793            FRAUD

Individuals who commit fraud or an intentional program violation are disqualified from the Temporary Assistance program and their family's assistance amount is reduced.

Fraud is an intentional action, inaction, or statement made by an individual for the purposes of obtaining benefits to which he or she is not entitled.

An intentional program violation is an action taken by an individual that intentionally misrepresents, conceals, or withholds a material fact for the purpose of establishing or maintaining a family's eligibility for Temporary Assistance benefits or for increasing or preventing a reduction in the amount of the family's benefit. Public assistance fraud is frequently referred to as an intentional program violation (IPV). An IPVIntentional Program Violation may occur with or without a dollar loss. An IPVIntentional Program Violation includes:

• Making a false or misleading statement to the agency, either orally or in writing;
• Concealing information; and
• Failing to report, as required, changes in income, resources, or any other factors of eligibility.

An IPVIntentional Program Violation may result from intentionally giving false information about income or resources, failing to report when a child leaves the assistance unit, or concealing information when an absent parent returns to the household.