1. NAME OF PROGRAM: Program Integrity (PI)

2. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: To detect and prevent overpayments in public assistance programs and services such as Work First Family Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid and Daycare. When overpayments are detected and substantiated, the PI unit determines the nature of the collection action to be taken, which can include repayment agreements, intentional program violation hearings or court action, depending upon the circumstances of overpayment.

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The application procedures include:

1. The PI unit receives referrals from caseworkers, the state office, outside agencies and the general public.
2. Individuals who observe public assistance fraud may make a referral by calling the PI unit at the main DSS number (704-920-1400) or notifying the agency in writing.

4. OTHER PROGRAM DETAILS: The other program details include:

1. The PI unit conducts several types of investigations:
   
   
1. Front end investigation is conducted during application and re-determination to help case workers with questionable or unverifiable eligibility information.
2. Project recall investigations following from analysis of recent new recipient lists are conducted to ensure clients situation changes are reported.
3. Regular referral investigations are conducted following fraud reports from various sources.
   
   
2. Clients receiving public assistance are required to report the following changes involving the case head or members of the household:
   
   
1. Starting or stopping a job
2. Pay increase or decrease
3. Starting or stopping of unearned income, i.e. child support or unemployment
4. Someone moving into or out of the home
5. Buying or selling land or personal property
6. Relocation to a different residence
7. Children dropping out of school
   
   

5. DATE OF INFORMATION: May 29, 2001