Family Services, Dept. of

Eligibility Integrity Unit (EIU)

Chapter 3: Referrals for Investigation

Effective Date: 01/18/2025 to Current

Rule Type: Current Rules & Regulations

Reference Number: 049.0037.3.01182025

Chapter 3

REFERRALS FOR INVESTIGATION

Section 1. Types of Investigations. Referrals for investigation of public assistance fraud are received by the Eligibility Integrity Unit (EIU) and may involve, but are not limited to:

1. (a) Household composition;
2. (b) Unreported income;
3. (c) Unreported assets;
4. (d) Residency in question; or
5. (e) Dual issuance of public assistance benefits from Wyoming and another state.

Section 2. Investigative Activities. Investigative activities may include, but are not limited to:

1. (a) Obtain verification and statements from other governmental agencies or officials;
2. (b) Identify, analyze and examine relevant records pertaining to the household's application and eligibility for public assistance benefits;
3. (c) Interview various persons of interest; and
4. (d) Make relevant inquiries necessary in order to substantiate or unsubstantiate allegations of fraud.

Section 3. Potential Outcomes of Investigations.

1. (a) If the allegations are unsubstantiated in the electronic case file, the EIU shall close the investigation.
2. (b) If the allegations are substantiated in the electronic case file, one (1) of the following determinations may result:
3. (i) If benefits were not overpaid:
   1. (A) The adult(s) in the household may be referred for disqualification, if there is proof of an intentional program violation (IPV).
4. (ii) If benefits were overpaid:

(A) A program overpayment shall be established within the appropriate system; and

(B) The EIU shall send a Notice of Overpayment to the recipient, unless the case is referred to a persecutor for prosecution.

(C) All of the responsible parties shall be pursued for repayment;

(D) Adults may be referred to a prosecutor for criminal prosecution; and

(E) If there is proof of an IPV, the adult(s) in the household may be referred for a disqualification.