Office of Inspector General (OIG)

The Department of Economic Security (DES or Department) OIG exists to safeguard Arizonans by preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct. OIG has eight administrations: Investigations Administration, Unemployment Insurance Benefit Fraud Administration, Public Assistance Benefit Fraud Administration, Internal Audit Administration, Appellate Services Administration (ASA), Protective Services Administration, Emergency Planning and Preparedness Administration , and Business Operations Administration .

Investigations Administration (IA)

IA conducts administrative and criminal investigations into rental fraud, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) trafficking, and child care fraud. This administration also conducts forensic analysis and employee misconduct (Internal Affairs) investigations, and includes the Investigations Support Team (IST) who assists field investigators in gathering intelligence information and managing the OIG fraud call center.

Unemployment Insurance Benefit Fraud (UIBF)

UIBF investigates violations of the Arizona Unemployment Insurance (UI) laws. The results of these investigations may be criminal prosecution, civil or administrative adjudication, and/or recommendations to change UI procedures to protect the integrity of the UI program. Learn more about unemployment fraud.

Public Assistance Nutrition Fraud (PABF)

PABF investigates allegations of misconduct and fraud related to applicants and/or recipients of SNAP and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for administrative and criminal investigations into household eligibility and income.

Internal Audit Administration (IAA)

IAA provides independent and objective audit and nonaudit services that assist DES management with efficiently achieving operational objectives, reducing risk, complying with regulations, and deterring fraud, waste, and abuse. IAA is composed of five audit teams, two of which focus on ensuring compliance with predetermined areas based on arrangements with specific DES divisions, and three teams that focus on addressing internal processes that could benefit from an audit based on an agency-wide risk assessment.

Appellate Services Administration (ASA)

ASA holds administrative tribunal hearings related to unemployment, public assistance and other benefit programs administered within DES. The lower tribunal (lower authority appeals) holds de novo hearings through a professional, fair and impartial hearing process for parties who dispute issues resulting from Department actions. An Appeals Board (higher authority appeals) reviews lower tribunal hearings in the event a party disagrees with the decision issued by the lower tribunal and files a Petition for Review. The Appeals Board also holds initial hearings for limited issues, including UI Tax hearings.

Protective Service Administration (PSA)

PSA provides security for all individuals and assets at DES facilities. PSA assists DES Leadership and other employees in assessing security risks and implementing effective countermeasures. PSA reviews and responds to security incidents and ensures appropriate protective measures are taken. PSA also manages the issuance of DES employee identification badges for employees statewide.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness Administration (EPPA)

EPPA works with employees of DES and external agencies to plan for emergencies or unusual incidents. Examples include Emergency Repatriation Operations planning, Continuity of Operations planning, and representing DES in the State Emergency Operations Center. EPPA also develops and participates in training and exercise activities to help the agency's preparedness posture. EPPA’s responsibilities during an emergency repatriation event are to support the coordinated return of United States citizens and their dependents through services such as temporary lodging, financial assistance, and family reunification following an evacuation from a foreign country by the State Department.

Business Operations Administration (BOA)

BOA is a team of eight persons that ensure the business operations and needs of the OIG are continuously moved forward. This includes functions such as purchasing, travel, data tracking, and financial analysis and budgeting. The team handles all of the business requirements in a centralized business model, and this team maintains its flexibility as the business needs and growth of the OIG are ever-changing.