4055 Special Considerations

Georgia State Seal

GEORGIA DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES
BENEFIT RECOVERY POLICY MANUAL

Chapter:

4055

Effective Date:

December 2019

Policy Title:

Special Considerations

Reviewed or Updated in:

MT-11

Policy Number:

4055

Previous Update:

MT-10

Hotline Referrals

Hotline referrals are reports of suspected waste, fraud and abuse received through the toll-free hotline telephone number 1-844-694-2347 and online at dhs.georgia.gov/dhs-oig-fraud-and-abuse-reporting-form.

The Office of Inspector General receives allegations and determines if suspected fraud is warranted.

Food Stamp Trafficking Benefit Misuse / Vendor Abuse

Food Stamp trafficking refers to the buying or selling of food stamp benefit instruments for cash or consideration other than eligible food, or the exchange of firearms, ammunition, explosives or controlled substances for the food stamp benefit instruments.

A person suspected of trafficking can be referred to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) by completing the form found at the following address: dhs.georgia.gov/dhs-oig-fraud-and-abuse-reporting-form.

OIG will investigate and, if appropriate, establish a claim.

Food Stamp Misuse / Vendor Abuse

Food Stamp Misuse refers to the use of benefits, excluding trafficking, for any reason other than to purchase food items for eligible assistance unit members.

When an individual is suspected of benefit misuse:

  • First Compliant: Discuss with household and document the case record

  • Second Complaint: Discuss with household and refer to OIG

Vendor Abuse

Allegations of vendor abuse are referred to OIG by memorandum. Include in the memo the name and address of the vendor, along with specific details of the allegations.