Oklahoma Auditor Warns SNAP Error Rate Could Cost Millions

State leaders race to fix payment errors as families fear losing food assistance and taxpayers face funding gaps.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Oklahoma's State Auditor says the state's high SNAP payment error rate, currently at 10.9%, could eventually lead to Oklahoma losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding. The auditor's office has not found evidence of wrongdoing at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), but believes the eligibility process should be independently audited. DHS says it has implemented major improvements in training and verification processes to strengthen program integrity, but many SNAP recipients worry about potential funding cuts and their ability to afford groceries.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's high SNAP error rate puts critical food assistance for over 680,000 residents at risk, while also potentially forcing taxpayers to cover funding gaps if the state loses federal dollars. Addressing these errors is crucial to protecting both families and the state's budget.

The details

Under federal rules, states with SNAP payment error rates above 6% could face significant funding cuts. Oklahoma's current error rate of 10.9% includes cases of overpayment, underpayment, and improper approval or denial of benefits. The State Auditor estimates Oklahoma could save about $75 million annually by getting the error rate below 10%, but the agency has not found evidence of wrongdoing at DHS. DHS says it has implemented training and verification process improvements to strengthen program integrity.

  • Oklahoma's current SNAP error rate is 10.9% as of February 2026.
  • A federal spending bill under the Trump Administration set a 6% error rate threshold for states to avoid funding cuts.
  • Lawmakers and the governor will review welfare programs and SNAP operations this legislative session, with decisions expected in October 2026.

The players

Oklahoma State Auditor

The state auditor's office has warned that Oklahoma's high SNAP payment error rate could lead to the state losing hundreds of millions in federal funding.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS)

The state agency that administers the SNAP program in Oklahoma. DHS says it has implemented major improvements in training and verification processes to strengthen program integrity.

Jeffrey Cartmell

The director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, who stated the agency's efforts to improve SNAP program integrity.

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What they’re saying

“HR 1 didn't change our direction; it reinforced it. I'm so proud of our staff who are working diligently and remain committed to ensuring the integrity of the program. We have implemented significant advancements to strengthen training and improve verification processes moving forward.”

— Jeffrey Cartmell, Director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services (newson6.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers and the governor will review welfare programs and SNAP operations this legislative session, with decisions expected in October 2026 on how to address the high error rate and prevent potential funding losses.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's high SNAP payment error rate poses a serious threat to critical food assistance for over 680,000 residents, while also potentially forcing taxpayers to cover funding gaps if the state loses federal dollars. Addressing these errors through improved processes and oversight is crucial to protecting both families and the state's budget.