Audit finds gaps in NJ public assistance program

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A state audit of three New Jersey counties has found systemic problems with the way public assistance money is distributed.

A report issued Thursday by the state comptroller's office says as much as $1 million may have been paid to people in Burlington, Camden and Passaic counties who weren't enrolled in work activities as required.

It also found the counties didn't always provide documentation that they'd verified recipients' income or checked for drug convictions, a requirement for the program.

The audit covered January 1 through March 10 of this year.

The program, called the Work First New Jersey General Assistance program, provides cash assistance to single adults and couples without children provided they work, actively look for work or participate in an approved work activity.

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