This audit was conducted to evaluate the services provided to clients in Hinds County and to determine the effectiveness of the present method of detecting client fraud. PEER auditors found a high turnover rate among eligibility workers. To ease their workload, workers should be provided with such practical aids as adding machines and should have more privacy when interviewing clients. Appointment procedures should be altered to service more clients.
Client fraud was found to be one source of over 85 percent of food stamp over-issuance. In Mississippi, clients suspected of receiving over-issuance owed over $774,000 to the Department of Agriculture. The rate of detecting and reporting client fraud was found to be unsatisfactory in Hinds County. It may be necessary to establish a permanent and separate fraud division.
Other recommendations for improving the food stamp program in Hinds County were detailed in the report. Through analysis of available data, staff members determined population characteristics of participating households as well as patterns in certification, participation, and coupon costs. This information may be found in the appendixes of the report.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.