May Is Public Assistance Fraud Awareness Month

​May is Public Assistance Fraud Awareness Month in Ohio, and the Logan County Job and Family Services is spreading the word that “Fraud Costs All of Us.”

“Logan County Job & Family Services takes matters of fraud very seriously. We want to help those in need who are eligible. However, if you were not eligible, we will take that matter seriously, as well.” – Director Cynthia L. Heffner Esq

​In SFY 2024, the Ohio Department of Job

and Family Services disburses more than $4 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and more than $200 million in Ohio Works First cash assistance. Individuals who mislead caseworkers or provide false information on an application for benefits account for a very small percentage of the funding disbursed, but the department takes even the smallest fraud cases very seriously.

Applicants and recipients of public assistance programs are encouraged to report their circumstances accurately and timely in order to avoid facing potential criminal charges, program disqualification and repayment of benefits issued improperly. Residents of Logan County may report suspected public assistance fraud by calling the Logan County Job & Family Services (937) 599-5165 or going to www.jfs.ohio.gov/fraud. ​