Review of Alleged Ineligible Participants in United Migrant Opportunity Service Farmworker Program

An employee's allegations that ineligible applicants were enrolled in programs administered by the United Migrant Opportunity Service in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were reviewed. The employee alleged that the Service did not verify information establishing applicant eligibility, and that a supervisor had changed information obtained from applicants so they would qualify for services.

The Service rarely verified information obtained from applicants about their eligibility. The only review for accuracy was made in the Service's accounting office. This review generally consisted of little more than a check for errors in computation or gross irregularities on the application. Service personnel seldom verified data through former employers or the applicant's family. The employee identified four cases in which the supervisor changed eligibility information to qualify applicants. In three of these cases, the changes were justified, and the employees were eligible. In the fourth case, the change was not justified, and the enrollee should not have received assistance. Difficulties the Service experienced in recovering security deposits under its emergency housing assistance program were also identified. The amount of money involved was not determined, but Service officials claimed that only about one percent of the deposits were recovered.