Concerns about unprocessed DSS forms

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- After dozens of boxes of unprocessed welfare forms were discovered at the Department of Social Services Office in Hartford, people wonder if they are one of the many left behind.

On his way to a Hartford soup kitchen, Vincent still doesn't know what happened to his application for welfare benefits.

He didn't show his face but tells News 8 when he followed up, his paperwork had disappeared.

"They told me I have no application in the system so I really don't know what happened to it or where did it go, where did it disappear to or anything," Vincent said.

It's possible his forms ended up in the 125 forgotten boxes of welfare applications just sitting in the Department of Social Services Hartford Regional Office. The paperwork was never processed and some folks possible never got food stamps.

"Do you think your paperwork was in that box," News 8's Erin Cox asked.

"I couldn't even tell you ma'am could not even tell you," Vincent said.

Folks on welfare have sympathy for those forgotten, but also surprisingly for the five employees put on paid administrative leave.

"They are not doing a good job but it's not their fault they are over worked," Keith Knight said.

Right now the agency is investigating itself. News 8 asked if an outside person ever be brought in to dig into how these forms were forgotten in the boxes but was told the Governor is confident the internal probe will reveal what went wrong.

Officials don't know how many forms are in the boxes but a partial review shows some folks reapplied and are receiving benefits. Vincent is still waiting.

"I know it's a lot of paperwork but it does need to be done because there are people out here that are struggling everyday and day in and day out and it's hard," Vincent said.