Harrisburg, PA - The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) filed public assistance fraud charges against 94 individuals during February 2024. The restitution owed to the Commonwealth in these cases totals $411,192. Additional cost savings will be realized because the defendants will be temporarily disqualified from receiving public benefits in the programs they allegedly defrauded.
"Combatting benefits fraud is essential to preserving public trust in these programs and making sure they serve those who genuinely need support,” said State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller. “OSIG remains committed to holding accountable those who attempt to defraud taxpayers and misuse public resources."
OSIG investigates and prosecutes public assistance fraud and conducts collection activities for the public benefits programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
"We are committed to the responsible stewardship of Pennsylvania's public assistance programs, which provide critical support to individuals and families in need. Together with OSIG, we are maintaining the integrity of these services and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively," emphasized DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh.
During February 2024, OSIG filed felony charges of defrauding the public assistance system against a total of 74 individuals and misdemeanor charges against 20 separate individuals. It is alleged that these individuals either trafficked their public assistance or misrepresented their household circumstances and fraudulently received taxpayer-funded public benefits to which they were not entitled.
If convicted, the maximum penalty defendants face for public assistance fraud is seven years in prison and a fine of $15,000. In the case of SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Subsidized Day Care fraud, defendants also face a mandatory disqualification period from the benefits program they allegedly defrauded.
All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
OSIG works in close coordination with DHS, which administers Pennsylvania’s public assistance programs, to investigate referrals made by DHS for potential fraud or abuse of programs. Referrals come through concerns flagged through applications and questionable use of benefits observed by DHS or from tips made by the public. Anonymously report suspected welfare fraud on the OSIG website or call the Welfare Fraud Tipline: 1-800-932-0582.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan P Hendrickson - 7172658396
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