Finding Text
2023-004 Financial Eligibility – Assets Definition
Legal Services Corporation ALN#09.233100
Criteria: Per LSC Reg.# 1611.2(d) Definition of Assets, “Assets” means cash or other resources of the applicant or members of the applicant’s household that are readily convertible to cash, which are currently and actually available to the applicant.
Condition: The recorded assets considered for client financial eligibility determination for one case did not meet the asset definition as per the LSC regulation.
Cause: Certain assets including a primary residence were inaccurately reported as assets. These assets should be excluded when assessing financial eligibility in accordance with LSC Reg.#1611.2(d).
Effect: Incorrect or incomplete financial eligibility documentation may lead to the improper inclusion or exclusion of clients from receiving services under the LSC program.
Context: Out of 60 cases selected for testing, one (1) case included assets that did not align with the asset definition as specified by LSC Reg. # 1611.2(d).
Questioned costs: There are no questioned costs noted.
*This is a repeated finding from the prior year. The prior year finding # was 2022-002.
Recommendation: We recommend that Legal Services NYC continue to provide relevant training to employees involved in client intake regarding financial eligibility.
Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan.