Accountability Needed at Maryland's Department of Human Services

Audits raise concerns over safeguarding of taxpayer funds and vulnerable residents

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Recent audits of Maryland's Department of Human Services (DHS) have uncovered troubling issues, including hundreds of millions in unverified federal fund accruals, high overpayment rates in the state's SNAP program, and weaknesses in managing foster care accounts and investigations. With many repeat audit findings over the years, there are concerns about a lack of accountability and transparency at the agency.

Why it matters

DHS oversees billions in taxpayer dollars and is responsible for protecting vulnerable residents, so any mismanagement or lack of oversight raises serious concerns. Unverified federal fund accruals and high overpayment rates could leave Maryland taxpayers on the hook, while failures in foster care and protective services put at-risk populations at further risk. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for restoring public trust.

The details

Audits found DHS recorded $3.84 billion in federal fund accruals, including $2.23 billion in positive accruals and $1.61 billion in negative adjustments, but could not verify if the amounts were properly accrued or recovered. The state's SNAP overpayment rate was 8.85% in 2024, putting Maryland at risk of federal penalties. Weaknesses were also found in managing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, with $70 million in replacement benefits issued due to losses. Audits also cited issues with local social services departments, including mismanagement of bank accounts, procurement, and disbursements.

  • In fiscal year 2025, DHS recorded $3.84 billion in federal fund accruals.
  • In 2024, Maryland's SNAP overpayment rate was 8.85%.
  • In April 2025, an audit reported issues with adult and child protective services investigations not being completed on time.

The players

Rafael López

The outgoing Secretary of Maryland's Department of Human Services.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland who must ensure these systemic failures at DHS are addressed decisively and transparently.

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What they’re saying

“Government has a fundamental obligation: protect the vulnerable and safeguard taxpayer dollars. When it fails at either, it must be held accountable.”

— J.B. Jennings, Republican state senator representing District 7, serving Baltimore and Harford counties (baltimoresun.com)

“Marylanders expect accountability and transparency. They expect leaders who serve as careful stewards of taxpayer dollars and who understand that government exists to serve the people, not the other way around.”

— J.B. Jennings, Republican state senator representing District 7, serving Baltimore and Harford counties (baltimoresun.com)

What’s next

The acting secretary appointed after the resignation of Rafael López will need to demonstrate a proven track record of managing multibillion-dollar budgets, compliance with state and federal law, and measurable success in reducing fraud and payment errors before any permanent leadership appointment is confirmed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for strong accountability and oversight at state agencies tasked with managing billions in taxpayer funds and protecting vulnerable populations. Persistent audit findings and a lack of transparency erode public trust, and decisive action is required to address these systemic failures at Maryland's Department of Human Services.