The Maryland Department of Human Services did not ensure that local social services departments properly vetted recipients of taxpayer-funded assistance programs, leading the state to send thousands in improper payments of food assistance and other benefits, a new audit says.
The July 15 report by the Office of Legislative Audits says some of those improper payments went to a multimillion-dollar lottery winner and to incarcerated people who do not qualify for public assistance.
The findings come as the federal government is cracking down on states that make improper payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, forcing them to reduce overpayments or underpayments or risk millions in financial penalties starting next year.
The audit reviews the performance of the Department of Human Services’ Family Investment Administration from June 1, 2021, to Feb. 28, 2025. The administration handles public assistance programs and oversees local departments of social services that administer those programs.
State auditors outlined nine issues in their investigation. DHS officials largely agreed with the audit, except for one finding involving a contract dispute, and said addressing the issues in the report “is a top priority and a shared responsibility across the agency.”
Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun’s website.
Local Story
