Public Assistance Fraud (PAF)

Public Assistance Statutes

Current Law

Public Assistance Program statutes are Chapter 49 in the current statute. This statute is available from the Wisconsin Legislature and can be viewed in PDF format via the following link: Chapter 49 (PDF, 1.1 MB).

Fraud Definition

Anyone who, with knowledge and purpose makes false statements, suppresses facts, or gives information which misrepresents true circumstances in order to become eligible or remain eligible for benefits under Chapter 49, Wis. Stats., commits fraud. These actions are the basis for intentional program violations (IPV). A misrepresentation with intent to defraud may exist when an individual reports being unemployed during a period of time an employer reported earnings for that individual. A misstatement due to an individual's misunderstanding on what constitutes income may not be considered fraud. Negotiation of a check received in payment of benefits by a recipient after a change of facts that causes ineligibility is prima facie evidence of fraud.

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Last Revised: July 12, 2010