Pandemic Relief Fraud

[Euclid]

Biden mentioned this crackdown in his SOU address, and people are now getting emails that they need to provide documentation for their benefits that they received.


Opening a thread for discussion of news, legal options, and any other relevant information. Don't want this to detract from the other threads.

[Joeymc]

I have a strange feeling that this thread is going to get popular

[cgr]

Biden mentioned this crackdown in his SOU address, and people are now getting emails that they need to provide documentation for their benefits that they received.

As an aside, the documentation requirement for PUA was put in place as part of the American Rescue Plan, and is not as a result of the SOU. The USDOL is requiring all states to confirm PUA eligibility for claimants that filed for any benefit week after 12/27/20.

[Euclid]

As an aside, the documentation requirement for PUA was put in place as part of the American Rescue Plan, and is not as a result of the SOU. The USDOL is requiring all states to confirm PUA eligibility for claimants that filed for any benefit week after 12/27/20.

So anything before 12/27/20 won't require documentation?

[cgr]

So anything before 12/27/20 won't require documentation?

States can tighten the rules if they wish, but NY for example is only requesting documentation for those that claimed PUA for weeks after 12/27/20. Those that stopped prior to 12/27/20 are not being asked for docs.

[4yourinfo]

I have a strange feeling that this thread is going to get popular

With the steep drop of unemployment, I'm sure they have lots of new hirees with no work.. will they start to audit food boxes soon?

[aygart]

With the steep drop of unemployment, I'm sure they have lots of new hirees with no work.. will they start to audit food boxes soon?

Anyone with any brains knew that this is what the next step would be.

[Euclid]

Anyone with any brains knew that this is what the next step would be.

Same thing happened with Sandy funds

[JoeyShmoe]

Am I missing something? Wasn't showing this documentation a prerequisite to getting approved?

[drosenberg88429]

Am I missing something? Wasn't showing this documentation a prerequisite to getting approved?

No

[ExGingi]

What kind of documentation might be acceptable for pending self-employmemt (under "other documentation")?

I would assume that the fact that 2021 taxes were filed showing some self-employment income might actually help. But will that alone be sufficient?

[cgr]

What kind of documentation might be acceptable for pending self-employmemt (under "other documentation")?

I would assume that the fact that 2021 taxes were filed showing some self-employment income might actually help. But will that alone be sufficient?

Should work accompanied by a letter explaining that SE was originally planned to start in March/April 2020.

[ExGingi]

Should work accompanied by a letter explaining that SE was originally planned to start in March/April 2020.

Does it make any difference if the person happens to also be a full time student?

[AsherO]

Does it make any difference if the person happens to also be a full time student?

There was no exclusion for that. FT students often have self-employment side gigs (or even regular w2 employment).

[El Capitan]

What kind of documentation might be acceptable for pending self-employmemt (under "other documentation")?

I would assume that the fact that 2021 taxes were filed showing some self-employment income might actually help. But will that alone be sufficient?

A written business plan is enough? Like I was planning on playing keyboard at simchas and can provide a detailed biz plan but obviously simchas stopped so I became unemployed

[ExGingi]

A written business plan is enough? Like I was planning on playing keyboard at simchas and can provide a detailed biz plan but obviously simchas stopped so I became unemployed

A business plan would generally include details on how you would get customers, etc.

[El Capitan]

A business plan would generally include details on how you would get customers, etc.

Again, the person in question would be able to provide that info. My question is if it would work

[zh cohen]

A written business plan is enough? Like I was planning on playing keyboard at simchas and can provide a detailed biz plan but obviously simchas stopped so I became unemployed

The way I understand the language, they want a plan that was written then (which is why it mentioned "date of the plan") not something you write up now.

[Euclid]

https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit/case-summaries


Not relief per se, but seems pertinent because it's coming from the fraud task force.

[dm123]

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/florida-state-representative-indicted-wire-fraud-money-laundering-and-making-false