Governor Youngkin unites over 1,500 DSS workers to launch SNAP FORWARD initiative to strengthen program accuracy
Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin met virtually with more than 1,500 Department of Social Services (DSS) benefits workers, supervisors, and agency leaders across Virginia on Thursday to launch SNAP FORWARD, a sweeping initiative focused on cutting payment errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Governor Youngkin praised the commitment of DSS staff and emphasized the urgency of strengthening the program. “We must make sure benefits funded by taxpayers are delivered accurately, timely, and fairly,” he 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.”
Strengthening Oversight Through Training and Technology
The new initiative is built on the foundation of Executive Directive 13, which Governor Youngkin signed in August 2025. The directive orders DSS to fortify program oversight by implementing mandatory staff training, verifying household details instead of relying on self-attested information, and leveraging technology to identify and fix errors early.
As part of SNAP FORWARD, local eligibility workers across Virginia will undergo foundational training, while DSS introduces stricter policies for income and household verification. The plan also includes better case review procedures and the integration of modern systems that can flag inconsistencies before they result in overpayments or underpayments.
“This is about saying loud and clear: reducing our SNAP error rate is possible,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Through stronger training, smarter use of technology, and greater collaboration between state and local agencies, we can and will meet this challenge together.”
Preventing Harm to Families and Avoiding Costly Penalties
SNAP FORWARD is not just about correcting government inefficiencies — it also directly impacts the lives of nearly 874,000 Virginians who rely on SNAP. The initiative aims to ensure that families receive accurate benefits — avoiding underpayments that could worsen food insecurity and overpayments that may later require costly repayment.
Currently, Virginia’s SNAP payment error rate sits at 11.5%, largely due to pandemic-related staff shortages, a surge in caseloads, and outdated processes. While SNAP benefits are fully federally funded today, beginning in October 2027, states with persistently high error rates will have to contribute to the cost of those benefits. If no improvements are made, Virginia could be on the hook for up to $270 million annually.
DSS Commissioner Kevin Erskine stressed the importance of preparing frontline staff for success, saying, “We will equip our teams with the tools, resources, and policies they need to succeed. By working hand-in-hand with local departments, we’re committed to finding and fixing errors before they impact Virginia families.”
With SNAP FORWARD, Virginia is taking a proactive stance to modernize its assistance systems, uphold fiscal responsibility, and ensure vulnerable families continue to receive reliable support when they need it most.
