h. Disqualification Penalties in Fraud Cases

Parents who are overpaid due to an intentional error may be referred to an administrative disqualification hearing or to a court of appropriate competent jurisdiction if the CCAP administrator determines that the parent may have committed fraud. Child care providers shall not have the right to an administrative hearing.

The CCAP administrator shall impose a disqualification penalty on the family if the parent is found to have knowingly committed fraud in connection with obtaining benefits from CCAP. A penalty shall be imposed only after a final determination that the parent committed fraud has been made pursuant to the requirements of subsection (a) of section 17b-749-22 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

For the first finding of fraud committed by a parent, the period of ineligibility shall be three months from the date the notice of disqualification is issued or from the date the family’s benefits are discontinued, whichever is later. For the second finding of fraud, the disqualification period shall increase to six months. For any subsequent finding, the disqualification period shall be one year for each occurrence.

Child care providers convicted of committing vendor fraud by an appropriate court of competent jurisdiction shall be permanently disqualified from participation pursuant to the requirements of sections 17b-99 and 53a-290 of Connecticut General Statutes.

Parents may reapply and be approved for assistance at the conclusion of the disqualification period.