PD 26-05: Instructions for Known Identity Theft Cases (Revised)

Date: 05/07/26 (Revised 05/11/26)
To: DEBS Social Services Benefits Specialists (SSBSs)
From: Melissa Hui, Vivien Phan, Michelle Rojas, Rosa Villalobos, SSA BPIS
Reference: N/A

Background

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is investigating a growing number of cases in which stolen identities are used to fraudulently apply for CalFresh, CalWORKs, and/or General Assistance. These cases are referred to as “known identity theft cases” after the SIU Investigator confirms that the individual(s) listed on the case were victims of identity theft and did not apply for aid.

Victims of identity theft include both local individuals and out-of-state residents, most of whom are incarcerated. SIU’s collaboration with other agencies has also revealed identity theft cases across multiple counties.

 

Guidance

After the SIU Investigator informs the SSBS that a case is a known identity theft case, the SSBS must take the following actions:

  • Discontinue the case by selecting "Application Opened in Error" from the Negative Action Reason drop-down list on the CalSAWS Negative Action Detail page.
  • Send out a Free Format Notice of Action (NOA) (CSF 166):
    • As of <Insert MM/DD/YYYY>, the County has discontinued your <Insert Program(s)>.
    • Here’s why
      • The County found out that your identity was stolen, and you did not apply for aid.
    • Rules
      • For CalFresh: This is in accordance with Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 63-300. 
      • For CalWORKs: This is in accordance with Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 40-117.
      • For General Assistance: This is in accordance with Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 30-009.22.
  • Create an overpayment (OP)/overissuance (OI) for the month(s) in which aid was received, so that this information can be tracked.
  • Terminate the recovery account, since the recovery account is valid, but the county is not collecting the OP/OI.
  • Suppress the OP/OI NOAs.
  • Clearly document in the CalSAWS Journal Detail page that SIU confirmed this was a known identity theft case, so the case was discontinued and the recovery account was terminated.

 

Implementation

This Program Directive is effective immediately.