Pursuit of Claims
The pursuit of a claim against a participant to recover the value of CSFP Foods improperly received or used is cost effective when the value exceeds $150.00 or 5 months of benefits. The estimated value of the monthly CSFP benefit is $30.00. In accordance with 7 CFR 247.30 (c) and (d), WSDA FA has established the following claim procedures regarding foods received or used by a participant through fraud, which may include:
- The local agency will issue a letter to the participant indicating that they are ineligible for participation in CSFP for a period of up to one year, in accordance with the requirements of 7 CFR 247.20 (b).
- A letter demanding repayment for the value of the foods improperly received or used will be issued in instances when the dollar value is determined to be over $150.00. Payment is to be received within 30 days of the date the letter was sent. If an appeal is sought, then the timeframe may be extended as deemed necessary.
- Additional measures will be taken if payment is not received within 30 days.
- The local agency will permanently disqualify a participant who commits three program violations that involve fraud, in accordance with the requirements of 7 CFR 247.20 (b), which defines fraud as intentionally making false or misleading statements to obtain CSFP Foods, intentionally withholding information to obtain CSFP Foods, or selling CSFP Foods, or exchanging them for non-food items.