Patrick
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help millions of Americans afford essential groceries. While the program plays a vital role in reducing hunger, recent findings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveal major flaws in the system.
Officials have uncovered that thousands of deceased individuals are still listed as active recipients, hundreds of thousands are receiving duplicate payments, and widespread fraud continues to drain public funds.
These issues surfaced just as the government shutdown disrupted regular benefit distribution, causing additional stress for families relying on SNAP.
System Failures Exposed by the USDA
Deceased Individuals Still Receiving Benefits
The USDA disclosed that 186,000 deceased beneficiaries still appear active in SNAP records across 29 states.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described this as clear evidence of a deeply flawed system. She noted that since these figures represent only a portion of U.S. states, the real number is likely far higher.
Major Complications Threatening SNAP Integrity
1. Half a Million Double Payments
An estimated 500,000 individuals are reportedly receiving duplicate SNAP payments, either due to technical errors or intentional misuse. This results in millions of federal dollars being incorrectly disbursed every month.
2. Widespread Fraud Investigations
USDA investigators also uncovered thousands of cases of SNAP fraud. In one extreme incident, a single individual possessed six EBT cards across six states—a sign of intentional abuse.
Rollins acknowledged that the federal government “lacked the right tools” to detect these schemes for years, but new systems are helping expose them.
So far, 120 arrests have been made for misuse and fraud, yet officials warn this represents only a fraction of the total problem.
Rollins even described SNAP as one of the “most corrupt and dysfunctional” federal programs in U.S. history based on recent findings.
Why SNAP Still Matters
Despite its problems, SNAP remains essential, supporting more than 41 million Americans each month with approximately $190 in monthly benefits.
These funds are distributed through EBT cards, which work like debit cards at grocery stores and farmers markets.
Items You Can Buy With SNAP
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and fish
- Milk and dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Items You Cannot Buy
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Hot prepared meals
- Cooking tools or utensils
Impact of the Government Shutdown
The program suffered further disruption during the recent government shutdown, leaving many families without payments for weeks. The delay created hardship for households that rely on SNAP for daily meals.
On November 13, the USDA announced that every state must issue the full maximum benefit amount for the month to compensate for the missed days.
Payment restoration has already begun in states like Arkansas and West Virginia, while others, including Maryland, are restarting benefits immediately.
The USDA is now taking steps to repair the serious inefficiencies plaguing SNAP. While benefits are finally being restored after the government shutdown, the agency faces a difficult task—ensuring the system becomes more accurate, more secure, and more transparent.
Strengthening oversight and eliminating fraud are essential to protecting a program that millions of Americans depend on for food and stability.
FAQs
Why are deceased individuals still listed as receiving SNAP benefits?
Due to outdated records and system errors, 186,000 deceased people still appear as active beneficiaries across multiple states.
How many people are getting duplicate SNAP payments?
The USDA estimates that about 500,000 individuals are receiving duplicate payments because of system glitches or intentional misuse.
Are SNAP benefits fully restored after the government shutdown?
Yes. The USDA ordered all states to issue full monthly benefits, and many states have already restarted payments.