Rendell Administration Earns Bonus for Strong Management of Food Stamp Program
PA is 1 of 7 states with lowest payment error rate for 2007
In recognition of Pennsylvania's efforts to eliminate fraud and abuse in the Food Stamp program, Governor Edward G. Rendell today accepted a $4.6 million bonus from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for ensuring benefits are provided to eligible families.
This award marks the third time Pennsylvania has been recognized by the USDA for strong management of public assistance benefits.
"Every day in Pennsylvania, more than one million families rely on the Food Stamp program to help them put healthy meals on the table for their loved ones," said Governor Rendell. "This bonus award is evidence that we remain committed to providing for the needs of our low-income residents, while remaining good stewards of taxpayer dollars."
The Rendell administration has earned more than $13 million in performance awards from the USDA for significant system improvements since 2003. The bonus awards will allow the Department of Public Welfare to continue enhancing current systems and practices that aid in reducing and eliminating fraud and abuse.
To earn this award, Pennsylvania's Food Stamp program achieved an accuracy rate of 97.29 percent, exceeding the overall national payment accuracy rate of 94.36 percent - a historic high for the program. In addition, Pennsylvania was recognized for its success in accurately determining eligibility for families applying for the program.
"Staff within our county assistance offices should be commended for their efforts to remain focused on reducing the potential for fraud in our system. More than half of those offices achieved 100 percent payment accuracy," Governor Rendell said. "That alone is evidence we are working harder and smarter to improve programs and services."
In 2007, DPW launched the Combined Application Project, a joint effort between DPW, the Social Security Administration and the USDA that determines eligibility automatically for seniors and those with disabilities receiving SSI. Since the launch of the program, more than 67,000 seniors and adults with disabilities have been automatically enrolled for benefits.
The Department of Public Welfare administers the Food Stamp program through 97 county assistance offices statewide and provides benefits to low-income and disabled individuals and families, including working families, who need help with food expenses.
To learn more about the Department of Public Welfare or the Food Stamp program, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.