PM 23-06-05: SNAP Fraud Unit (SFU)

WAG 23-06-05

new manual textSNAP Fraud Unit (SFU)

  • The SNAP Fraud Unit (SFU), under the administration of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Family and Community Services (FCS) October 2021, conducts fraud investigations in connection with the administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and State Food benefits. Any suspected fraud or abuse related to SNAP and State Food benefits is referred to the SNAP Fraud Unit whose purpose is to combat fraud, with emphasis on identifying and disqualifying customers on the program who are committing fraud.
  • The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (IDHFS) handles suspected cash benefit related fraud. When the household is receiving both food and cash benefits and fraud is suspected, IDHS will lead the investigation and share the results of its findings with IDHFS to help with the investigation of any cash benefit related fraud.
  • The SNAP Fraud Unit's functions include but are not limited to the following:
    • Investigates any case of alleged fraud or Intentional Program Violation (IPV) committed by program recipients and IDHS employees,
    • Assists Federal and State officials in the investigation of SNAP fraud committed by other individuals or entities, when requested,
    • May enter into a data sharing agreement with federal, state agencies and other entities, necessary for SNAP public assistance program integrity functions and oversight,
    • Ensures that the appropriate actions are taken, including but not limited to:
      • Initiates administrative disqualification procedures,
      • Refers cases to the United States Attorney, the Office of Attorney General, the appropriate State's Attorney, the Illinois State Police, or local law enforcement for prosecutorial consideration,
      • Refers claims to the Bureau of Collections (BOC) when found for establishment of an inadvertent household error claim against the SNAP household when the SNAP Fraud Unit does not initiate administrative disqualification procedures.

Note: State Food applies to noncitizens only who do not meet citizenship requirements to qualify for SNAP. For persons applying for food assistance, eligibility is first determined for SNAP. If a person is determined ineligible for SNAP due to not meeting citizenship requirements, State Food eligibility and the benefit amount will be determined systematically by IES for the ineligible person(s). A Notice of Decision (IL444-0360C) is sent to the SNAP/State Food household with information on eligibility, benefit calculation and benefit amount for the eligible/ineligible members. Persons receiving State Food are subject to the same Rights and Responsibilities, Work Provisions, Sanctions, and Disqualifications as SNAP customers.