Finding Text
2022-002 Recertification?s Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Passed through MA DHCD) Federal Programs: 14.881 Moving to Work Demonstration Program 14.871 Housing Choice Voucher Program (Housing Voucher Cluster) Condition: Five recertification?s for MTW were not completed in a timely manner. Two recertification?s for HCV were not completed in a timely manner. Four recertification?s included unsupported or incorrect income amounts in the calculation of tenant rent for MTW. Criteria: The MTW and HCV programs require tenants to be recertified bi-annually for MTW and annually for HCV, in order to determine eligibility and calculate the amount of subsidy the tenant will receive on a monthly basis. This includes but is not limited to, verification of tenant income, the value of assets, deductions from annual income, and determining family composition. Cause: The Organization?s normal internal control policies and procedures were modified as a result of the ongoing global pandemic, however, the Organization was unable to complete the recertification?s in accordance with program requirements. Effect: Non-compliance with program requirements resulting in payment of unsupported or incorrect tenant subsidies. Context: A sample of 25 recertifications were selected for each program for the month of December 2021 with subsidy payments totaling $40,408 and $37,678 for MTW and HCV, respectively. The total population consisted of approximately 6,700 and 250 tenants for MTW and HCVP with subsidy payments totaling $10,996,581 and $331,179, respectively. Our tests found four tenant files that did not use the correct income verification documentation with questioned costs totaling $6,204 and seven recertifications were not completed in a timely manner. Our sample was not a statistically valid sample. Questioned Costs: $6,204 Recommendation: We recommend that monitoring of established quality control procedures be enhanced and additional internal control procedures be implemented to ensure recertification?s are completed in accordance with program requirements. Management Response: Management agrees with the finding. See management?s attached corrective action plan.