What is Audit and Review?
Audit and Review conducts internal audits of the department's various programs and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance, program eligibility, and to deter fraudulent activity. The results of these audits are used to promote continuous quality improvements within our programs.
What is the Front End Detection (FEDS) program?
FEDS conducts investigations, home visits and office interviews on applications for cash assistance, including those from families, single adults or married couples.
What is a Fraud Allegation Investigation?
Fraud referrals are made by agency staff and members of the community. State and federal computer databases provide information which must be investigated. Evidence of criminal conduct is referred for prosecution by the District Attorney. Improper actions that do not meet the criminal standard may result in recoupments against grants or eligibility disqualifications.
What are Intentional Program Violations?
An administrative law process exists which seeks repayment and disqualification if benefits are obtained improperly, but the situation does not meet the criminal prosecution standards. Westchester has a model program for Food Stamp Intentional Program Violations and has been recognized by the N.Y. Welfare Fraud Investigators Association.
What are Food Stamp Claims?
Every incorrect issuance of Food Stamps must be evaluated as to cause and a repayment must be pursued. Payments may be the result of a recoupment against future benefits, made voluntarily, or may result from a federal offset against a tax refund.
What is a Criminal Justice Match?
Computer matches with criminal justice data bases yield information on customers that may have outstanding warrants which render them ineligible for public benefits. Coordination exists with all levels of law enforcement to ensure timely closing of ineligible cases.
What is a Duplicate Assistance Match Investigation?
Computer matches with participating states' databases identify potential duplicate assistance on behalf of an individual or family. The process monitors cash assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance benefits.The Bureau of Case Review office is located at 100 East 1st Street, Mount Vernon, N.Y. 10550; phone (914) 813-6610. Allegations of fraud may be directed to this address or can be reported to (914) 813-6620.
