7.1.1 EA Overpayments

Overpayments occur when an individual receives an EAEmergency Assistance payment they were not eligible for. EA overpayments may occur as a result of an error by either the individual applying for EA or the W-2Wisconsin Works agency. There are three types of overpayments:

Overpayment Type	Description	Recovered from
Administrative Error	The W-2 agency commits an error that results in an incorrect payment. This type of error is also known as an agency error.	W-2 agency that issued the payment (See 7.1.3)
Client Error	The EA applicant reports incorrect information or fails to report information due to a misunderstanding or unintended error.	Adult(s) in the EA group (See 7.1.4)
Intentional Program Violation (IPV)	The EA applicant intentionally misrepresents or withholds information and as a result will receive an IPVIntentional Program Violation.	Adult(s) in the EA group (See 7.1.4 and Chapter 8)

7.1.1.1 EA Overpayment Investigations

Any EA payment potentially paid in error must be investigated for accuracy, capturing details and outcomes in the EA Overpayment SharePoint. All EA overpayment investigations have three potential outcomes:

1. No overpayment claim needed. Based on further investigation, the payment made was accurate;

2. An overpayment claim is needed for either an agency error or an unintentional client error; or

3. A fraud investigation determines an IPVIntentional Program Violation was committed.

An overpayment claim and IPV are required (see 8.2.1). Investigations must begin promptly upon learning about the potential error, but no later than within five working days.

7.1.1.2 Calculating EA Overpayments

The W-2 agency must establish liability for only the amount of EA benefits incorrectly paid to the individual.

For accuracy and consistency, W-2 agency workers are required to use the form EA Overpayment Worksheet (5822) to calculate an overpayment for all types of overpayments.

History: Release 25-01; Release 21-02.