Page 741

741 Chapter 3:Processes and procedures • Section 5: Program integrity (07/2026) originated and DPU will be notified in writing and will receive a copy of the report to the district attorney when the case has reached its disposition. If the investigator has documented evidence of an IPV and has decided not to refer the case for prosecution, the investigator will refer the case to the IPV Team for IPV processing. The IPV Team will notify claimants that they can avoid an IPV hearing by signing an Agreement to Intentional Program Violation, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF – Cash for families), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – food benefits) Waiver of Right to Hearing (MSC 0649C). If the claimant signs the MSC 0649C, they waive all rights to an IPV hearing for the offense and accept the disqualification period (unless the waiver is set aside by an ALJ or court because the waiver was signed under duress). OWU will initiate collection and disqualification. OWU will notify DPU of the IPV. When claimants choose not to sign an MSC 0649C, and the IPV Team has documented evidence to support IPV, an IPV hearing will be initiated by the IPV Team. The hearing is scheduled and the claimant and branch/DPU office’s designated contact person is notified of the time and place of the hearing. When the final hearing order is received by the IPV Team, and the claimant is found to have committed an IPV, the case is referred to OWU for initiation of disqualification penalties and collection of the overpayment. IPV disqualification periods This section does not apply to HSD medical programs. IPV (intentional program violation) person disqualification periods: 1st DQ = 12 months 2nd DQ = 24 months 3rd DQ = permanently Additionally, effective October 1996: For SNAP, when an IPV is established against any person found guilty of: • Trading SNAP benefits for firearms, ammunition or explosives, the person will be disqualified from SNAP benefits permanently starting with the first DQ • Trading SNAP benefits for controlled substances, the person will be disqualified from SNAP benefits for 24 months with the first DQ and permanently for the second DQ • Trafficking (buyer or seller) in SNAP benefits of $500 or more, the person is permanently disqualified from SNAP benefits. A person is disqualified for a 10-year period from receiving benefits in the program in which the person committed fraud if the person: In the TANF Program: • Is convicted in state or federal court of having made a fraudulent statement or representation with respect to the place of residence of the individual in order to receive assistance simultaneously from two or more states under programs funded under title IV or XIX of the Social Security Act, or