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PY26 WHEAP Manual

131 Revised: August 2025 9.2.9 Fraud All agencies are required to have procedures in place to handle fraud. If the local agency suspects fraud, it shall collect all information available about the case. Agencies shall contact the Division with all collected information. The Division will conduct a high-level investigation and provide the agency with all findings. Agencies shall take appropriate action and respond to the Division within five (5) business days with the results of the investigation.

If a fraud referral is sent to the agency from the Division, the agency shall respond to the Division within five (5) business days with the results of the agency’s investigation and with the agency’s course of action.

In the case of any claim or statement made by any individual (case head or other household member(s)) relating to any of the benefits received, the individual(s) may be held liable for penalties and assessments under the Code of Federal Regulation Title 45, Subtitle A, Section 79.3.

Upon completion of the investigation, determine if any benefits (LIHEAP, PB, Crisis, Program Services, and/or Weatherization) were awarded to applicants who were not eligible, or if a benefit overpayment occurred. If it is determined that fraud occurred, proceed with a cancel/refund with the current program year application. If fraud is committed on prior program year application(s), the agency shall complete a HE+ Repayment Agreement with the customer of any benefits affected by the inaccurate information. Refer to Section 8.9 if there is a need for an HE+ Repayment Agreement.

HE+ System Notes are required for all fraud investigation cases. Contact the HE+ Help Desk for assistance.

Refer to Section 7.3.6.3 regarding errors which affect weatherization.

Refer to Section 8.9 to ensure compliance with maintaining a file of overpayments.

In order to mitigate fraud and maintain program integrity, agencies shall ensure compliance with all applicable elements of Appendix A. If requested by the Division, agencies shall identify all steps taken to comply with Appendix A.

Report all incidences of worker fraud to the Division. The Division will provide guidance to the local agency regarding inactivating the contact and user profile of a worker who is under investigation for fraud.

9.3 Contract and Fiscal It is every WHEAP agency’s responsibility to read and understand the WHEAP contractual obligations. In addition, the agency acknowledges the fiscal responsibilities outlined in the WHEAP contract and the WHEAP Manual. Direct all questions and comments to the HE+ Help Desk.

9.3.1 Payment for Contract Services Funds for LIHEAP Operations, LIHEAP Crisis Services, PB - WHEAP Operations-Outreach, and