Youngkin meets virtually with DSS workers on initiative to reduce SNAP payment errors

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Governor Glenn Youngkin met virtually with more than 1,500 Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) workers regarding SNAP FORWARD, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing payment errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The meeting was held virtually on Thursday, Sept. 18, during which Youngkin spoke with DSS state and local benefits workers and agency leaders from throughout Virginia.

Roughly 874,000 Virginians rely on SNAP, Youngkin's office said. SNAP benefits have been fully funded by the federal government, but starting in October 2027, states with high error rates will be required to fund some of the SNAP benefit, which could total $270 million annually at Virginia’s current error rate. 

According to Youngkin's office, SNAP FORWARD builds on Executive Directive 13, which the governor issued in August, directing DSS to strengthen program integrity, implement required training for local staff, verify household information instead of relying on families to attest on behalf of themselves, and explore technological ways to improve accuracy.

Parts of SNAP FORWARD include required foundational training for all local eligibility workers, new policies to verify household information, enhanced case review processes, and technology investments designed to catch and correct potential errors earlier in the process, according to Youngkin's office.

"SNAP FORWARD is designed to ensure Virginians receive the right benefit at the right time — protecting families from underpayments, which can lead to food insecurity, and from overpayments, which can result in repayment obligations," Youngkin's office said.

Virginia’s current SNAP payment error rate is reportedly 11.5%, mostly due to pandemic-related workforce shortages, record caseloads and outdated verification processes.

“We must make sure benefits funded by taxpayers are delivered accurately, timely, and fairly,” Youngkin said. “Thanks to the dedication of local DSS benefits specialists, supervisors, and state staff, we are focused and aligned like never before. SNAP FORWARD will help us achieve measurable results — strengthening program integrity, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring Virginia families get the short-term support they need.”