Finding Text
Participant Eligibility Federal Program – Supportive Housing for Veterans (Supportive Services for Veterans Families) (SSVF)
Assistance Listing Number – 64.033
Significant Deficiency Criteria: The SSVF Program Guide (March 2021) Section V, Subsection C. Determining Income Eligibility, provides a summary of asset inclusions and exclusions for use in evaluating assets. Assets must be evaluated at entry to SSVF and at recertification. Condition/Context: The Office of Business Oversight (OBO) performed a review to assess the Organization’s compliance with SSVF program and other federal requirements and regulations. During this review, OBO found 45 case files missing evidence that the grantee evaluated assets (inclusions and exclusions) for certification of eligibility. Cause: Management misinterpreted the guidance and was not aware of the need to document asset evaluations if the veteran did not have any assets. Effect: The Organization’s failure to obtain and keep adequate income supporting documentation in the case files may result in the Organization providing services to an ineligible veteran or household. Questioned Costs: None Identification as a repeat finding: N/A Recommendation: We noted the Organization implemented the required use of the SSVF Asset Calculation Worksheet; updated the Organization’s policies and procedures to document the new processes; and provided training to individuals authorized to prepare eligibility documents and maintain case file documentation. We recommend management continue to monitor the use of these added procedures and to review program requirements on at least an annual basis. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management’s response is reported in “Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report.