The ‘forensic’ report of the CASS reveals the irregularities in the payments of disability pensions
A revealing report
Today, the Andorran Social Security Fund (CASS) has presented the ‘forensic’ report that has exposed the causes of the errors in the payments of disability pensions, which have accumulated a total of 1.5 million euros. According to the report, regularizations were not carried out systematically, with the exception of adjustments for the Consumer Price Index and the suspension of pensions in the event of changes in disability conditions.
Current situation and steps to follow
The director, Josep Escoriza, has informed that during the month of March all the regularizations of the disability pensions have been carried out, with a total of 188 regulated pensions and an amount of 49,171 euros. 11 complaints have been received and a review of the operation of the computer program is underway. This raises the question of the reliability of the computer systems that handle these essential payments for many people.
Research work and lack of documentation
The report reveals that during the year 2021 a manual control was carried out for a week, where 525 disability pensions compatible with employment were reviewed, finding 105 cases of incidents. However, there is a lack of traceability in the selection of 34 final pensions. In the years 2022 and 2023, 6 and 3 regularizations were made, but no documentation is available to support these specific actions.
Lack of follow-up and decision to investigate
Recognition of the lack of management
According to Marc Galabert’s statements, members of the current administration have expressed their lack of knowledge of the operation until August 2023. Galabert has admitted that there has been no systematic follow-up of disability benefits partial since 2017 and that the improper payments have not been regularized. The decision to turn to Deloitte has been taken to ensure an objective and professional investigation of this delicate situation.