2023 LexisNexis Risk Solutions True Cost of Fraud for SNAP and IES Agencies

LexisNexis® Risk Solutions launched its second annual True Cost of Fraud™ Study for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Integrated Eligibility Systems (IES).

This authoritative and market leading study informs the level and impact of fraud, including the challenges, volume, and cost, as well as the resources that SNAP agencies and IES utilize to detect and prevent fraud. 

The 2023 study expanded its scope to include integrated eligibility systems (IES). IES refers to a common eligibility system to manage various human services benefit programs, including but not limited to: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Center for Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

A third-party market research firm anonymously collected survey responses in August 2023, with a total of 149 completions in the United States. Respondents included senior executives responsible for fraud mitigation and decisions with SNAP agencies and IES.  

The study reports on key trends related to fraud detection, prevention, and the benefit allocation experience. In addition to analyzing the cost of fraud, the study explores the time and resources expended by SNAP investigators to prevent attacks and mitigate fraud and analyzes current fraud impacts and trends affecting this critical government benefit. 

This study provides insight into where the pain points are and the challenges faced by agencies while administering essential assistance, and the financial impact from fraud. Without digital identity tools that provide equitable and expedient access to benefits, the true cost of fraud will continue to grow under the persistent threat of identity thieves, bot attacks, and insufficient technology and resources.

Download the Report