Welfare Fraud Investigations

Fraud occurs when a recipient knowingly and willingly provides false information about their circumstances. Fraud also occurs when a recipient intentionally fails to report changes in circumstances in a timely manner in order to receive benefits for which they are not eligible.

Most program rules require changes in circumstances to be reported within 10 calendar days.  Changes may be reported by phone or mail.

Fraud Investigations

*** Public Assistance programs provide many needed services to thousands of families and individuals in Lorain County. ***

Unfortunately, like so many worthwhile programs, there are instances of abuse in which some improperly use the system. Investigative staff with Job & Family Services has the primary responsibility to investigate those Public Assistance cases where fraud is suspected.  Investigations are conducted to ensure that Public Assistance benefits are received by only those individuals who are eligible and that they receive the correct amount.

Taxpayer Complaints and allegations of fraud are investigated using all available resources.  This includes conducting Field Investigations, visiting the homes of those suspected of fraud, as well as contacting collateral sources - family, neighbors, employers, etc.

In many cases, clients are given the opportunity first to repay funds that were inappropriately received.  Along with voluntary repayments, fraudulent benefits are recovered using the Federal Offset Program and State Tax Refund Offset Program which allows for the interception of federal and state tax refunds to pay outstanding monies due the county.

Information concerning Welfare Fraud comes from a wide range of sources: concerned citizens, agency customers, employees and other administrative areas including computer match data. The important point is that when welfare fraud occurs, everyone loses.  If you suspect that someone is committing fraud, call the local Fraud Investigative Unit at 440-284-4268. All calls are confidential and you don't have to leave your name.

Lorain County currently has 11 cases being prosecuted and 15 are being investigated for possible referral for prosecution.  In 2010, 1,995 complaints were referred to the Fraud Unit resulting in 2,286 claims totalling $3,303,219.  Collections of those claims resulted in the following:

HELP STOP WELFARE FRAUD!