Finding Text
2025-005: Eligibility ALN 64.033 U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Criteria: Uniform Guidance requires that eligibility determinations for participants in federal award programs be supported by records maintained under a system of internal controls that provides reasonable assurance of participant eligibility. Participants should be recertified every 90 days. Condition: Inconsistencies in recordkeeping resulted in delayed or missed recertifications for 5 of 40 participants tested. The sample was not statistically valid. Cause: Management did not complete participant recertifications within the required 90-day period due to lack of education on the importance of timely submission. Effect: Participants continued to be documented as eligible to receive benefits during the fiscal year without timely recertification. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures to ensure participant recertifications are completed within 90 days. Views of Responsible Officials: Management acknowledges the finding. For details on actions taken, refer to the Corrective Action Plan.