More than 400 clients of a state-administered program offering energy assistance to low income households received aid by using Social Security numbers belonging to dead people, according to an audit released today.

State Auditor General Jack Wagner said that a special performance audit found "serious deficiencies" in the Department of Public Welfare's administration of the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program between July 1, 2000, and June 30, 2006.

According to the report, "inadequate policies and procedures, insufficient supervision, and inadequate oversight" resulted in potential applicant and employee fraud and abuse in all six counties examined, including Allegheny.

In Philadelphia County, 429 applicants received more than $162,000 in benefits using Social Security numbers associated with deceased people, and 549 applicants received more than $182,000 by using questionable water and sewer bills.

In Allegheny County, after identifying "systemic weaknesses" in the administration of LIHEAP, auditors requested documentation for 230 applicants to review for potential fraud or abuse.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.