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SNAP 1505-1 CASE MANAGEMENT Intentional Program Violation

Supersedes: FS 1505-1 (08/31/2019)

Reference: 7 CFR 273.1

Overview: After an error has been determined to not be an inadvertent household error (SNAP 1504-1), the Intentional Program Violation (IPV) unit will conduct Administrative Disqualification Hearings (ADH) in cases where facts of the individual case do not warrant criminal prosecution through the courts.

Fraud prevention begins with careful explanation of appropriate policy and regulations to the applicant or participant and an explanation of how these policies relate to the individual participant.

Areas in which recipient fraud most often occur are:

1. Unreported or misrepresented income. 2. Unreported or misrepresented household composition. 3. Unreported excess property or resources; and, 4. Duplicate cases in which a recipient receives benefits from more than one county or state at the same time.

Be particularly wary of inconsistencies in documentation or interview information in these areas.

INTENTIONAL PROGRAM VIOLATION/DISQUALIFICATION:

An applicant/participant is in violation of program rules if he/she:

1. Makes a false or misleading statement. 2. Misrepresents, conceals, or withholds facts; or, 3. Commits any act that constitutes a violation of the Food Stamp Act or Regulations or any State Statue relating to the use, presentation, transfer, acquisition, receipt, or possession of SNAP benefits. NOTE: The Office of Public Assistance (OPA) is obligated to refer any case of alleged IPV to the IPV unit for investigation, regardless of whether the household received benefits. An IPV may be pursued any time a household commits an act as outlined above.

A caller wanting to report fraud can call (406)444-2979 or 1-800-201-6308.