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A Framework for Managing Improper Payments in Emergency Assistance Programs

GAO-23-105876 Published: Jul 13, 2023. Publicly Released: Jul 13, 2023.
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Fast Facts

Payment errors, including those resulting from fraud, can plague federal assistance programs—especially for emergencies like COVID-19 and hurricanes. Our oversight has shown us how agencies can do more to manage risks and catch these issues before they occur.

To help, we created an overall approach with these steps for agencies:

Commit to managing payment errors

Identify and assess risks

Design and implement controls—e.g., procedures to verify recipient eligibility

Monitor the controls' effectiveness

Get and share information on payment errors

We also give examples of how these steps can address specific emergency assistance risks.

Hurricane Maria Damaged Power Lines in Puerto Rico in November 2017

A downed power line from hurricane damage in Puerto Rico

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Highlights

What GAO Found

Improper payments—payments that should not have been made or that were made in an incorrect amount, including those stemming from fraud—are a long-standing problem in the federal government. Since 2003, the federal government has paid an estimated 2.4 trillion in improper payments.

In emergencies, the risk of improper payments may be higher because the need to provide assistance quickly can hinder the implementation of effective controls. Agencies may need to develop new programs or significantly expand existing ones, which can involve increased risks.

GAO’s work has shown that federal agencies can better plan for and take a more strategic approach to managing improper payments in emergency assistance programs. This framework provides Congress and federal agencies with an overall approach to preventing and reducing improper payments in emergency assistance programs. Applying the five principles of GAO’s framework (shown below) can help address the increased risk of improper payments during emergencies.

Framework for Managing Improper Payments in Emergency Assistance Programs

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Natural disasters are projected to increase in frequency and intensity. These events, as well as pandemics, cyberattacks, and terrorism, have highlighted challenges federal agencies face in responding to emergencies. 

The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO to report on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. GAO developed this framework as part of its work in response to this provision. To develop this framework, GAO reviewed relevant laws and federal guidance, as well as relevant literature. GAO also consulted with GAO specialists on internal control, fraud risk management, and improper payments. Further, GAO interviewed federal officials and representatives from interagency organizations and federal, state, and local audit associations.

For more information on fraud risk, contact Johana Ayers at AyersJ@gao.gov. For more information on improper payment risk, contact Beryl Davis at DavisBH@gao.gov.

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Topics

Assistance programsClaims paymentsCompliance oversightFederal agenciesFederal assistance programsImproper paymentsInternal controlsRisk assessmentSmall businessUnemploymentUnemployment assistanceUnemployment insuranceFraud