of amount, must be reported to the Food and Nutrition Service and to the appropriate state agency units that determine supplemental issuances or claims in accordance with existing policy.
The SNAP QC error tolerance threshold public website will be updated with this information.
State agencies with questions regarding the adjustment should contact their respective regional office representatives.
Sincerely,
Ronald Ward
Acting Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Food and Nutrition Service