A recent audit in Shandong province revealed that 48 counties across two cities improperly disbursed 2.41 million yuan ($336,995) in pension benefits to 505 deceased individuals between 2022 and 2024 due to poor information sharing and outdated data management systems.

The findings were disclosed in the 2024 audit report on provincial budget execution and fiscal revenue and expenditure, released by the Shandong provincial audit office in July. The comprehensive audit covered 13 cities and their counties, with a part focused on pension insurance funds and the effectiveness of fund usage in elderly care services.