Welfare Inspector General, Office of

Agency Web Site: http://www.owig.state.ny.us/

Mission

The Office of the Welfare Inspector General was established in 1992 to prevent and investigate welfare fraud, abuse and illegal acts perpetuated within the Department of Social Services or local social service districts, or by contactees or recipients of public assistance services. The Office investigates welfare recipients who are dishonestly receiving benefits for which they are not eligible. The Office also investigates instances in which providers of Medicaid, day care or other social services fraudulently receive payments from government; and, the failure by State and local officials to investigate such fraud and abuse within their jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Office is responsible for both recommending policies to prevent and to detect social services fraud, and for monitoring the implementation of these recommendations. Where appropriate the Office of the Welfare Inspector General refers investigation findings for prosecution.

Budget Highlights

The FY 2017 Executive Budget recommends $1.3 million ($1.2 million in General Fund;$100,000 in Federal Funds), an increase of $100,000 in Federal Funds from the FY 2016 budget. This increase in Federal appropriation is related to the potential receipt of seized assets from investigations. The workforce of 7 FTEs remains unchanged from the FY 2016 budget.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/13/2016

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