Intentional Program Violation (IPV) 430-05-77
(Revised 10/01/15 ML3457)
An Intentional Program Violation (IPV) is an action by an individual, for the purpose of:
- Improperly establishing or maintaining eligibility for assistance; or
- Increasing or preventing a reduction in the amount of assistance
Any individual who is suspected of an IPV must be referred to:
- The Appeals Supervisor in the Legal Advisory Unit (LAU) for a determination of an IPV; or
- The court system for a determination of fraud
In order to determine an IPV, that individual must have intentionally committed one of the following:
- Any act or false statement intended to mislead, misrepresent, conceal, or withhold facts.
Examples:
- A source of income
- A household member
- Receiving or attempting to receive assistance in multiple states at the same time
- Falsified documents
- Committed any act that constitutes a violation of the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP regulations, or any State statute for the purpose of using, presenting, transferring, acquiring, receiving, possessing, or trafficking of coupons.
It is the act and not the amount of improper benefit received that must be considered. There is no requirement that an overpayment exist when pursuing IPV.
