The U.S. Department of Education has uncovered nearly $90 million in federal student aid that was disbursed to people who were not eligible, including thousands of deceased individuals, it said on Wednesday.
The agency released the findings on May 28 as part of a broader effort to restore oversight tools and reduce fraud in federal student aid programs. Officials said the improper payments occurred over the past three years and were tied in part to lapses in verification systems that had been paused.
“From start to finish—filling out the FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] form to loan repayment—the American taxpayer underwrites federal student aid programs,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. “We are committed to protecting and responsibly investing their hard-earned dollars.”…