Performance Audit Reveals Millions In Delayed SNAP Benefits
Today, the Office of State Auditor released a performance audit of North Carolina’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments program. From 2021 to 2024, North Carolina processed 3.7 million SNAP benefit applications and paid out $15.7 billion in benefits. The audit found that $83 million in benefits were delayed by the federal government’s timeliness standards.
“The State Auditor’s Office is committed to holding government accountable for being efficient. In this case, despite repeatedly seeing there were delays in the distribution of SNAP benefits, DHHS chose not to enforce corrective actions,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “It is troubling that DHHS leadership doesn’t believe tracking untimely benefit amounts would improve efficiency. Measuring performance provides transparency and results on the spending of taxpayer dollars.”
The report identified seven counties as the worst performers at meeting the federal timeliness requirements: Davidson, Edgecombe, Wake, Mecklenburg, Pitt, Cumberland, and Stanly Counties. These counties issued benefits payments 14% to 25% in an untimely manner. Additionally, the audit revealed that DHHS leadership declined to take corrective action at county offices that failed to meet the timeliness standards.
Audit recommended that the Department consistently monitor timeliness, enforce corrective actions, and obtain the necessary data to effectively monitor and administer SNAP benefits.
