Antifraud program for Suffolk welfare eyed

The Suffolk Legislature's new majority leader wants a full examination of the county's methods of detecting public assistance fraud, following a call by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to end fingerprinting for food stamps in New York City.

Legis. DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville) said Wednesday that he's asked county Social Services Commissioner Gregory Blass to provide a full cost-benefit analysis of his department's fraud prevention, including applicant fingerprinting.

Suffolk fingerprints certain welfare and temporary assistance candidates, as required by state law, Blass said. Applicants for food stamps alone are not included.

"The question we're asking is, 'Are we really catching people committing acts of fraud?' " Gregory said. "My initial thought is, 'no.' "

In last week's State of the State address, Cuomo urged an end to "fingerprinting for food," noting that the stigma discourages families from applying.

New York City, which continued the practice after the state stopped requiring it in 2007, has defended its effectiveness as a deterrent to fraud.

Blass declined to detail the department's fraud prevention measures, saying they'll appear in his Jan. 30 report to the human services committee.

"I think we have an impressive record," Blass said.

Gregory said his aim in a time of budget austerity is to review any practice that may be a hardship for residents.

"If we're going to have a leaner government, it has to work more efficiently, and more compassionately," he said.