Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (PATH) Program Deferrals - 431-3302-23

Description of Agency

The PATH Program is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Workforce Development, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, to connect clients who receive cash assistance with the kind of jobs, education, and training opportunities that will help them achieve self-sufficiency and meet the workforce and skill needs of Michigan businesses. MDHHS requires all work-eligible individuals seeking or receiving cash benefits to participate in the PATH Program unless deferred or engaged in other employment-related activities. Reasons for deferrals include, but are not limited to, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility for disability, aged individuals, caring for a disabled spouse or child, full-time employment, and the parent of a child under 2 months. Approximately 88,000 individuals received cash assistance totaling $89 million between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2023.

Section 400.57b(5) of the Michigan Compiled Laws requires the OAG to conduct an annual audit of MDHHS’s evaluation and assessment process to defer SSI applicants from the PATH Program.

Audit Objectives

  • To assess the effectiveness of MDHHS’s processes to defer SSI and non-SSI applicants from the PATH Program.

 

Timing

Estimated Release Date: November 2023


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