SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2025

This bill lets state SNAP offices hire outside help to process applications and handle other SNAP tasks when they face spikes or backlogs. Any contract can’t reward delaying or denying benefits, and contractors can’t have a financial stake in stores that accept SNAP.

Key points:

• Who is affected: State SNAP agencies, SNAP applicants, and current state SNAP staff.
• What changes: States may contract with companies to help certify applicants or do other SNAP work, at reasonable cost and under normal state contracting rules. Contracts can’t incentivize delays or denials, and contractors can’t have ties to SNAP-authorized stores.
• When this can be used: During surges in applications or when the state can’t process them on time due to things like pandemics, seasonal cycles, temporary staffing shortages, or natural disasters.
• Guardrails for workers: Contracting must be part of a blended workforce and not replace existing state employees; it can’t override current union agreements.
• Transparency and oversight: States must notify USDA before using this option, and USDA must post the notice and supporting data within 10 days. USDA must also issue a yearly report on what was done and recommend improvements. If the issue is a temporary staffing shortage, this extra authority ends once the backlog is cleared.