Finding Text
Criteria: Food and Nutrition Services case files to require proper documentation be contained in the case record to verify eligibility. The case file should contain a completed, signed (telephonic signature is allowable) and dated Food and Nutrition Services application (DSS-8207 or electronically generated ePASS application). The form must be signed by an adult household member (or an authorized representative), and NC FAST captures the user ID which serves as the worker’s electronic signature. Additionally, employment program participation is required for specified applicants. Eligibility criteria further outlined in Food and Nutrition Services Certification Manual, Section 305 through Section 350. Condition: There were Seven (7) cases lacking the required signature or date certifying the documentation, Nine (9) cases in which the proper documentation was not provided for the client, One (1) case in which the clock tracking time limits for receiving was not engaged in NC FAST, and One (1) case of incomplete or incorrect income verifications. Questioned Costs: While there was an affect to eligibility, there were no questioned costs. Context: We examined 60 out of 74,122 Food and Nutrition Services case files active during the fiscal year to ensure verifications used to determine eligibility were properly documented. Effect: For the active cases, there was a chance that information was not adequately documented or were not accessible NC FAST which affect general adherence to prescribed guidelines. Identification of a repeat finding: This is not a repeat finding. Cause: Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Recommendation: Files should be reviewed internally to ensure proper documentation is in place for eligibility. Workers should be retrained on what files should contain and the importance of complete and accurate record keeping. We recommend that all supporting documentation used for eligibility verification be reviewed for completeness and reconciled to the information provided in worker dictation. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: The County agrees with the finding. Supervisors will perform second party reviews to ensure proper documentation is contained in files to support eligibility determinations. Workers will be retrained on what information should be maintained in case files, the importance of complete and accurate record keeping, and reserve calculations. The County finance office will also participating in the review process.