The USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) is aware of the Comptroller General of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s recent finding that the Commonwealth paid $150 million in Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) benefits to deceased individuals from 2017 through 2024. Instead of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), NAP is a block grant provided by USDA Food and Nutrition Service for nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals. Puerto Rico participates in NAP.
OIG is reviewing the Comptroller General’s findings and will take appropriate measures using its audit and investigative authority. Although NAP operates under different rules than SNAP, the payment of benefits to deceased individuals is a serious concern to program integrity across federal financial benefits programs administered by USDA. State program administering authorities are urged to review their internal controls to verify applicant identity and eligibility. Further, OIG will take necessary enforcement action against individuals who steal from public assistance programs by using false identities or other deceptive practices to access aid meant for those in need.
“OIG thanks the Comptroller General of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for its work to uncover the important findings. We stand ready to partner with authorities in Puerto Rico, other territories, and the states on strengthening integrity and accountability in the administration of public assistance funds,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.
More information about the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program
Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico: Audit Report OC 26-12 of the Department of the Family – Administration of Socioeconomic Development of the Family
(Note: Report is in Spanish, requires translation to English)