What is Welfare Fraud?
The California Department of Social Services Eligibility and Standards Manual, Section 10-003.1 defines welfare fraud as existing when a person, on behalf of himself or others, has:
- Knowingly, and with intent to deceive or defraud, made a false statement or representation to obtain benefits, obtain a continuance or increase of benefits, or avoid a reduction of aid benefits.
- Knowingly, and with intent to defraud, failed to disclose a fact which, if disclosed, could have resulted in the denial, reduction, or discontinuance of benefits.
- Accepted benefits knowing he/she is not entitled to or accepted any amount of benefits knowing it is greater than the amount to which he/she is entitled.
- For the purpose of obtaining, continuing, or avoiding a reduction or denial of benefits, made statements which he/she did not know to be true with reckless disregard for the truth.