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MS 0920 (3)

send the RFI notice requesting the specific verification needed to process the change. Document the case thoroughly as to why the question was utilized and what is requested on the RFI. Allow the household 10 days from the date the RFI is mailed to provide the verification. If the mandatory verification is not returned at the end of 10 days, the case will automatically deny/discontinue for non-cooperation. 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 Whistleblower complaint.

6. For Whistleblower complaints alleging fraudulent household composition, please review the complaint thoroughly and if the complaint appears to be valid complete the Overpayment Discrepancies Screen or enter a Manual Claim Referral within the timeframe mentioned above so the complaint can be reviewed and sent to OIG if necessary.

Example: A whistleblower complaint is received and alleges the individual’s reported household composition is fraudulent; the father of the youngest child is, and has always been in the home, and the oldest child, which the individual has included in the household, is not in the home. The complaint states there is proof of the individual’s statements being false and social services can be contacted to verify. In this instance, an Overpayment Discrepancy or a Manual Claim Referral would be completed. The Regional Claims Worker (RCW) would send the complaint to OIG as the documentation provided by the individual would be considered questionable and the complaint appears to be valid.

7. For Whistleblower complaints alleging unreported wages, use any verification source available to the agency. If wages are found, complete the Overpayment Discrepancies screen or enter a Manual Claim Referral screen within the timeframe mentioned above.

8. For Whistleblower complaints alleging unreported or incorrectly reported self-employment income, complete the Overpayment Discrepancies screen or enter a Manual Claim Referral in the timeframe mentioned above so the complaint can be reviewed and sent to OIG if necessary.

9. If it is determined no claim overpayment exists based on the Whistleblower complaint, indicate the reason for no action on IEES and respond to IAS within 15 calendar days from the date of the whistleblower complaint.

10. If the Whistleblower complaint is determined to involve allegations of suspected trafficking, refer to MS 1020, Trafficking and Retailer Fraud.

11. A summary of actions taken by the agency must be submitted to IAS, using the proper chain of command, within 25 calendar days of receipt of the Whistleblower complaint.]