Referral to the Office of Fraud and Accountability (OFA)

Complete a referral to OFA and list the documents in the case file that demonstrate intent. See the Procedures Handbook for referral instructions. Documents to examine for the time period include: Rights and Responsibilities signed by client; Application showing facts omitted or false information declared; Eligibility Review reflecting false circumstances; Mid Certification Review (MCR) completed and signed but not reporting the change; Change of Circumstance reporting one change but not another; and Any other document presented by the client or a collateral contact which demonstrates the intent of the client to give misleading or incorrect information to receive benefits.

Initiate an Intentional Overpayment Investigation Referral (OFA referral) through the client's ECR when: An intentional cash assistance overpayment is identified and processed; A food assistance overpayment is completed and determined intentional as defined in #2 of Clarifying Information WAC 388-446-0001 above; or Documents in the case record provide clear evidence of the client's willful concealment of information or intentional failure to reveal information, causing the overpayment.

Set a tickler for a 60-day response from OFA. If no response is received, request a response date. OFA will respond with their decision on forwarding the case for prosecution and instructions to the worker on whether to proceed with the Administrative Disqualification Hearing (ADH) for food assistance.