In 1996 I applied for welfare using a fake ID. My application was flagged because I was finger imaged and found to be already in the system. Case was denied. 13 years later I applied under my own name and got referred to the fraud unit. Am I facing criminal charges from the 1996 attempt? Like forgery, fraud, Identity theft? Or has the statute of limitations removed these options?

Am I facing criminal charges from the 1996 attempt? Like forgery, fraud, Identity theft? Or has the statute of limitations removed these options?Hello b:

I think you're safe.

excon

I believe the SOL for criminal charges are past but they may deny you future benefits anyway.

In NY you can be permanently denied if you have committed or attempted to commit a fraud. I would guess that's the situation here.

Usually the permanent denial is in exchange for not prosecuting.