Author:
Headworth Spencer,Reyes Nicholas Tucker
Abstract
In the United States, the term “welfare fraud” typically denotes clients illegitimately obtaining resources from means‐tested public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Specialized units within public assistance agencies investigate and substantiate clients' alleged rule violations, including charges of eligibility misrepresentation and benefit misuse. Substantiated fraud charges result in program suspensions and disqualifications, restitution orders, and sometimes criminal prosecutions.