The other day I received a letter from my foodstamp caseworker telling me she needs bank statements for three different checking accounts. Only one was active the other two have been closed for a long time. To give you a picture of my living arrangement, I was married to a man that is very controlling in 2000, I became unable to work in 2001 due to health. I became guardan of my daughters daughter in 2003 when she was 3, she is now 12. My husband separated in 2006 because we cannot get along. He moved out of our home and has lived in a large camper at the side of the yard some and most the time with his son. He continues to pays all the bills,He would rather do this than pay alimony etc and he does not want to lose the house he is about 5 yrs from having paid for. When I need toletries etc he will get them for us. It sounds like a good arraingment but I would rather be out from under his thumb but I am in a position and am just thankful I have a place for my grandaughter and I. Now my problem. I have been recieveing foodstamps for my grandaughter and I. When I went to the foodstamps office yesterday my worker was nasty with me and said I am going to be investigated for foodstamp fraud that she doesn't buy what I am telling her. I told her my husband does come to the house and work on vehicles in the yard that he sells but he has never eaten with us and he does not sleep or live with us. She said she is having fraud investigators come to my house and check it , which is fine and that they will check my house and talk to my neighbors. Two of my neighbors I only know from waving hi to and all the could honestly say is they see him in the yard and a couple others are aware that we are separated and he does not stay here. My worker said if he comes over and he is in the yard than we are acting as a married couple and I have committed fraud. How can she say this when he is not living or eating in the house. Also she has been my worker for 5yrs and she has not said nothing all this time until now. If she thought I was lying why has she waited all this time? I am upset and afraid since she said that could considered fraud or the investigator goes along with her and does not believe me. Does it sound like they could say I am committing foodstamp fraud? If they did what would happen. I have never dealt with anything like this before or have ever been in any kind of trouble. Could anyone guide me ? Any advice I would be grateful. I live in NC

Do you declare the monies that he gives you on your Food Stamp application?

If you are certain you are not committing fraud, let them investigate, look at the arrangement and see what they say.

If you have reported the living arrangement for what it is I see no problem.

To Judykaytee, I have reported everything all along but all of a sudden she is saying she doesn't believe me that if we were separated why is he willing to help and why haven't we divorced she was so nasty with me. I know it does sound out of the norm of what split up couples do but we are trying to get our grandaughter raised and also teach her right. It just has me so upset. Im 52yrs old and have never been in any such trouble before. I am so afraid of them not believing me because of the way she treated me at the office. She made me feel like she didn't want to hear anything, Im guilty of fraud. I don't know what would happen if they did listen to her. Do they put people in jail ? How could I repay anything if they wanted me to? I honestly do not have the means to pay it back. Thank you for replying to my post.

Because your story does not sound normal, it is not how most people do things, so it raises what is called "red flags" They are paid to have people investigate anything that is out of the normal. Plus other reports.

If he is still living in the trailer, they may view it as still living on the property.

If you are reporting the money he gives you for all the items, and is paying the money for the house that should be a lot of money.

Of course depending on other factors, you may have in divorce claim to part of the house at divorce. And you may find cheaper living with reciving support from your ex.

What I have not heard is what job you got when all of this happened and what you are earning also.

Butt yes, if it appears that you are husband and wife, and neighbors see your husband over there a lot, they may rule that his income has to be included and he is considered living there.

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Originally Posted by krafteame

To Judykaytee, I have reported everything all along but all of a sudden she is saying she doesnt believe me that if we were seperated why is he willing to help and why havent we divorced she was so nasty with me. I know it does sound out of the norm of what split up couples do but we are trying to get our grandaughter raised and also teach her right. It just has me so upset. Im 52yrs old and have never been in any such trouble before. I am so afraid of them not believing me because of the way she treated me at the office. she made me feel like she didnt want to hear anything, Im guilty of fraud. I dont know what would happen if they did listen to her. Do they put people in jail ? How could I repay anything if they wanted me to? I honestly do not have the means to pay it back. Thank you for replying to my post.

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I understand BUT it would make more sense to me if he lived in the house instead of the camper. Again, if nothing is out of line let them investigate! They'll find nothing.

Yes, in NY they put people in jail for food stamp fraud.

I don't know how you would repay it - but if it's as you said, you won't have to repay anything because you didn't commit any fraud.

I did not mention about working because I do not work, I am unable to work due to health reasons and I have recently filed for disability. The reason he does not live in the house is we cannot get along. He is very controlling and we do not want to have a lot of arguing around our grandaughter. My husband is not living in the camper too much right now, I guess he does some but he is mostly living at his sons that is about 4 miles from where I live.

They aren't going to be concerned about where he lives now. They are going to be concerned with where he lived the entire time you received foodstamps and how much he contributed to the household.

My advice remains the same - if you were truthful you have nothing to worry about.

I have told him all he contributes, He pays the mortgage that is in his name, and the elect etc. I have told her all this all along. If there was a problem with it why did she not say something a long time ago? Like I told her they are welcome to come to my home, and also talk to my neighbors the ones that know anything about me can tell them that we have had problems and that he comes over but he does not live here in the house. He is staying at his sons mostly right now because it is so hot and the ac in the camper is not working right. He used a space heater in the winter. It is a shame that they want to harass me when there are so many out there that is truly defrauding them and also selling there benefits for drugs and such. What upset me a lot about it was the caseworkers nasty attitude. She was very snide, disrespectful and sarcastic. When I was trying to talk to her she kept making faces at me, making benefits noises and remarks. In fact her supervisor had came in at one point and I told her in front of her supervisor that how she was acting was not very professional. I understand she has a job to do but she acted like she really didn't like me and she was just doing her best to act nasty to me. I am going to file a grievance report after they investigate me and ask for a different worker. Thank you for answer my posts I appreciate your input.

I am experiencing a similar situation. I have no car and was living in a bad area. The guy I was dating and I ended up having a baby together. He decided to move me closer to his parents, just in case I needed help and to get to the doctors... He paid the bills for me and made sure his baby had diapers and all... I applied for food stamps as I was living alone. Well a year went by I got rid of the stamps because we ended up wanting to be together and become a family for our kids. Well three months of not receiving the food stamps I am now under fraud investigation. I can assure these people he was not here and he was receiving mail at his other address during this period.. Not afraid at all but when the fraud investigator called and said you will be arrested, you will be charged with a felony, and I have never lost a case I was like what is this woman getting too? She said it could happen today, next week, or a year from now. Don't understand, if you are that positive I have committed a crime why haven't you came and got me yet? I was not happy to be receiving the services but at the time I was unable to work.. I know in my heart that I would not have gotten the stamps if I wasn't in need seriously... But I am very appreciative of what I did get.. I have all the proof I need but really I am a wonderful mom and the investigator is accusing me of fraud; she doesn't live here, nor does she know the whole story due to not talking to anyone but listening to a stupid annonymous call they received. If it was so accurate maybe the person wouldn't had been scared to call annonymous. HELLO... I am so sure that this investigator will loose but just letting you all know it happens to the best of us... I just want to know why she is so sure I will be arrested charged with a felony, and that she's going to win this case, ha... ok commonwealth of VA... Bring it on..

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Originally Posted by martin2001

I am experiencing a similar situation. I have no car and was living in a bad area. The guy I was dating and I ended up having a baby together. He decided to move me closer to his parents, just in case I needed help and to get to the doctors...He paid the bills for me and made sure his baby had diapers and all...I applied for food stamps as I was living alone. Well a year went by I got rid of the stamps because we ended up wanting to be together and become a family for our kids. Well three months of not receiving the food stamps I am now under fraud investigation. I can assure these people he was not here and he was receiving mail at his other address during this period..Not afraid at all but when the fraud investigator called and said you will be arrested, you will be charged with a felony, and I have never lost a case I was like what is this woman getting too? She said it could happen today, next week, or a year from now. Dont understand, if you are that positive I have committed a crime why havent you came and got me yet? I was not happy to be receiving the services but at the time I was unable to work..I know in my heart that I would not have gotten the stamps if I wasn't in need seriously.....But I am very appreciative of what I did get..I have all the proof I need but really I am a wonderful mom and the investigator is accusing me of fraud; she doesnt live here, nor does she know the whole story due to not talking to anyone but listening to a stupid annonymous call they recieved. If it was so accurate maybe the person wouldnt had been scared to call annonymous. HELLO....I am so sure that this investigator will loose but just letting you all know it happens to the best of us....I just want to know why she is so sure I will be arrested charged with a felony, and that shes gonna win this case, ha...ok commonwealth of VA...Bring it on..

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And why can social workers talk to you anyway that they want? Its not right; some of us are need of their services for a short period while we work on our home situations and make them better so we can become families and do what's right for our kids... Also, they're good men out their who does like to take care of their kids and make sure the woman who gave birth and who is mothering the kids can have a decent place to live while not being together. My man now is what I wanted him to become... living separate I gained trust in him, I wanted to see him provide for his family and be the man he was suppose to be to me and our child.. I mean hey I used the stamps to feed my child and myself so if they want the money I have no problems what so ever giving it back now. They just allowed me to get our family together so we Thank you but to talk to me as I am some idiot some piece of trash is not good... I just pray things work out because a felony on me? Hmm... I won't be able to get a decent job, go certain places with my kids, and all... When in all honesty Ive done nothing wrong... But do what they have to do other than charge me with some felony when I haven't committed a crime at all. Ok So I'll get a lawyer, prove to them with eye witnesses and paperwork he wasn't here, pay the money back... Well thanks SOCIAL WORKER for threatening me or harassing me when Ive been off stamps now for 3 months... I'm not living life in stress just because of your words I'm just waiting on your actions now...

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Originally Posted by martin2001

and why can social workers talk to you anyway that they want? its not right; some of us are need of their services for a short period of time while we work on our home situations and make them better so we can become families and do whats right for our kids...Also, they're good men out their who does like to take care of their kids and make sure the woman who gave birth and who is mothering the kids can have a decent place to live while not being together. my man now is what i wanted him to become...living seperate i gained trust in him, i wanted to see him provide for his family and be the man he was suppose to be to me and our child..I mean hey i used the stamps to feed my child and myself so if they want the money I have no problems what so ever giving it back now. They just allowed me to get our family together so we Thank you but to talk to me as I am some idiot some piece of trash is not good...I just pray things work out because a felony on me? hmm...I wont be able to get a decent job, go certain places with my kids, and all...When in all honesty Ive done nothing wrong...But do what they have to do other than charge me with some felony when I haven't committed a crime at all. Ok So I'll get a lawyer, prove to them with eye witnesses and paperwork he wasnt here, pay the money back...Well thanks SOCIAL WORKER for threatening me or harrassing me when Ive been off stamps now for 3 mths...I'm not living life in stress just because of your words I'm just waiting on your actions now...

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This is a blog and hopefully getting it all out helps you feel better. What is your question?

You've been off food stamps for 3 months. How long were you ON food stamps? If you listed the financial assistance the father of your child (I notice you don't call him your boyfriend) was providing to you you will not have a problem.

It's unreported income and "gifts" that cause a problem.

The Social Worker cannot threaten and/or harass you. You need to report any such behavior to her Supervisor or your local newspaper or TV station.

The case worker can inform you ( may sound like a threat) that if you don't supply the requested information, you may have to pay back some of the benefits you received.

These are not threats, merely facts.

I started this thread a couple months ago(06/23) I just wanted to post what has happened or not happened since then. I have been recertified for 6 more months. I have not heard anything as of yet. I figured that they would have come and did home visit and talk to my neighbors. I have given it all a lot of thought and I have not did anything wrong so I am not going to let that nasty worker upset me. I really wish she would send someone out. If she harassed me anymore I am going to file a complaint on her and on the woman that came back in the room with her claiming to be her supervisor. I really believe she became that nasty with me because I wouldn't back down from her. I know I have told them the truth so let them do what they want. Thank you to all the members that answered my post.

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Originally Posted by krafteame

I started this thread a couple months ago(06/23) I just wanted to post what has happended or not happened since then. I have been recertified for 6 more months. I have not heard anything as of yet. I figured that they would have come and did home visit and talk to my neighbors. I have given it all a lot of thought and I have not did anything wrong so I am not going to let that nasty worker upset me. I really wish she would send someone out. If she harrasses me anymore I am going to file a complaint on her and on the woman that came back in the room with her claiming to be her supervisor. I really believe she became that nasty with me because I wouldnt back down from her. I know I have told them the truth so let them do what they want. Thank you to all the members that answered my post.

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Thank you for coming back - please keep us informed.