GAO-06-403T Expedited Assistance for Victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: FEMA's Control Weaknesses Exposed the Government to Significant Fraud and Abuse

GAO-06-655 Expedited Assistance for Victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: FEMA's Control Weaknesses Exposed the Government to Significant Fraud and Abuse

As a result of widespread public interest in the fed. response to hurricanes Katrina & Rita, an audit was conducted of the Individuals & Households Program (IHP). FEMA provided $2,000 in IHP payments to affected households via its Expedited Assistance (EA) program. Victims who received EA may qualify for up to $26,200 in IHP assistance. As of 12/05, IHP payments totaled $5.4 billion, with $2.3 billion provided in the form of EA. These payments were made via checks, electronic fund transfers, & a small no. of debit cards. This report provides the results to date related to whether controls are in place & operating effectively: to limit EA to qualified applicants, & that there weren't duplicate EA payments. Charts & tables.