Return to Types of Waste, Abuse & Fraud

The General Investigations section determines if a recipient has:

• Received more benefits than are entitled, or
• Used those benefits in a manner not authorized by law.

Recipients should be referred to the General Investigations section if there is a suspicion of the following:

• Intentional Program Violation Overpayment
  • Concealment: Recipient knowingly misstates or conceals information in order to fraudulently receive more benefits than entitled.
  • Falsification of records: Recipient falsifies records to obtain more benefits than entitled.
  • Trafficking : Recipient illegally exchanges SNAP benefits for cash or non-food items from a retailer or another individual.
  • Dual participation: Recipient simultaneously receives benefits in Texas and another state.
• Client Misunderstanding Overpayment
  • Recipient receives an overpayment of benefits but the facts do not show an intentional program violation occurred.
  • A hearing officer determines that an intentional program violation did not occur.
• Agency Error Overpayment
  • The state agency incorrectly issues benefits to a recipient.

Need to reach the General Investigations section directly? Please call hotline 800-436-6184. You may also reach the General Investigations section by fax, 512-491-4758.