Hawaii overpays SNAP benefits by nearly 10% in 2025

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – More than $10 billion in SNAP benefits paid nationwide in fiscal year 2025 were above recipients’ eligibility or went to people who didn’t qualify for the program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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An annual analysis shows the national payment error rate was 10.62%, well above the congressional threshold of 6%.

The error rate measures how accurately states determine who is eligible for SNAP and how much they should get.

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In Hawaii, the payment error rate is higher than the national average at 10.92%

“These payment error rates are further proof that state accountability is severely lacking in SNAP,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said in a press release. “USDA has taken historic action to help interested states curb SNAP waste, and I hope other states, regardless of political leadership, prioritize needy families and the American taxpayer over politics.”

States above the threshold must now pay back a percentage of their benefits and submit an action plan to the USDA explaining how the errors will be addressed.

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