White House announces task force to combat fraud

Key Takeaways

On March 16, the White House released an Executive Order (EO) creating a task force to target fraud in federal benefit programs. Chaired by the vice president of the United States and vice chaired by the chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the task force is empowered to: 

• Develop measures to change eligibility verification processes in federal benefits programs and maximize enforcement of eligibility requirements, including requirements within the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA);
• Coordinate with agencies to implement pre-disbursement controls to prevent improper payments and, when necessary, pause funding to address suspected fraud risk;
• Audit and ensure prospective compliance monitoring, including for use in identifying fraud in federal benefits programs
• Facilitate information and data sharing between federal, local and tribal governments, as well as law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt mechanisms through which fraud is committed. This could include the establishment of data-sharing agreements, the creation of interoperable data systems to share eligibility information and the integration of law enforcement databases with benefits systems to flag suspicious identities across programs.

Within 60 days of the EO’s release, the task force is ordered to adopt minimum anti-fraud requirements for benefits administration. Anti-fraud requirements may include increased eligibility verification, audits and remedial measures in the form of suspension and termination and updated program criteria. The task force is permitted to withhold federal funds from jurisdictions that do not have adequate anti-fraud requirements. 

What are the county impacts?

Counties play a vital role as frontline administrators of federal benefits, ensuring that critical resources reach residents efficiently, equitably and with integrity. As trusted stewards of public funds, counties are firmly committed to preventing and addressing fraud through strong oversight and accountability measures. 

At the same time, counties emphasize that safeguards must not come at the expense of timely access to essential services. Delays in the distribution of funds can harm individuals and families who rely on these programs for stability and well-being. Counties stand ready to partner with federal leaders to strengthen program integrity while ensuring that benefits are delivered swiftly and effectively to the communities they serve.