August 15, 2009

A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Special Allowance Program

The Pennsylvania Auditor General reviewed the Special Allowance Program (SAP) protocols used by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. The SAP enables county offices to issue cash assistance to individuals eligible for Temporary Aid to Needy Families and/or food stamps. The auditor reviewed the program operations from July 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007. The auditor found that county offices did not use consistent protocols to issue special cash assistance, nor did the county offices and their contracted employment and training service provider organizations have uniform monitoring practices to ensure that the cash assistance was used for approved items and services consistent with obtaining/maintaining employment.