THE Department of Public Health and Social Services has reported that from April to June, a total of six people were disqualified from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.
Four people were disqualified from SNAP for failing to report the loss of household members. These people must pay back a total of $25,926. Two were disqualified from TANF for not reporting changes in their income and must pay back a total of $8,927.
Collectively, a total of $34,853 is owed in restitution. Additionally, the six are first-time violators and will not be eligible to receive benefits for a year.
Francis L.G. Damian, program coordinator IV, Investigation and Recoupment Office at the Bureau of Management Support at DPHSS, said these violations may have been discovered as a result of anonymous tips made at the Kaeha Hotline, a hotline community members can call to inform DPHSS of violations. The hotline number is 735-7353.
Such violations have occurred in the past. In a government of Guam audit report, the Office of Public Accountability estimated thousands of dollars in questionable costs for TANF because household incomes exceeded the allowable ceiling or the maximum 60-month benefit period.
Six disqualified from benefits
- Tuesday, 31 Jul 2012 03:30am
- BY JOY WHITE | VARIETY NEWS STAFF
- Hits: 387
