Program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Cluster Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 10.561 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Agriculture Passed-Through: California Department of Social Services Award No. and Year: 217CACA4S2514, 227CACA4S2514, 217CACA4Q7503, 227CACA4Q750...
Program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Cluster Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 10.561 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Agriculture Passed-Through: California Department of Social Services Award No. and Year: 217CACA4S2514, 227CACA4S2514, 217CACA4Q7503, 227CACA4Q7503, 217CACA4S2519, 227CACA4S2519, 217CACA4S2520, 227CACA4S2520, 217CACA5S9018, 217CACA6F1003, 227CACA7F1003 and 2022 Compliance Requirements: Special Tests and Provisions Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Criteria: 7 CFR sections 272.10 and 277.18 require State agencies to automate their SNAP operations and computerize their systems for obtaining, maintaining, utilizing, and transmitting information concerning SNAP. This includes: (1) accurately and completely processing and storing all case file information for eligibility determination and benefit calculation; (2) providing an automatic cutoff of households at the end of their certification period unless recertified; and (3) generating data necessary to meet federal issuance and reconciliation reporting requirements. Condition: In establishing a new case, the client is certified to receive benefits for a one-year period (certification period). The intake and certification process require that information on the CF-37 and SAWS 2 be obtained to determine eligibility and assist in the benefit calculation. Further, prior to case worker approval of benefits, the Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) report is required to be processed in certain circumstances. During our testing of the SSA department?s provisions for special tests and provisions requirements relating to ADP System for SNAP, we noted the following instances: ? For thirteen (13) of forty (40) participants selected for testing, there was no evidence that a case worker reviewed and certified the participants IEVS report. ? For three (3) of forty (40) participants selected for testing, the income verification document used in the benefit calculation was not retained by the department. Cause: The condition is primarily caused by the SSA department not following policies and procedures in place to ensure the eligibility case files contain documentation to support eligibility and benefit calculations. Effect: Case data may not be current or accurate in the case file or the system, which could lead to initial and continued eligibility errors, inaccurate benefit calculations, and benefit overpayments. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified as a result of our procedures. Context/Sampling: A non-statistical sample of forty (40) out of one hundred eleven thousand and fifty-one (111,051) participants were selected for special tests and provisions relating to ADP System for SNAP. The condition above was identified during our testwork of the SSA?s internal controls over special tests and provisions. Repeat Finding from Prior Years: No Recommendation: We recommend the County strengthen its established policies and procedures with regard to initial and ongoing eligibility determination, required documentation and verifications, maintenance of participant files, and ensure that policies and procedures are strictly adhered to by County personnel. Management Response and Corrective Action: Social Services Agency: 1. Person Responsible: Cristina Espinoza, Administrative Manager I, Assistance Programs, Operations and Policy Team 2. Corrective action plan: Department will provide Single Audit findings in a mandatory Program Summary meeting that all staff will attend. At the meeting, department will address the findings in detail and remind staff who administer CalFresh to: ? Review and process IEVS reports timely and accurately ? Ensure case verifications are imaged and documented in case comments to support case action ? Review the budget wrap-up screen thoroughly for every case The department will also continue to have the Quality Assurance team complete case reviews to ensure eligibility workers are following policies and procedures in completing accurate eligibility determinations. 3. Anticipated Implementation date: April 2023