Enhanced detection and data analytics for food stamp fraud
saving taxpayers’ money
The arrest of a Little Rock, Arkansas, woman charged with 17
counts of fraud is the culmination of a multi-state and federal investigation
initiated by Utah’s Department of Workforce Services Eligibility Services
Division.
In early March 2016, the Eligibility Services Division
investigations unit and data analytics specialist uncovered an extensive
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) fraud case
centered in Arkansas. The team acted quickly to notify Salt Lake City’s special
agent with the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector
General (USDA/OIG), and identified possible suspects and began gathering
evidence. More...
The U.S. Department of Labor most recent quarterly summary
report for October-December 2015 ranks Utah 7th overall when it
comes to duration of an individual collecting benefits and 2nd when
taken within the context of the maximum number of weeks available.
The average individual qualifies for 21.7 weeks and only collects
12.1 weeks, about half of the benefits they qualify for before returning to
work. More...