What is the UAP audit?

The UAP audit is a process conducted by the City to ensure that the program is being utilized effectively. An audit is a process which asks a random percentage of participants to provide more details about their application in order to ensure a significant proportion of participants are eligible for the program.

The audit process consists of four steps:

1. Randomly selected participants will receive notice that they are included in the audit.
2. Participants will submit requested documentation to verify program eligibility.
3. The City will review documentation and request additional information, as needed.
4. The City will provide results of the audit to each participant, including any follow-up actions or results.

Why is the City conducting an audit?

The audit is a vital part of the City's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the program. We want to ensure that those who are in need of utility assistance receive it while preventing fraud or misuse of funds. The City aims to conduct an audit of UAP participants on an annual basis.

Who is being audited?

The City will randomly select at least 5% of current UAP participants to audit. If you are one of the randomly selected participants, you will receive a notice by mail, email, and/or phone call.

I received notice that I am being audited. What do I do?

If you received a notice by mail, email, or phone call that you have been randomly selected to be included in the audit, you must submit proof of income documents to remain enrolled in the Utility Assistance Program. 

I need to provide documents. How do I do that?

The City will provide instructions for which documents to provide and how to submit them. There are many options to submit your documentation:

• Online form: Upload your documentation to the Document Upload Form online (https://southbendin.jotform.com/241625502946962).
• In-person: Submit your documentation at the South Bend Municipal Utilities office (125 W Colfax Ave) during normal business hours (Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 5PM and Friday 9AM - 5PM).
  • Place your documents in the after-hours drop box at this same location.
• By mail: Mail your documentation in a secure envelope to:
  Department of Innovation & Technology
  227 W Jefferson Blvd
  Suite 12N
  South Bend, IN 46601
• By email: Email digital copies of your documentation to uap@southbendin.gov.

Refer to the instructions sent to you via email and mail for a list of documentation that the City is requesting from you. 

What are the possible results of the audit?

The City will provide results of the audit to each participant, including any follow-up actions or results. If eligibility is confirmed, results may include:

• No change in enrollment
• Change in tier of credit

If eligibility is not confirmed, based on either failure to respond or evidence of false representations made at the time of enrollment, penalties may include:

• Removal from the program, with option to re-enroll
• Removal from the program and program suspension for 1 year, with option to re-enroll with proof of eligibility provided at the time of enrollment
• Other penalties, as appropriate

311 Process Notes

General questions or inquiries should be directed to Lily Shroyer (lshroyer@southbendin.gov) via Teams or email.

1. Inform the resident that someone will follow up within 5 business days via their preferred contact method (phone or email).

If a resident wants to confirm they have been audited:

1. Open Teams-->311 Channel --> Files -->Resident Success Team --> UAP--> Audit --> UAP Audit from Every 25th App
2. Ask for the resident's name and/or Utility Account Number
3. Search for the name and/or account number in the sheet (CTRL F)
4. Confirm the resident is included in the audit OR confirm they are NOT being audited

If a resident wants to know what their next steps are:

1. Take their name and phone number, and tell Lily Shroyer (via Teams chat or email) that this person needs to be contacted).