Finding Text
Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations § 200.303 states the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the auditee is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition: The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) maintains the computer system, MAXIS, which is used by the County to support the eligibility determination process. In the case files reviewed for eligibility, not all documentation was available or updated to support participant eligibility. In 6 of 40 the case files reviewed in 2024, documentation contained inconsistent information for citizenship verification in MAXIS. Context: The State of Minnesota contracts with the County Health and Human Services Department to perform the “intake function” (meeting with the social services clients to determine income and categorical eligibility), while the Minnesota Department of Human Services maintains the computer system, MAXIS, which supports the eligibility determination process and actually pays the benefits to the participants. Effect: The improper input of information into MAXIS and lack of verification or follow-up of eligibility determining factors increases the risk that a program participant will receive benefits when they are not eligible. Cause: Program personnel entering case information into MAXIS did not review or ensure all required information was input or updated correctly. Recommendation: We recommend the County implement additional procedures, including reviews, to provide reasonable assurance that all necessary documentation to support eligibility determination exists and is properly input into MAXIS. County’s Response: A Corrective Action Plan has been established with an anticipated completion date of December 31, 2025.