Welfare Fraud
If you have been charged with welfare fraud, connect with a criminal defense lawyer in your area today to help defend your case and answer your welfare fraud questions.
Welfare fraud is generally described as the act of taking advantage of the United States' and individual states' welfare systems by failing to provide certain information or falsifying information altogether.
Someone committing welfare fraud is most likely collecting welfare benefits that aren't deserved, whether in their own name or someone else's.
Some examples of welfare fraud include:
- Using a fake identity to collect benefits
- Filing for and receiving welfare benefits under multiple names
- Purposely omitting or adding fake information to a welfare claim to increase benefits
- Nondisclosure of a criminal record or arrest warrant
- Filing for and receiving welfare benefits in more than one state
Welfare fraud is not an extremely common crime, but when it is committed, the overall cost of welfare programs can increase dramatically - costing U.S. taxpayer dollars.
Welfare Fraud: Consequences
The punishment for welfare fraud changes state to state, and varies by jurisdiction. Punishments for welfare fraud can be as mild as losing welfare benefits for a year. Harsher consequences can include large fines and time in prison.
Welfare fraud penalties may include:
- Fines
- Criminal charges
- Cessation of welfare benefits
- Repaying benefits that were fraudulently awarded
- Prison sentences
In every state in the U.S., the punishment for committing years of welfare fraud (extended welfare fraud) is jail time.
Most state jurisdictions have welfare fraud investigators and a system in place for residents to report suspected welfare fraud.
Criminal Defense Lawyers
A defense lawyer can help answer questions about your welfare fraud case. To get in touch with a defense lawyer in your area, fill out the free case evaluation form below or call us at 1 (877) 445-1059 and we'll put you in touch with a local defense attorney within minutes!