Pennsylvania Department of Auditor General
08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2024 11:59
Auditor General DeFoor Releases Performance Audit of LIHEAP
Harrisburg, Pa. - Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today released a performance audit of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
"Our auditors found that DHS had system errors and application processing mistakes which caused improper LIHEAP benefit payments," Auditor General DeFoor said. "In some cases, people received multiple payments during the year when only one is permitted and in others, there were overpayments made to individuals. It is important that DHS make sure the proper quality control processes are in place to avoid this happening again."
The audit had two objectives:
- Evaluate whether DHS properly determined eligibility for LIHEAP applicants and authorized correct cash or crisis benefits; and
- Evaluate the adequacy of DHS' LIHEAP monitoring plan designed to ensure the accuracy of eligibility determinations and authorization of LIHEAP benefits according to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and related guidance documents.
The audit period for LIHEAP was July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022.
LIHEAP is a federal block grant program administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. DHS is responsible for determining who qualifies for services under LIHEAP and what type of benefit is needed. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households by paying for home-heating costs (cash benefits); home-heating emergencies due to broken heating equipment, weather related problems, fuel supply shortages, and other household energy-related emergencies (crisis benefits); and weatherization services that provide long-term solutions to the home-heating problems of low-income households (Weatherization Assistance Program).
To review the audit, visit www.PaAuditor.gov.
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