Public Interest Report Ohio Public Benefit Programs For The Period November 2025

SNAP, LHEAP, PFCC, and UI recipient sample populations had no identified exceptions.

Medicaid had exceptions in 6 of 60 sampled cases (10%), OWF had exceptions in 2 of 60 sampled cases (3%).

In total, 8 of 312 sampled recipients (3%) had exceptions across all tested programs.

Five instances where documents did not demonstrate eligibility, including mismatches in birth name/SSN and insufficient follow-up; some cases involved expired immigration documents or misclassification of non-qualified aliens such as DACA.

Two OWF recipients had non-file documentation issues that undermined eligibility determinations; one recipient lacked in-state or eligibility documents in the file; possible ineligible payments estimated at about $700,000 if extrapolated across OWF population.

Some recipients had no file in the state eligibility system for their benefits, indicating potential disbursement to non-enrolled individuals.

Cross-program data quality and SAVE data issues were noted, including out-of-state addresses and SAVE categories like null or no SSN found in data files.

Maintain Underlying Supporting Documentation: strengthen controls; monitor and periodically review case files; ensure uniform training for county agencies; maintain all records and support for eligibility determinations within the recipient file.

Improper Benefits Decision: evaluate internal controls for eligibility; ensure proper documentation is evaluated; provide regular uniform training and monitor county administration.

Protocols for Electronic Data Exchange Results: implement hard-stop controls in the eligibility system to prevent progression with incomplete/erroneous data; ensure secondary manual verification when electronic verification is inconclusive.

Policy Considerations: align documentation retention across programs to standardize requirements; synthesize documentation requirements; ensure availability of durable electronic verification records in case files.

Mandatory Retention of Electronic Verification and SAVE Documentation: archive permanent, dated electronic verification results within case files; follow 2 C.F.R. 200.303 guidelines on internal controls.

Alignment of Redetermination Windows with Status Expiration Dates: configure redetermination windows to align with immigration document expiration dates to protect program integrity.

Establish Standardized and Verifiable Identity Definitions: standardize criteria for acceptable identity documents across programs to avoid incomplete or unverified records;

Receipt of Benefits while Immigration Eligibility Status is Being Evaluated: consider eliminating grace periods or allowing backdating to time of application to ensure eligible applicants receive benefits while maintaining integrity.