FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2007
CONTACTS
Note: Sound bites on this topic are available at: http://www.hhss.ne.gov/audio/
Mike Harris, Office of Economic and Family Support, (402) 471-9243
Jeanne Atkinson, Communications and Legislative Services Division, (402) 471-8287
Nebraska Ranks Second in Nation in Food Stamp Payment AccuracyLincoln – Nebraska ranks second in the nation for the lowest error rate in Food Stamp distribution, according to a recent report for federal fiscal year 2007 from Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Nebraska’s current error rate is 0.62 percent. The national error rate was 5.43 percent.
"The Food Stamp program is critical in meeting the nutritional needs of children, older adults, and people with disabilities," said Scot Adams, Ph.D., director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "This high accuracy rate is possible because of the hard work and dedication of our employees. It shows our commitment to making sure our clients receive the best, most accurate services possible."
The low error rate means recipients receive the full extent of their benefits, and Nebraska has virtually no errors that result in overpayments, according to Mike Harris, administrator in the HHS Office of Economic and Family Support. Last month, the Food Stamp program served almost 122,000 individuals, with over half being older adults and people with disabilities.
Food Stamp payment accuracy has been an ongoing focus for several years, Harris said. HHS has put several accuracy initiatives in place, such as statewide quality development teams, electronic benefit cards, specialized payment accuracy positions and an intensive case read project that led to a review of over 20,000 food stamp cases last year.
The USDA report ranked Missouri as number one, with an error rate of 0.56 percent. The USDA report includes all 50 states and three territories: Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. The National Food Stamp Program celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2007.
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