Processes of Food Stamp Fraud
Food Stamp Attorneys
Food stamp attorneys specialize in helping clients to the best of their ability to get claims of fraud either dismissed outright, or at least mitigated in order to prevent civil or criminal prosecution.
Processes of Investigation
Typically, food stamp investigations occur when the Bureau of Fraud Investigation of the Human Resources Administration (HRA) believe that you do not qualify for the received benefits. The process begins when a letter is received from the HRA, demanding documents for the investigators. Documents can be bank statements, income taxes, personal identification (driver’s/state licenses, birth certificates, rental letters, pay stubs, etc.). Lastly, it will insist on an interview to accumulate the remainder of the information necessary about you and your case.
At this point, the next step is to arrive at the HRA office and schedule the interview. A form will be supplied that lists which documents will be necessary for the meeting. It’s normal for about three business days after appearing at the office before an interview date is decided upon. On the day of the interview, clients may go alone or with a legal representative.
Once the interview begins, the investigator will make inquiries about why certain documentation was not supplied (if it wasn’t), as well as discuss the documentation of what was given. It will be necessary to explain why documents were missing. After, the investigator will express why the agency does not believe that clients qualify for benefits as well as how they came to the conclusion.
Post Interview
After the interview, investigators speak with their supervisors about what to do next. Either the case will be referred to the legal department, or the HRA will request a voluntary repayment agreement. In the former, the court will be involved. In the latter, you’ll be required to pay off the amount of money that you did not qualify for in either a lump sum or a monthly payment. For more details click on food stamp fraud attorney.