Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the two recommendations included in our initial audit report, Wage Subsidy and Transitional Employment Programs (Report 2015-S-58).

Background

The federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states the federal funds and flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs. The TANF block grant program requires New York State to engage individuals in countable work activities. The Office administers New York’s Wage Subsidy program and has contracted with eligible public or private not-for-profit organizations (contractors) to employ eligible individuals or act as the employer themselves. Contractors reimburse employers for their wage subsidy costs (i.e., cost of the wages and fringe benefits paid to participants during the subsidized employment period). For each participant, contractors make subsidy payments to employers for 75 percent of the wage subsidy costs during the subsidy period, and withhold 25 percent pending the participant’s retention in unsubsidized employment for 90 days after the subsidized period. Each contract establishes employment goals that the contractor must meet during the contract period. As of February 1, 2017, the federal government appropriated $3.3 million in funding to the current Wage Subsidy program and the Office had active contracts with 13 organizations.

Key Finding

• Department officials have made significant progress in addressing the problems we identified in the initial audit. We found that of the two recommendations in the initial report, one was implemented and other was partially implemented.

Other Related Audit/Report of Interest

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: Wage Subsidy and Transitional Employment Programs (2015-S-58)