NEWS RELEASE
Thomas Suehs
Executive Commissioner
Date: June 16, 2011
Contact: Stephanie Goodman (512) 424-6951
Texas Gets $6.2 Million Bonus for SNAP Payment Accuracy
AUSTIN –Texas received a $6.2 million federal bonus for achieving one of the highest payment accuracy rates in the nation in the SNAP food benefits program.
“Our goal is to have the most effective and efficient programs in the nation, and we’re doing that,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Tom Suehs. “We’ve improved the enrollment process for clients and done a better job of processing applications accurately and on time.”
Texas had a payment error rate of 2.13 percent for fiscal year 2010, compared to a national average of 3.81 percent. The payment error rate measures how well a state does at correctly calculating how much in SNAP food benefits a family should receive. The state also was honored for having the most improved program in the nation.
“Our front-line workers deserve all the credit,” Suehs said. “They are committed to making the Texas program the best in the nation, and they’ve worked long hours to make that a reality.”
Texas distributes more than $400 million in SNAP food benefits each month to 3.6 million Texans. Most of the program’s clients are children or ages 60 and older.
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