Page 76

Louisiana LIHEAP Service Delivery Guide 76 | P a g e

A p r i l 1 , 2 0 2 6

CHAPTER 9: FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE PREVENTION

Fraud occurs when an Applicant knowingly and willingly provides false information about their circumstances in order to receive assistance. Fraud also occurs when an Applicant intentionally fails to report changes in household circumstances in a timely manner that may impact their continued involvement in case management programs. Fraud may also exist internally when Subgrantee employees falsify information related to any LIHEAP activity. 9.1 Subgrantee Responsibilities Subgrantee must:  Treat every client with courtesy and respect.  Have a Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention Policy. The policy must include language on the detection, handling and resolution of applicant and employee fraud.  Advise every applicant of the potential consequences of submitting false, misleading, or incomplete information during the application process with the intent to receive or increase the amount of an energy assistance benefit in accordance with Service Delivery Guidelines.  Service clients in the order they are received without conflict of interest.  Require and collect the documentation necessary to verify program eligibility from each applicant.  Report to their appropriate supervisor, any and all actions, statements, documents or any other information they may become aware of, no matter the source of that information, which may result in or has resulted in an applicant receiving a benefit or benefit amount for which they were not eligible for.  Collect and preserve any document that was used or that was attempted to be used by an applicant applying for a benefit.  Be able to document the details of any incident of suspected fraud.  Be aware of and recognize potential fraudulent activities that may include but are not limited to:  Attempting to increase a calculated benefit by inflating the number of family members living in the household.