Finding 620693 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-01-03
Audit: 44401

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to comply with eligibility requirements for the Emergency Rental Assistance program, affecting 8 out of 71 tested households.
  • Impacted Requirements: Eligibility criteria include accurate applicant information and valid documentation proving need due to Covid-19.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Strengthen policies and procedures for eligibility determination to ensure compliance with federal standards.

Finding Text

Information of the Federal Program: U.S. Department of Treasury CFDA No. 21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Criteria: Treasury established a number of requirements in this program to determine whether an applicant is eligible to receive rental assistance. To be an eligible household, one individual has qualified for unemployment, experienced a reduction in income or incurred costs due to Covid-19, are at risk of experiencing homelessness or instability, and be below 80% of the area median income for the household. Condition: The eligibility determination is made based on a collection of information and documentation from the applicant. These files document their circumstances and determine the amount awarded. Context/Cause: We tested 71 households paid during the fiscal year. Of those 71, we noted 8 exceptions summarized as follows: ? 5 instances in which the primary household member listed was not the applicant?s name. ? 3 instances in which the application included false documentation and the applicant should not have been approved as eligible but the applicant received assistance. Effect: The Authority was not in compliance with eligibility requirements. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority strengthen its policies and procedures surrounding eligibility determination to ensure compliance with federal requirements. View of Responsible Officials: See Management?s review and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of the report.

Categories

Eligibility

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 44251 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 44252 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 620694 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $153.59M
21.026 Homeowner Assistance Fund $41.39M
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $17.70M
14.275 Housing Trust Fund $848,776