NC’s SNAP Crisis: Fixing Food Stamp Errors Must be a 2026 Priority

Originally published by the Carolina Journal

North Carolina is on track for a major financial penalty that could cost taxpayers nearly $433 million if the state does not take control of its food stamp program. Right now, North Carolina ranks 31st nationally in SNAP payment accuracy, with an error rate of 10.21%. Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, any state with an error rate above 6% will soon be required to start paying a share of food benefit costs. That deadline is approaching fast. If North Carolina does not reduce its error rate by the end of 2026, the burden shifts directly to state taxpayers.

This is not a Washington problem. This is a North Carolina problem that demands North Carolina solutions.

One of the biggest contributors to rising SNAP error rates nationwide is a policy known as Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, often called BBCE.

To read the full article, click here.