N.Y. SOS Law § 134-B

§ 134-b. Front end detection system. In accordance with regulations\npromulgated by the department, each social services district shall\nestablish procedures to identify, investigate and resolve potential\ncases of fraud, misrepresentation or inadequate documentation prior to\ndetermining an applicant's eligibility for public assistance. Such\nprocedures shall not delay the determination of eligibility for\nassistance beyond the timeframes established in law or regulation for\nsuch determination, including emergency assistance. Each social services\ndistrict shall submit to the department a plan describing such\nprocedures in such form and at such times as the department may require.\nSuch department regulations shall include, but not be limited to,\nstandards governing referrals by the district to its fraud detection\nunit, and shall set forth indicators to be used, in part, to govern such\nreferrals based on the individual's employability, employment history,\nor prior incidence of overpayments attributable to client conduct.\n