Finding 610643 (2022-002)

Finding 2022-002: TANF Program, CFDA No. 93.558 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through Colorado Department of Human Services Compliance Requirement: Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions Grant No.: Not applicable Type of finding: Internal Control (significant deficiency) and Compliance (noncompliance) Criteria: The work provisions of the Colorado State Plan for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) require that all applicants for Colorado Works are assessed no later than 30 days after the application date. Context: We examined 5 of an average of 26 total case files for basic cash assistance with $116,471 in total expenditures. Condition: The initial assessment was completed 42 days after the application date on one of the five cases tested. Cause: The Department experienced turnover and staff shortage in the income eligibility unit in the first three months of 2022. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Department is not in compliance with the provisions of the Colorado State Plan for TANF as it relates to initial assessments. Recommendation: The Department should implement monitoring controls to ensure timely completion of initial assessments in compliance with federal eligibility and special tests and provisions requirements. Grantee?s Response: See corrective action plan.