Most welfare benefits are handled by each state. Which means there are at least 50 different data processing systems doling out the goodies. The last time I checked the federal governemnt does not do a very simple thing. Something that could be done for a few thousand dollars. Here it is:
1) Dump every SS# for every recipient in every state in to a data file.
2) Take the data files and find SS# duplicates.
3) Suspend benefits on all duplicate SS#’s until the recipient comes to the state in person and verifies their personal information.
The best thing they could do would be to simply connect all the various computers that run in every state and red flag SS# duplicates.
The states could do some other very simple things. For example, they could take the SS# and run it against credit data. If there is a loan on a vehicle or other things where the person has the income for paying for such stuff kick them off the dole.
The amount of fraud and theft is staggering. The states know it and the federal government knows it. But the people involved don’t care about that. It is not their money. In fact, they don’t even see it as money. Their mindset is so bizarre you would think they live on another planet. Believe me, I have been in countless DHS offices* and know this for a fact. There are hardly any controls in place to watch the money. And if you suggest ways to implement controls they fall on deaf ears. Why? Because a lot of people have government jobs who give out all this free stuff.
* Usually I was the minority in the building.