Title
Receive and accept the semi-annual report of expenditures and caseload data for the Department of Social Services for the period of January through June 2022.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
Receive and accept the semi-annual report of expenditures and caseload data for the Department of Social Services for the period of January through June 2022.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The attached report represents actual caseload and expenditure data through June 2022. The report compares data month-to-month and year-to-year for three years for the following programs:
* General Assistance (GA) caseload slightly increased from 204 in December 2021 to 207 in June 2022. From a year-to-year perspective, there is an average decrease of -38.65%. This decrease in caseload occurred while applications for GA benefits remained strong. During the active phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State allowed people to apply for GA benefits telephonically. While this provided the customer with a level of safety against the virus, it consequently led to a high denial rate for applicants. The GA eligibility process is complicated and without the face-to-face guidance of an Eligibility Worker, many applicants were non-compliant with program requirements and were therefore denied GA benefits. Now that we are in the recovery phase of the pandemic, a concerted effort is being made to work more face-to-face with customers and guide them directly through the application process. The above noted increase in cases from December to June indicates the success of this effort. The Department continues outreach efforts to partner agencies, providing formal presentations and information on the GA program. With increased in-person servicing of applicants and expanded outreach, the GA caseload is expected to continue the growth trajectory experienced in the first half of 2022.
Additional reasons for caseload declines include an initiative to assist GA eligible customer...
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