Report Welfare Fraud

What is Welfare Fraud?

Welfare fraud is the crime of unlawfully receiving welfare benefits by means of providing false information. In California, welfare benefits include the following programs: CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, General Assistance, etc.

What are the consequences of committing Welfare Fraud?

Welfare fraud is against the law and can be prosecuted in court. If convicted, someone may go to jail, have to pay fines, or be disqualified from receiving future benefits. 

Report your concerns when someone: 

  • Applies for benefits with false information, knowing they are not eligible.
  • Fails to report income to the Self Sufficiency Services Department.
  • Fails to report that the parent of their child living in house with them. 
  • Reports that a child is living with them when the child is not.
  • Sells their benefit amount or service to another person.

Report Welfare Fraud

Fraudulent benefit claims hurt the integrity of our County programs and the clients who are truly eligible and in need of help to meet basic needs for their families, while costing taxpayers money. To protect benefit programs from false claims, community members can report their concerns. Reports are confidential.

  • For CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Assistance Fraud, call 707-251-1099
  • For Medi-Cal or In-Home Supportive Services Fraud, call 800-822-6222

Investigations are done by the Napa County HHSA Self-Sufficiency Services Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The SIU also receives fraud reports from automated detection systems, benefit eligibility staff, and other agencies.