Finding Text
2025-002 – Eligibility Determination Not in Place or Consistently Applied Across all Programs U.S. Department of Human Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – AL #93.558 TN Department of Human Services Compliance Requirement – Eligibility Condition: Controls over participant eligibility documentation were not in place or inconsistently applied. Required eligibility documentation was incomplete, missing, or inconsistent with program requirements. Additionally, some eligibility forms were signed by the applicant after year-end, indicating that eligibility was not properly established prior to the period of service. In some cases, limited or no documentation was provided. Criteria: Under 2 CFR 200.303, non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal programs to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. The OMB Compliance Supplement for TANF requires recipients to obtain, review, and retain sufficient documentation to verify participant eligibility at the time eligibility is determined. Cause: The Organization does not have formalized, consistently applied procedures in place to ensure that eligibility documentation is collected, verified, and reviewed prior to approving participants for TANF services. The Organization relied on informal practices rather than a formally defined process. Effect: Failure to properly document and verify eligibility increases risk that ineligible individuals may receive TANF-funded services, which could result in questioned costs or return of federal funds to the State. Context: A sample of twenty-five (25) participants were selected for eligibility testing. Exceptions included eight (8) eligibility forms were not signed by program personnel, eleven (11) eligibility forms that were signed by the applicant after year-end, no information was provided for two (2) participants selected, and limited information was provided for one (1) participant selected. Therefore, eligibility could not be determined due to insufficient documentation. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization establish and implement written eligibility determination procedures uniformly across all TANF programs to verify proof of residency, citizenship of the child or expectant mother within the home, income, resources, and, if applicable, work participation. This process should include eligibility documents to be completed, signed, and dated prior to services being provided. A level of review and approval should be performed to verify the above information and eligibility status. All supporting documentation required by Tennessee Department of Human Services should be maintained within the participant eligibility file. Management’s Response: See accompanying management’s corrective action plan.