Massachusetts audit reveals $2M state benefits fraud, SNAP leads
BOSTON (WWLP) – A report released by the Massachusetts state auditor shows over $2 million in state benefits were fraudulently funded, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
In a news release on Friday from State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, the report from the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) shows $2,041,723 in public benefits fraud from an audit between October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Five Massachusetts offices were examined with a total of 971 cases. Of those cases, 153 had overpayments as identified fraud.
Analysts speculate about how Medicaid cuts might be made
SNAP benefits ranked as the highest in identified fraud with 60.7% of the cases.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): $1,239,688
Medicaid: $536,800
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC): $156,397
Department of Early Education and Care (EEC): $75,341
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC): $31,789
Personal Care Attendant (PCA): $1,706
The individual benefit programs are responsible for collection activities related to BSI cases which may involve settlement through civil recoupment or criminal prosecution.
'When public benefits fraud occurs, it impacts the lives of everyday people across the Commonwealth who depend on these programs and services to purchase food or access care,' said Auditor DiZoglio. 'That's why the work of our fraud examiners is critical to help ensure these programs and services are operating efficiently and reliably for everyone who needs them.'
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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