Massachusetts Uncovered This Much in Public Benefits Fraud

Times are tough these days in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Every penny counts, and those who spend taxpayer money must be sure the funds are spent responsibly.

It's only fair to those who foot the bill.

A recent investigation by Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio's office has turned up nearly $3 million in public benefits fraud, money given to people who did not deserve it.

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Some might argue that $3 million is a pittance compared to the totality of the state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), estimated at $56 billion, but again, it is taxpayer money and should be spent accordingly.

The State Auditor's Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) regularly audits spending for public benefits programs and usually uncovers some fraud. The most recent investigation was for October through December 2023, the second quarter of FY24.  

DiZoglio's probe uncovered fraud in 96 of the 1,451 cases it reviewed. 

State House News Service says the investigation found $2,083,270.85 in MassHealth fraud; $692,851.50 in fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); $74,195.05 in the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program; $7,909.33 in fraud connected to the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children program; and $796.95 in fraud linked to the Personal Care Attendant Program. 

DiZoglio's office said the investigation recovered $228,185.97 through restitution settlements.

A statement accompanying the Bureau's report states, "As a result of BSI's investigations, public assistance fraud cases are referred to agencies for administrative action, fraudulent overpayments are recovered through civil agreements, individuals are disqualified from programs for specified periods of time, and cases are prosecuted in state and federal courts."