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MS 0920 (2)

verification is not returned at the end of 10 days, the case will automatically deny/discontinue for non-cooperation.

5. If it is determined there is a possible overpayment of benefits, complete the Overpayment Discrepancy screen or enter a Manual Claim Referral on IEES within 15 calendar days from the date of the hotline referral.

6. If it is determined no overpayment exists based on the hotline referral information, indicate the reason for no action on IEES and return to the designated DCBS contact within 15 calendar days from the date of the hotline referral.

C. [The Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) maintains a hotline number for the general public to report suspected fraudulent activity. FNA compiles the Whistleblower complaints and sends a report via email to the Integrity and Analysis Section (IAS) for review. IAS will send valid complaints via email to the designated contact for each region within DCBS.

When a Whistleblower complaint is received:

1. Enter the complaint on the Complaint Module in IEES. Scan a copy of the hotline referral to the Electronic Case File (ECF). If there is an individual name and number listed as the complainant, attempt to contact and obtain any supporting documentation from them. Attempt to contact the household to discuss the allegation. Do not reveal the complainant's information. Review the case to determine if incorrect benefits were issued. Verify any necessary information and secure substantiating documentation. Document thoroughly in case comments any action taken pertaining to the referral.

Note: Not all whistleblower complaints will necessarily be fraud. Some complaints may be issues regarding case processing and other general case resolution issues.

2. Review the case to determine if incorrect benefits were issued. Verify any necessary information and secure substantiating documentation. Document thoroughly in case comments any action taken pertaining to the referral.

3. Only use collateral contacts as a verification source as a last resort in these complaints.

4. If a change becomes known to the agency through a Whistleblower complaint, enter the change on IEES. IEES will generate an RFI requesting verification of the change. When the requested verification is returned, enter the verification in IEES and allow the system to process the change. If the verification is not returned, IEES will act on the change according to policy in Volume 2 MS 6750 and MS 6760, as appropriate.

Example: It is reported that a non-custodial parent (NCP) is in the home with income. Enter the information on IEES and allow the case to pend for verification of household composition and income.

5. If sufficient information is not provided to enter the change on the system, select the Unclear Information button on the Case Summary screen and