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opened with a PPV error code if an Administrative Hearing has been requested or a Waiver to the Administrative Hearing has been sent. 4610.20.00 DEFINITION OF INTENTIONAL PROGRAM VIOLATION (FRAUD)

An Intentional Program Violation (IPV)/fraud is the act of: • Deliberately, intentionally making a false or misleading statement, or • Misrepresenting, concealing, or withholding facts from the agency for the purpose of establishing or maintaining benefit eligibility or increasing or preventing a reduction in the amount of the benefit. (f2)

Suspected fraud over-issuances can occur as a result of the AG: • Misrepresenting information; • Concealing information; • Withholding information pertinent to determining eligibility, including untimely reporting; • Failing to report a change in order to continue to receive benefits for which the AG was not entitled; or • Intentionally altering or changing documents to obtain benefits to which the AG was not entitled.

A SNAP IPV may also exist if the AG: • Intentionally used EBT card to buy nonfood items (such as alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, weapons, ammunition, or explosives); • Intentionally used or possessed improperly obtained EBT card; • Intentionally traded or sold EBT SNAP benefits for cash or consideration other than eligible food. (This is client trafficking); or • Committed any act that constitutes a violation of SNAP regulations, or any State statute for the purpose of using, presenting, transferring, acquiring, receiving, possessing or trafficking of SNAP benefits or EBT cards.

Fraud is a matter of legal determination. An IPV or fraud determination must be made through court action or an Administrative Disqualification Hearing (ADH) or a signed ADH waiver. For lengths of disqualification, refer to Section 4625.15.10 for SNAP penalties and Section 4625.15.15 for TANF penalties. 4610.20.05 DETERRENTS AGAINST FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES

Fraud is deterred by use of the following in the application/interview process: • Careful explanation of all eligibility requirements and rights and responsibilities to applicants/recipients; • Diligent use of collateral contacts and other sources of information; • Verification of facts; • Alertness to conflicting/questionable information as provided by the client or misunderstanding by client of policy and verification requirements; • Follow-up investigations where indicated.