SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025
The SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025 would rewrite parts of the Food and Nutrition Act to improve how SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is staffed and managed at the state level. It requires state agencies to pay SNAP administrators at least the same wages as federal employees (with annual increases for locality adjustments) and to submit wage plans to the federal government. If these plans are approved, the federal government would cover 100% of the administrative personnel costs needed to run SNAP, including hiring, training, wages, and ongoing staffing, but only if the state uses a portion of those funds to add staff above what they had in 2024 and to avoid replacing non-federal funding. The overall goal is to attract and retain qualified staff to improve SNAP administration.
Key Points
- 1Wage standards: Within one year of enactment, state SNAP personnel must be paid at least the federal benchmark for federal employees (plus annual locality adjustments), with annual updates.
- 2100% cost-sharing for staffing: The Secretary would reimburse state agencies for all administrative personnel costs related to SNAP if the state submits and the plan is approved, covering hiring, training, maintenance, and wage compliance.
- 3Wage-plan approval: States must submit a detailed wage plan (titles, duties, wages) for approval within one year of enactment.
- 4Maintenance of effort: Federal funds may be used only to supplement, not replace, non-federal funds for existing staff, and must fund new or added full-time equivalents beyond the 2024 staffing level.
- 5Scope and accountability: Funds would be tied to approved wage plans and adherence to the wage standards, with a focus on increasing staffing and improving retention to enhance program administration.