The Office of the Welfare Inspector General (OWIG), an independent agency situated within the Department of Law, was established in 1992 to prevent, investigate, and prosecute public assistance fraud. The office investigates, and when appropriate prosecutes, welfare recipients who are dishonestly receiving benefits for which they are not eligible. The office also investigates instances in which Medicaid, day care or other providers or administrators of services, or government employees are accepting payments fraudulently.
In carrying out its responsibilities, the office works closely with various state agencies in support of fraud investigations. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provides welfare program data and legal guidance concerning the application of program rules and regulations. Local social service districts assist the office with identifying the amount of money fraudulently obtained from different welfare programs. The Attorney General assists the Office with the prosecution of those alleged to be involved in fraudulent activity.
While most cases involve welfare fraud, the office also works with the Office of Children and Family Services on cases involving adult homes and other community programs, as well as the Department of Health and the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General on Medicaid related cases. The office is headed by the Welfare Inspector General, who is appointed for a five-year term by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. In addition to the Inspector General, agency personnel includes a deputy inspector general, chief investigator, general counsel, staff attorneys, fraud investigators, and administrative support staff. The Welfare Inspector General's statewide operations are administered from New York City and a field office in Albany.
