Welfare Fraud is fraud against the programs of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), including unlawful practices in obtaining cash assistance, medical assistance, and/or food assistance. It is the intentional misstatement or failure to reveal information affecting eligibility resulting in an overpayment. For further information about fraud against DSHS, please review the Eligibility A-Z Manual Fraud Section, or see the entire EAZ Manual.
The Division of Fraud Investigations (DFI) has the authority to investigate the following allegations:
- Unreported Employment:
- The client is suspected of not reporting employment.
- Unearned Income:
- The client is suspected of not reporting the receipt of recurring income not derived from employment.
- Unreported Assets:
- The client is suspected of having one or more of the following assets: Real estate, vehicles, boats, motor homes, non-recurring monetary holdings, etc.
- Unreported Child Support:
- The client is suspected of receiving unreported child support payments.
- Unreported Marriage:
- The client is suspected of not reporting a marriage that may affect the grant amount.
- Absent Parent in Home:
- The client is suspected of not reporting the presence of an absent parent in the home. This includes stepparents.
- Child Out of Home:
- The client is suspected of applying for or receiving benefits for a child not present in the home.
- Household Composition:
- The client is suspected of receiving assistance for an ineligible dependent or has not accurately reported the correct number of persons living in the household.
- Address Verification:
- The client is suspected of not reporting their address information correctly.
- Duplicate Grants:
- The client is suspected of applying for or receiving grants under multiple names.
- False Identity:
- The client is suspected of submitting false identification to apply for or obtain a grant; or may be working under a false identity.
- Felony Drug Conviction/Warrant:
- The client is suspected of having a felony drug conviction after August 26, 1996, or is wanted on an outstanding felony warrant, which would make the client ineligible for welfare benefits.
- Child Care Fraud:
- The client is suspected of improperly receiving child care payments or reporting a false provider.
- EBT Fraud:
- The client is suspected of fraudulently using their Quest card or allowing their Quest card to be used by an unauthorized person.
- Other:
- The client is suspected of any other improper procedure not covered by the other categories.
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