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 2024.
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 2024.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The attached report represents actual caseload and expenditure data through June 2024.
The report compares data month-to-month and year-to-year for three years for the following programs:
* General Assistance (GA) caseload increased from 349 in December 2023 to 447 in June 2024, an additional 98 cases. From a year-to-year perspective, there is an average increase of 38.9%. This increase 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 Specialist, 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 over the last twelve months 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 over the last twelve months. Overall, assistance costs reflect an increase of 25.08% from a year-t...
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