Acting Public Auditor Satrunino Tewid in their audit report stated that BCS did not obtain and retain in files documented evidence containing termination dates for recipients who are no longer eligible for the program.
The report stated that during their review of the program, they found that some program recipients that are no longer receiving stipends from the Palau Severely Disabled Assistance Fund did not have any documents in file to show termination dates from the program, specifically, individuals that had either passed away or moved off-island did not have any recors in file to show date or departure from Palau.The report added that BCS did not contain termination dates of participants which is important for tracking and determining continued eligibility of participants.Palau Severely Disabled Assistance Fund has been providing supplemental financial assistance for Palauan citizens with severe disabilities that prevent them from being gainfully employed.OPA conducted a performance audit to determine whether BCS properly reviewed applications submitted by the screening committee to ensure that each applicant submitted all required documents and met the eligibility requirements to qualify for financial assistance and to disburse the proper amount of financial assistance to individuals identified as Homebound, Wheelchair-bound and or Blind and to disburse the funds in accordance with Rules and Regulations of Palau Severely Assistance Fund.The audit covered the period of October 1, 2003 through ay 31, 2008. During this period, the program was administered by the BCS under the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs.As a result of the audit, OPA found a number of problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of the Palau Severely Disabled Assistance Fund Program.OPA said they found that check signature log sheets used to evidence check disbursements to recipients were sometimes not signed by recipients or his guardian upon picking up check. The OPA report stated that from fiscal year 2006 through 2008 the BCS provided financial assistance totaling $1,210 to a recipient that should have been declared ineligible by virtue of RPPL No. 7-13 which declares participants who receive Social Security ineligible.The report stated that the Committee of the Whole did not prepare an Annual Evaluation Report for the Palau Severely Disabled Assistance Fund Program for fiscal years 2005 through 2007 pursuant program rules and regulations.The report said they identified some participants whose illnesses cannot be properly classified under the definition of homebound, wheelchair-bound and or blind.The OPA made numerous recommendations to the BCS for compliance.OPA stated that on March 12, 2009, they received a response from the Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry agreed with the OPA findings and recommendations.The Ministry has provided an action plan to correct the findings and or implement the audit recommendations.Palau Severely Disabled Assistance Fund was established by the Olbiil Era Kelulau following the First National Disabilities Convention to provide annual appropriations for the program to provide monthly assistance to individuals who are Homebound, wheelchair-bound and or blind.
