Finding 576081 (2024-002)

2024-002 Financial Eligibility – Assets Definition Legal Services Corporation ALN#09.233100 Criteria: Per LSC Reg.# 1611.2(d) Definition of Assets, “Assets” means cash or other resources of the applicant or members of the applicant’s household that are readily convertible to cash, which are currently and actually available to the applicant Condition: The recorded assets considered for client financial eligibility determination for two (2) cases did not meet the asset definition as per the LSC regulation. Cause: Certain assets including a primary residence were inaccurately reported as assets. These assets should be excluded when assessing financial eligibility in accordance with LSC Reg.#1611.2(d). Effect: Incorrect financial eligibility documentation may lead to the improper inclusion or exclusion of clients from receiving services under the LSC program. Questioned costs: There are no questioned costs noted. Context: Out of 60 cases selected for testing, two (2) cases included assets that did not align with the asset definition as specified by LSC Reg. # 1611.2(d). *This is a repeated finding from the prior year. The prior year finding # was 2023-004. Recommendation: We recommend that Legal Services NYC continue to provide relevant training to employees involved in client intake regarding maintenance of asset ceiling waiver approvals. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan.