Finding 1155687 (2024-001)

Social Services Block Grant - 93.667 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation): Benefit issuances should be supported by standardized forms and documents, such as approved applications and payment authorizations, and budget calculation forms. Condition and context: Of the 40 Social Service Block Grant benefits tested for 2024, the following exceptions were noted: • Two selections were missing the corresponding Eligibility Checklist for the applicable period. • Three selections were missing an application/recertification. • Two selections were missing the LDSS-2970 (Services Authorization Form). Cause: Inconsistency of application of established County policies and procedures principally due to staffing changes. Effect or potential effect: Without proper documentation to demonstrate the propriety of benefits issued, benefits may be issued to ineligible applicants or in amounts that are not appropriate. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: A similar finding (2023-002) was reported in the prior year. Recommendation: Management should continue to monitor supervisory review procedures to ensure the completeness of applicant files. Views of responsible officials: As detailed within the Corrective Action Plan, management has agreed to the findings and recommendation noted above.