Cape May County reviews SNAP error rates as residents urge response to federal benefit changes

On June 10, 2025, the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners heard research from county Human Services staff and public comments about proposed changes to federal benefit programs, and agreed to review the analysis before deciding whether to send a formal statement to Congressman Jeff VanDrew. Commissioner William Morey said the county should consider drafting a statement expressing support for program goals while raising concerns about implementation for the county’s seasonal workforce.

The discussion followed public comments and an internal review by Donna Groome, Director of Human Services, into how changes to SNAP, Medicare and Medicaid could affect county residents. Groome told the board that a spike in New Jersey’s 2023 SNAP payment error rate reflected a change in federal Quality Control reporting that temporarily counted certain administrative issues as payment errors, and that the federal Food and Nutrition Service has since reversed that guidance. "The payment error rate is an ‘apples to oranges’ kind of evaluation," Groome said, adding that Cape May County’s own payment error rate has been below 5% for years.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the county’s seasonal labor market and tourism-driven economy could make residents particularly vulnerable to administrative changes and implementation delays if federal rules change. Morey said a statement to VanDrew would signal concern about how implementation would affect local households even if commissioners support the programs’ stated goals.

Key details from staff and the public: Commissioner Collette cited a FY2023 report from the Food & Nutrition Service showing a national overall SNAP payment error rate of 11.68% (10.03% overpayments, 1.64% underpayments) and said New Jersey’s 2023 overpayment rate was 33.48% with a 2.22% underpayment rate, yielding a 35.7% total error rate for the state in that year. Collette said those overpayments amounted to approximately $700 million. Groome explained the 2023 spike resulted from a change that counted missing administrative documentation as full-case payment errors; with the guidance reversed, FNS and state officials expect the rate to return toward prior levels (near 6%). Groome said 2024 statewide figures were under review and should be available by month’s end.

Several members of the public urged immediate action. Lisa Labree of West Wildwood told commissioners she could not verify a previously cited 40% error rate for New Jersey and that federal staff she contacted suggested the figure may be 37.5% but were uncertain of its origin; she said she will continue researching and share findings with the board. Kathy Genzoli, speaking by proxy through Rose Traficante, and Carolyn Rush of Sea Isle City urged commissioners to take stronger public positions and asked for clarity on how the numbers were being used in public debate. Dr. Rose Traficante, who spoke separately, urged expanded services for veterans and criticized interruptions of public speakers at earlier meetings.

Commissioner reactions and next steps: Morey asked the board to review Groome’s analysis and return the matter to a future agenda; Director Desiderio and Vice Director Bulakowski requested additional time to examine the materials before committing to a formal statement. No formal motion or vote was taken. Groome said she is available to answer commissioners’ questions and that county staff will provide updated statistics when available.

The board did not adopt a position at the June 10 meeting; Commissioners agreed to revisit the matter at a later date after further review of Groome’s documentation and any updated federal or state figures.