Recommendations for Executive Action

1. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: State wage-benefit computer checks were initiated in Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas. More arrangements are to follow.

   Recommendation: RRB should, if it finds that implementation is feasible and cost-beneficial, initiate more systematic wage checks for nonrail employment by beneficiaries, including the regular use of computerized wage checks of beneficiaries with state employer wage records in those states which maintain such records, and where computerized wage checks are found to be cost-beneficial.

   Agency Affected: Railroad Retirement Board

2. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: Since July 1985, RRB had notified rail employers that rail workers applied for benefits. Of 1350 replies received, RRB determined that about 190 require investigations.

   Recommendation: RRB should, if it finds that implementation is feasible and cost-beneficial, notify rail employers after a claimant has filed for unemployment benefits.

   Agency Affected: Railroad Retirement Board

3. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: As of September 1985, RRB mailed about 4,500 change-of-address notices in an attempt to identify instances of fraud and abuse.

   Recommendation: RRB should, if it finds that implementation is feasible and cost-beneficial, systematically verify reported changes of address.

   Agency Affected: Railroad Retirement Board

4. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: RRB completed the analysis of a computer match to identify questionable multiple payments in August 1986. No instances of fraud were uncovered. A final report is being prepared on the results of the analysis and will include recommendations on the frequency of future computer checks.

   Recommendation: RRB should, if it finds that implementation is feasible and cost-beneficial, periodically review the validity of multiple benefit checks being sent to the same address.

   Agency Affected: Railroad Retirement Board

5. Status: Closed - Not Implemented

   Comments: The Board states in its lastest Federal Manager's Financial Integrity Act report that this was delayed because of other high priority work. RRB advised that, because of a tremendous backlog in automatic data processing programming requests, action on this recommendation is not feasible either in the short or long term. Therefore, the recommendation should be closed.

   Recommendation: RRB should, if it finds that implementation is feasible and cost-beneficial, require, as a minimum, some form of additional control to verify sickness claims.

   Agency Affected: Railroad Retirement Board

Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations »