Audit: Lack of oversight led to state issuing SNAP, other benefits to inmates, a lottery winner

The Maryland Department of Human Services did not ensure that local agencies properly vetted recipients of public assistance programs, leading to the state sending out thousands in improper payments of food assistance and other benefits, a new audit says.

By: Danielle J. Brown

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: July 21, 2026

Words: 971

Last Updated: 4 weeks, 2 days ago

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The Maryland Department of Human Services did not ensure that local social services departments properly vetted recipients of taxpayer-funded assistance programs, leading to the state sending out thousands in improper payments of food assistance and other benefits, a new audit says.

The July 15 report by the Office of Legislative Audits said some of those improper benefit payments went to a multimillion-dollar lottery winner and to incarcerated individuals who do not qualify for public …

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