Feds: Seattle welfare recipient lives in million dollar home

intrepid1 said on December 10, 2011 at 11:53 AM

"How could the government allow housing subsidy dollars to someone who openly lives in one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods?" It's easy. The housing assistance program doesn't restrict where one rents -- only the rent. The purpose of the program is to allow those in need to live anywhere, not just in a slum or economically depressed or crime-ridden area. The outrage that people seem to be expressing over this seems to be derived from the fact she was living "above her station" and of the "how DARE a person on public assistance live in such a nice place that I COULDN'T live in!" A LANDLORD chooses to set the rent on a property, and chooses to accept rental subsidies (and probably gets a tax incentive for keeping the rent low if below market value -- of could take a tax write off as a loss, perhaps). In any case, the State does not dictate where someone who receives housing may live. Before judging the program GO RESEARCH IT.

Blondie said on December 7, 2011 at 5:02 PM

There yearly inspection is a sham. I suspect since she kept and used a different last name that is how they didnt connect them. Any way you shape it the system needs to catch these issues and scams quicker and they should pay what was owed back plus fines of double or triple the amount taken and then that money can help the people who really need it and a few extras

MyVoice said on December 7, 2011 at 8:29 AM

Helloooooo! Chiropractor -- insurance fraud, medicare, medicaid, workers comp, etc. And I wonder about tax returns with the IRS? If there is deceit in one area, chances are it's in other areas. This stinks! Too many needy people out their and limited resources.

maria1999 said on December 7, 2011 at 6:19 AM

Housing vouchers and section 8 are two different programs.

Sharese_Eve_7eb said on December 6, 2011 at 7:47 PM

The facts have not been reported correctly in this story. First of all Section 8 is a gov't grant which pays for RENT. Therefore the person getting the benfit does not own the property. Any court records, or town records would show the owners of the property not the lessees. So whomever is going on trips, it's more than likely the Dr that others are mentioning in their comments, who is most likely the LANDLORD. Section 8 recipients are tenants, not owners and are not restricted in where they can live by neighborhood, but by the amount of their grant. The properties are inspected annually, and the reipient of the grant has to prove they are in the same financial situation in order to continue to qualify. My point being, don't be scandalized or angered by this story, it is not accurately reported. And no I am not receiving a grant nor do I work for the gov't, I'm just someone who knows the truth.

Blondie said on December 6, 2011 at 4:22 PM

Since Housing authority always inspects yearly but schedules that inspection a month in advance it is pretty easy obviously to buffalo inspectors and this is pobably one of many examples of those inspections failing the people who truely are in need who get nothing because of the abuse of the system by others

ram716 said on December 6, 2011 at 2:28 PM

The question I have is why has she been recieving aid since 2003. Thats 8 yrs, more than enough time to get your act together. Govt assistance is supposed to be a temporary helping hand, not a way of life. To even accept welfare that long is pathetic. I grew up poor, my parents worked multiple jobs and we barely got by, but we never got a govt check. There should be the same limit on welfare that there used to be on unemployment. If you cant support yourself within a year, Darwin says you just werent strong enough to keep going.

bna73 said on December 6, 2011 at 1:58 PM

Honestly, I'm more concerned about the exotic travel than living in a 2,500 sq ft house on a lake. That's not a big house, nor does it appear to be "lush." And just because it's worth $1.2 million doesn't mean that they can actually sell it, let alone for it's full value. Maybe they were better off when they purchased the house and then fell on hard times and couldn't make the payments. It doesn't mean they shouldn't get assistance until they get back on their feet again. I definitely need more info before I can pass judgment on this. But way to sensationalize it with the title of the story!

CarrieMc said on December 6, 2011 at 12:54 PM

The Federal Government provides tax dollars for the housing program being discussed here. The program is called Section 8. The governement provides BARELY enough money to sustain the program, let alone pay the people who are trying to administer it. Let alone pay for people to provide the amount of oversight necessary to prevent misuse by people recieving it. And, since no one wants to fund social programs, or fund them sifficiently, then Id say its everyones fault. You cant cut a housing program that houses thousands of low income working families just because of a few bad apples.

pizzapusysanta said on December 6, 2011 at 12:26 PM

tanker, u r wrong. the govt is not the people, but it is for the people. u and i r not the govt. if they cant do their jobs right then why should we suffer for that. i dont see how these people scammed anybody. i see it as the govt not doing their job so why should people just sit there and suffer for it. if u find a loophole, expose it that way it can be fixed. if the govt is too lazy to even check an address then they get what they deserve. u might say that it is ur money that is being taken but using ur own logic u voted these idiots into office to give away ur money.

myjenny said on December 6, 2011 at 11:05 AM

Years ago, in the 80's, my husband's father got laid off from his job with the Highway Dept in Texas. It was Christmastime, they had three teenage boys, and his mom went down and applied for Food Stamps. In the 90's, 10 years later, (they were NOT on assistance at this point), they got a nasty letter in the mail stating that they had to pay ALL the monies that they had received in the 80's back to the State. Why? It seems that they owned four scrubby little unimproved acres on a dirt road a few miles from their rented home at the time of the assistance. The state DID NOT ask this when they had applied, but subsequent laws had been passed, and somehow someone retroactively combed through past years' records and found this out. These people spent their later years making payments back to the state, talk about humiliation. They subsequently died 4 months apart, in 2004, still making payments, finally erasing this humiliating experience. So where are these oversights in Washington State?

tanker said on December 6, 2011 at 8:33 AM

Obviously this is a case of oversight or the lack of checks and balances in the system. The government (you and I) are not required to take care of anyone. There are means set forth when you work you pay into an account for social secrurity on a monthly basis. This money is the money you will recieve when you reach the leagal retirement age. Outside of that money the goverenment is not required to take care of you. The common misconception in todays society and the people is "THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE CARE OF ME". Well maybe, but as poorly as the government does things do you want them taking care of you? I would rather take care of myself. Now for these people they should be ashamed of themselves. But I would make them work it off, make them work for the system they defruaded. FOR FREE of course. Punative action is also required in my opinion.

realitychk said on December 5, 2011 at 10:39 PM

This makes me wonder about a previous co-worker of mine who made over six figures (based on pay grade) who has a husband on Social Security and receives money from the state to pay for home assistance from the state even though she could afford to provide that care. They traveled and lived in a nice house. I thought at the time that she was scamming the system. I'm thinking more so now. It's not just the legal "scamming" but really folks, where does this sense of entitlement come from? This lack of understanding that you are stealing from your taxpaying neighbors money that is supposed to go to the disadvantaged. I also have seen this attitude with retired military. Everything is "owed" plus some. Yeah, thank you for having a job with Uncle Sam but unless you were in active combat...ehhh..don't you have any pride? It comes down to how far we have fallen in our expectations for behavior. When did it become OK to steal from your taxpaying neighbors?

crewmaster7 said on December 5, 2011 at 9:41 PM

The people in this story are crooks. They've got someone on the inside. Anyone with section 8 or any other subsidized housing will will tell you, the property, to be let, is inspected up and down, Lehman Bros., AIG, B of A, Wells Fargo, etc. All have gotten huge welfare benefits, from this country and lined their pockets. Their executives are living in luxury homes, sailing on luxury yachts, riding in luxury limos, taking top of the line trips, etc., all subsidized by us. regular folks. Where is the outrage from the media about that? They should all be in jail.

zaxxon7469 said on December 5, 2011 at 8:35 PM

Sell the house to pay back the program, this is why, because its seams to be the norm, not the exception

yahooty said on December 5, 2011 at 7:24 PM

No different than the wallstreeters getting bailed out. Looked what happened to them.....nothing.

angeleyes69 said on December 5, 2011 at 7:21 PM

We have people on welfare getting hundreds of dollars a month and they are just using the system so they can skate through to do as little as possible because they think they deserve this and us working people have to pay higher taxes because of them., It is so unfair as a single mom barely making ends meet I can't even qualify for foods stamps because I make $100 over the financial limits to get it. This just disgusts me and I hope they are punish fully.

Flor_Rodriguf29 said on December 5, 2011 at 6:17 PM

If they trip to Mexico, where they come from?...From Mexico?,,, That is embarrassing, because they the rest of American people think we same..!!! And of course NO, that people has garbage brain. This Country have an big DEFICIT because people like them

MRSmith said on December 5, 2011 at 6:09 PM

Is this story an example of KING-5 doing it's part in the class war? The thrust of it seems to be outrage that someone "on welfare assistance" was caught living in "one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods," using "public housing vouchers" - vouchers which pay for RENT. Only the last sentence, almost as an after-thought, describes anything that might actually be criminal: "Court records show the couple gave money to charities...." Is this an attempt to revive Ronald Regan's fictional "welfare queens?"

Sony_PSN903 said on December 5, 2011 at 5:41 PM

The champion of "the 99%". A lavish lifestyle that you don't have to work for, all paid for with someone else's money.

tabau said on December 5, 2011 at 2:53 PM

Sounds like an Occupy Seattle protester.

MissVolupia said on December 5, 2011 at 2:00 PM

OK, where to begin??? Um, I'm COMPLETELY INCENSED... um... FLABBERGASTED... I always knew there was a certain level of greed and corruption in this country, but JESUS CHRIST! Living in a million dollar home and taking Welfare AND Food Stamps AND Vouchers??? HOW could this have gone on for SO LONG??? Not only does this speak to the GREED and corruptions present, but also, the lack over government oversight and follow through. These people KNEW they were committing fraud. I HOPE THEY BOTH GO TO JAIL! Millions of us are LEGITIMATELY STRUGGLING JUST TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE MONTH, and THIS woman has the BALLS to do this for YEARS???? I'm sick.... completely and utterly SICK!

lhasamom said on December 5, 2011 at 9:02 AM

The chiropractors website claim that all of the family enjoys snow shoeing, mountain climbing. If his wife was disabled how was she able to partake in these family outings.

stonetrails said on December 5, 2011 at 6:48 AM

I hope DSHS sues chiropractor Silverstein for conspiracy to commit fraud.

slaminjack said on December 5, 2011 at 6:41 AM

People really have little idea regarding the oversight of these programs. That's the tip of the iceberg and even whistle blowers are ignored when they try and pull the rug up on people who commit fraud or abuse these programs. Seize and sell the home. I'm waiting to hear more about this woman and her background.

KenHahn said on December 5, 2011 at 4:17 AM

The chiropractor/property owner is David M Silverstein

MarySongbird said on December 4, 2011 at 11:41 PM

This makes me ill... I am a married mother with two children. My husband was recently treated for stage three renal cancer. He has severe arthritis and other severe health issues. He is unable to work and we live solely on my income that I make as a supermarket checker. I gross 1200 dollars a month my rent is 750 dollars a month. I have begged and pleaded for housing assistance and help. We have applied for social security disability for my husband and we have been turned down twice now. My husband has worked all of his life and paid in to the system that is supposed to help him and take care of him when he is no longer able to work. I have absolutely no idea where Christmas is going to come from for my children and these people abuse the system and take money for housing and for other assistance where people truly need it like myself and my family. I am so ill reading this I cant understand how some people can take advantage of the system. Things like this hurts everyone even myfamily

winterwhispers said on December 4, 2011 at 9:13 PM

and so much assistance for housing. My guess is they had older children when they first applied and received the assistance and have continued to claim said children whom are probably grown and moved. Someone dropped the ball on checking on family status. What she gets in disability does not change based on her spouses income. The food stamps and housing assistance vouchers will. That's the other half of the fraud charge. They probably have received tens of thousands in food stamps and housing vouchers that they shouldn't have. Donating to charities to make yourself feel better and to feel like you're feeding back into the system doesn't count. I hope they get their food stamps and vouchers taken away, along with section 8 privileges.

winterwhispers said on December 4, 2011 at 9:09 PM

So many ignorant people posting. First off, I do not condone her living in luxury with vacations while the rest of us are struggling. Second, she's on disability. This is completely separate from cash assistance from DSHS. The cash assistance from dshs still has a 5 year limit. Disability does not. Food stamps do not. If she is long term permanent disabled, then she gets her $. Fine. As long as she's actually disabled. Section 8 doesn't usually hand out so much in vouchers. The amount is based on how many are in the family, ages and gender, the rental market in the area and the income from each person in the household. There is a very long waiting list to get onto section 8, as in several years long. The government cannot seize the home. She does not own it. Anyone who owns property can apply to become section 8 housing. They just need to have the home inspected and deemed acceptable living conditions. The fraud part comes in as to how many are in the family to need such a large home.

liveinthegorge said on December 4, 2011 at 8:48 PM

When people say that cases like this are isolated ..... they really need to get out more. Just hang out at a grocery store and look at the way people are dressed who use food stamps. Check out their car..... see how many have their nails done and hair right out of a salon. I saw so much fraud working as a grocery store checker...... and all of us chumps working are supporting deadbeats.

vileone said on December 4, 2011 at 7:59 PM

Feds were to busy busting people for growing marijuana then to bust people like these scums,good going to our government..once again total fail.

whatsyurbeef said on December 4, 2011 at 3:49 PM

It's like an ignorant wise man once said, "Some peoples is real smart and some peoples is real stupid too."

dkjamerican said on December 4, 2011 at 1:17 PM

Wow and I know of min wage working families living in 30 foot trailors & considered homeless that were turn down for assistances because according to the state of WA they are not hispanic or illegals. One family was denied food stamps because the value of their 10 year old vehicle was 2300 instead of 1999 dollars while another family making over 3,000/month claimed benifits & received foodstampsfor 10 people for a family of 4. The added 6 members living in Mexico. So nothing new here.

206BenJammin said on December 4, 2011 at 11:43 AM

My God...they put me through hell to find out who I lived with...and where...so I think whatever these people did must be not on the up and up...

punknpi said on December 4, 2011 at 11:41 AM

Nice work if you can get it!

KING5Sukks said on December 4, 2011 at 11:36 AM

Wouldn't it be fitting to have those idiot anarchist kids "occupy" their house?

dakotanative said on December 4, 2011 at 9:58 AM

Food stamps and housing assistance are based on household income, not who you are. If your roommate makes a million, but you are broke, too bad. Disability doesn't care about income unless you are making it.

cmunic8r99 said on December 4, 2011 at 9:38 AM

I don't think they really wanted to keep this couple anonymous, since they interviewed a neighbor and showed video footage of the house. Oh, and @51percent: the chiropractor's website says he is married with two (adult) children. I'll assume (knowing that happens when you do that) that he's married to the woman that filed the claim.

jamdam said on December 4, 2011 at 9:28 AM

Lisamarie70, did you really post at 3:36AM? Your priorities are way screwed up. Shouldn't you be asleep so you can be the best mom you can be for your kids? They are your purpose.....right?

51percent said on December 4, 2011 at 9:00 AM

@Yourtruthormine: Did you not read that her partner was a chiropractor? He could also have inherited $$. His assets are not her assets if they are not married. He claims he is her landlord even tho they live and travel together. I am sure she probably reports to the welfare dept that they purchase and prepare food separately so she can get food assistance (even tho they share the same bedroom!). This is a common scheme...

iclimbmountains said on December 4, 2011 at 8:43 AM

@swatguy...nice try on slamming WA state government, but welfare is a FEDERAL issue, hence why federal agents are dealing with it. Do your homework.

Yourtruthormine said on December 4, 2011 at 8:23 AM

The address should not matter. Unfortunately, this is welfare fraud simply because one could not pay the upkeep on a place like this with what welfare pays. How are they paying for the Net, TV, Electric, Heat (Heating assistance is minimal), a/c, etc. They also wrote that these people traveled...people stricklly on welfare with no other income do not have the money to travel. SO, they were either selling drugs or had some other super business while collecting... But if one is on housing and can find a place in a decent area to live...it would be discriminatory not to allow them to. How does a safe haven qualify as welfare fraud?

51percent said on December 4, 2011 at 8:23 AM

As a former welfare worker, this doesn't surprise me. Nor will either of these people likely ever be charged with a crime!. Guaranteed, even tho they were a "couple," most likely they never legally married. He held all the assets in his name; therefore she could claim she was "poor" and needed the assistance. This type of thing happens all the time under current rules. Don't blame the welfare worker. Blame the government for these ridiculous eligibility rules. They encourage couples to live together rather than marry while one person works full time and the other claims poverty and goes on the dole. There are many more similar loopholes that the taxpayer is unaware of that would make your blood boil. And by the way Washington state was one of the very few states which did not enforce the 5 year limit until quite recently. We need to seriously tighten up our welfare programs in this state before we continue to further ax our education budget!!!

swatguy said on December 4, 2011 at 8:11 AM

Of course the Feds are executing the search warrant, WA State government would never prosecute....

LisaMarie70 said on December 4, 2011 at 4:36 AM

These kind of people just tick me off! I was laid off in 2008, yet I still managed to pull together to two part-time jobs that keep me and my kids going and here they are taking money from a program that was designed for the poor. Our system is seriously so messed up the the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing for 8 years, while they collected this money.

iowaboy said on December 3, 2011 at 11:14 PM

Why am I surprised???????????

spokane_reader said on December 3, 2011 at 11:02 PM

LisaMarie 70. Don't take my word for it on the food stamp eligibility, ask your worker. And to answer your question about dating, you said you dated, not that I care. As for all mom's staying home on the welfare forever, great idea. I'm sure the tax payer won't mind working longer hours so single parents won't have too. It really comes down to being responsible for your own children. The system was designed to help people in need such as yourself, during a layoff or other unplanned bumps in the road not to be a forever income. Just to clarify I never said escalade but since you asked the person I was using as an example drives a Yukon XL. Just because you don't see the fraud doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Good luck on your job search. In the amount of time you have been blogging you could have filled out another application.

thinksmart said on December 3, 2011 at 10:44 PM

@underserf::: Since you asked; No, I am not fine with the wolves that are running the hen-house. They should get the same treatment. In fact, I personally would add one more punishment for their crimes. Once their guilt was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, I would televise their execution by firing squad as a deterrent and a message to the rest of the dirtbags in our society that want to behave as human parasites. Would that meet with your approval?

koolaiddrinker said on December 3, 2011 at 9:53 PM

The new american dream rape the taxpayers!

austins381 said on December 3, 2011 at 9:51 PM

This is nothing but profiling...if someone qualifys for State Aid...what difference does it make what their address is?

austins381 said on December 3, 2011 at 9:49 PM

Just another example of profiling...this person qualified for financial assistance...why does it matter what their address is?

austins381 said on December 3, 2011 at 9:38 PM

The fact that people on welfare are living on the waterfront is not surprising...only 2500 sq ft is somewhat surprising.

austins381 said on December 3, 2011 at 9:35 PM

LMFAO!...Awesome!...can't make this stuff up!

underserf said on December 3, 2011 at 9:05 PM

@thinksmart So this drastic action for ppl who defraud the gubmint? So you're fine with CEOs and banker fraud, but let somebody eke out a few grand (NO WAY she was on "welfare" since 2003 - that program doesn't exist) in food stamps and healthcare & you're all about taking ALL their assets? Feh, machts nichts anyway, if the Feds want you, they'll get you, with or without a reason...

juliav said on December 3, 2011 at 8:25 PM

Does the Seattle Housing Authority issue housing vouchers without inspecting the rentals? If a housing inspector was doing the required annual inspections, how do they think she was renting a house like that for $1200.00 a month? How can Seattle Housing Authority be so negligent?

serve said on December 3, 2011 at 8:23 PM

Mace her!

spokane1961 said on December 3, 2011 at 6:51 PM

Lisa Marie 70...But you can afford internet

tugthug said on December 3, 2011 at 6:16 PM

Occupy Seattle just found a new home!

LisaMarie70 said on December 3, 2011 at 5:34 PM

@Spokane Reader: For food stamps you need to report all resources, income, bills, which include rent and mortgage. You are forgetting the main point here though. This woman negligently reported that she was single and renting a room. She made her husband out to be her landlord. Watch the video of the news team talking about it. Once again, this is an over-sensationalized case, not welfare receipients in general and if you are so worried about how much time I spend with my children, why wouldn't you be in favor of a mother staying at home collecting welfare, rather than working? You seem to contradict what you are saying. By the way, I am college educated, not a hick. I was laid off. Just in case you were about to generalize all of us as drug-users.

LisaMarie70 said on December 3, 2011 at 5:23 PM

Spokane reader: who says I even date? Many single mothers do live with people they date. The last coffee date I had was 6 months ago. Just because I am a single mom, doesn't mean I can't have a personal life, which would mean that I would have a well-rounded out life. I would recommend that you stop being so critical of people on welfare. This is one case that has been over-sensationalized by the media. My point is: not everyone on welfare is a fraud, like you have made them out to be. I have yet to see a welfare receipient driving around in an escalade or living in a 500,000 dollar home like you claim. I don't collect cash benefits, but I do need basic food and medical for my kids to make it.

chuckstr76 said on December 3, 2011 at 4:19 PM

Has anyone else but me figured out "THE SYSTEM" is flawed...trash it all and start new...I'm suprised they were in the states legally...

spokane_reader said on December 3, 2011 at 3:53 PM

LisaMarie70, Historically churches and families are the first to step in to support other family members in need. While I can understand that you have family out of state that does not prevent them from helping you and just because you don't want to ask you church for help doesn't mean they shouldn't be the first stop for people in need especially before the government steps in. While I am supportive of you taking your children to chuch every Sunday and that you aren't living with the men you date I do have a question? You have children, you are working two jobs, you are in school, how do you have time to date? Your husband left you and that was wrong but who is it that loses out when you are out dating? The kids? Just asking.The woman who this story is about will never pay back all she has received since 2003 even if it is fraud.

bear718 said on December 3, 2011 at 3:48 PM

This makes me mad on so many levels. First that they are taking money from the government that they clearly don't need. Why would they even have applied in the first place?! Secondly, the money they received could have gone to someone that actually really needs it that is jumping through the hoops it usually takes to get assistance. Thirdly, my tax dollars are going to help someone who lives in a house that costs 4 to 5 times the amount of mine?! I hope they take everything away from these people, makes me sick.

spokane_reader said on December 3, 2011 at 3:43 PM

@Iwmom, You are correct that the application requires you to report all your resources however every program has different eligibility requirements. So yes resources count for cash and medical and child care but only income is counted for food stamps.

jfuchs85 said on December 3, 2011 at 3:34 PM

Listen, im not against welfare. There are some people out there that need it and try their best to get back on their feet. And some barely make enough to get by. And those people have to jump through hoops sometimes just to get enough. I am wondering what these crooks got as far as benefits? This is just complete utter bull.

h8red42 said on December 3, 2011 at 3:28 PM

The Sad thing is this is going to be used to smear All poor who receive benefits. there are those who wan't to shut down the social safety nets,and this is there ammunition.

thinksmart said on December 3, 2011 at 2:37 PM

Seize everything they own, sell it all off, and then throw them in jail. Add 100% interest to everything that they received fraudulently, then whatever is left of their value, give it all away to charities. This would be a just solution.

shimo said on December 3, 2011 at 2:35 PM

Yes..yes, kind a give welfare recipients a bad name.

channelchi363133 said on December 3, 2011 at 1:51 PM

Yea pick on the lil guy! The Federal reserve has been doing illegal deeds aka ponzi scheme since their inception with TRILLIONS of OUR $$$! They have never once been audited! Now THIS would make interesting headlines! Go after the real criminals! (But wait they're are backed by the 1% )

lsmith5870400119 said on December 3, 2011 at 1:50 PM

Her caseworker needs to be fired, along with many others.

klondiko said on December 3, 2011 at 1:50 PM

There will always be liars working any system in place. It's too bad we can't trust anyone these days. The truly needy are the ones penalized. Prosecute with total payback plus interest. They can take out a second mortgage or whatever. Some jail time would be nice.

pucelas said on December 3, 2011 at 12:31 PM

This is nothing unusual. You can be assured someone in a state agency allowed this to occur. With a five year limit on benefits someone was covering it up. The incestuous nature of this state is beyond belief. Anyone who has ever applied for job with state, knows, they always ask if you have a relative working for the state. Check the Washington Personnel Website and run a White Pages check on the names/addresses and see how many families are in the same department. It's odd the ones always caught are the ones who will never make restitution. That money is GONE.

bloodsurf69 said on December 3, 2011 at 12:28 PM

I thought you had to be a politician to get away with this..

halsmomma77 said on December 3, 2011 at 11:53 AM

This is extremly upsetting. As a person who works and can barely keep my head above water, it's upsetting for people like me and those less fortunate that can't get the help that is needed to surrvive. I am a single mother, I work part time and only make about $800.00 a month. I have continued to apply for a second job to make ends meet. This incodent tells me that the system is corrupt! How is it a person such as this one can get a housing voucher?!?!? I'm a contributing member of society and yet, I get the short end of the stick. That woman should be punished to the full extent of the law! There are people out in this state with real troubles and could use the help. Makes it really hard when someone like her is able to lie and take from people that really need it. I know this is not the first time someone has been busted for this, but this is too far!

happiness4all said on December 3, 2011 at 11:45 AM

I say let her keep the benefit she asked for and seize the estate.

HairlessRat said on December 3, 2011 at 11:40 AM

I feel like a chump for not applying for welfare, food stamps, disability, cash grants and whatever else this nanny state has to offer. I go to work and save my pennies while people like this woman gazes out the window of her waterfront home and plans exotic vacations around the world. Must be nice. I think I'm going to take a look at the DSHS website to see what kind of answers they want.

thecrankster said on December 3, 2011 at 11:35 AM

ss427- "the abuse started under GW Bush's watch" Really? just blame Bush really?

monoblocks said on December 3, 2011 at 11:23 AM

"Why should the riff-raff, low-class poor types get the benefits? We are the rich, and the rich are the ones who truly make this world run. WE are the ones who are ENTITLED to all the perks, not the DREGS of society. As my hero once said so profoundly long ago, let them eat cake." (The real 'Marie Antoinette Syndrome'; any connection to sudden, overnight graying hair phenomenon is purely delusional, just like the people who are the subjects of this article).

comiccon2010 said on December 3, 2011 at 11:09 AM

since when dont you name people not charged? never stoped you before

poooeee said on December 3, 2011 at 11:09 AM

I love how people have no conscious. Do you think she was born in America? I'm not saying these people were on drugs, but it goes back to the old "have to pass a drug test to get a job but not welfare!" I have no faith in our government!

Mizzmo said on December 3, 2011 at 11:07 AM

Nice.

LisaMarie70 said on December 3, 2011 at 11:06 AM

@Spokane reader- Being a single mom, with no significant other living with me, I can tell you that my family is in Wisconsin and Texas. My exhusband of 16 years got kicked out of the military and wond up leaving the kids and I here. My only "family" are my friends, which I do not feel right asking for help from. My church is a place, where I and others worship Jesus, not ask for money. ALL: Not everyone on welfare is out to rob the system.I believe in teaching my children about morals, we do not live with men that I "date" and we attend church every Sunday. I work two jobs and attend school. The child support I get from my ex, is whenever they can manage to find him, which usually takes 4 months to a year between jobs. When they do, he normally up and quits his job. This woman will be required to pay all this back, as it is fraud. She used money that should be given to the true "needy" and as for her charitable donations, she they were given out of pride and she will be punished for it

alki50 said on December 3, 2011 at 10:52 AM

Don't eliminate fraud and waste, raise taxes!!!!

lwmom said on December 3, 2011 at 10:13 AM

@Spokane_reader - You are mistaken - you DO have to list your resources when you receive any benefits through DSHS. In the past my children have received medical through the State and for awhile we also received food stamps and every 6 months there is a review in which you are asked to list your resources - including vehicles, property, and bank accounts. Owned by every member of your household. Every six months I had to report how much my kids had in their bank accounts that we'd set up through the school, how much was in my oldest sons mutual funds that he received from his grandfather to save for college (an account I couldn't even change the mailing address on because it was not in my name), how many vehicles we owned/leased/were in the process of buying and their value, 401Ks, IRAs, any income coming into the house, etc., as well as how much we paid out in rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.

gladimoved said on December 3, 2011 at 10:01 AM

Your tax dollars at work again! These people are not alone and there are plenty of people who know how to work the system and do very well. Probably no crime committed here.

ss427 said on December 3, 2011 at 9:52 AM

What are people complaining about this what the republicans "Reaganomics Society" looks like, just keep voting R on your voter card and a great life can be yours. Just make sure your (he meant you're) a government worker or a welfare recipient. Anyway crankster, the abuse started under GW Bush's watch. Did you see the part about Federal violations?

freedomthinker said on December 3, 2011 at 9:30 AM

i like what crankster said. this is the ultimate expression of the nanny state. systems like this will always be abused. the funny part is she did nothing wrong...legally that it...the system allows this to take place..end the system and end the corruption.

cousineddie said on December 3, 2011 at 9:29 AM

At least it looks like they are taking good care of the place they are renting. When I think of section 8 funded tenants ... it's often people who will be the noisiest around and trash any house.

scott_bellevue said on December 3, 2011 at 9:26 AM

Auction the house and put her in jail.

thecrankster said on December 3, 2011 at 9:25 AM

What are people complaining about this what the democrats "great Society" looks like, just keep voting D on your voter card and a great life can be yours. Just make sure your a government worker or a welfare recipient.

whatsyurbeef said on December 3, 2011 at 9:20 AM

It;s like a wise non educated man once said, "Some peoples is real smart and some peoples is real stupid too."

spacedover said on December 3, 2011 at 9:14 AM

Don't ask your government what they can do, it is pretty evident that they can do nothing. We need to stop paying taxes until the government can clean up what they are suppose to be doing.

spokane_reader said on December 3, 2011 at 9:13 AM

This is not uncommon. There are a number of people living in 500,00 homes and are on food stamps. They have boats, 4 wheelers, RVs etc. clearly someone is paying for other things but they are eligible for food stamps because that program only looks at income not resources. Even more common is the "single mom" living with the father of her children and he is working. Did you know that there are now no requirements for anyone on cash assistance if they have a child under 24 months or 2 children under the age of 6? This includes active drug users. Great huh? Your tax dollars buy alcohol and meth. You would be shocked at how many people use their cash and even barter their food assistance for drugs and alcohol. Even when there is fraud it is so hard to prove that many times it goes unreported. When did it become the governments responsibility to take care of everyone? Where are the families and churches? Shouldn't commiunities and families take care of their own?

agarmy said on December 3, 2011 at 8:53 AM

This is why people on welfare get such bad reputations. They stay on it and they abuse it. My mom recieved food stamps back in the early 90's for a few months while she worked, went to school and took care of three children under the age of 9. I can understand using it to help you get by for a temporary amount of time. Unfortunately a lot of people in the system abuse it. They see it as a hand out rather than a hand up. Shame.

Bread said on December 3, 2011 at 8:42 AM

By the way, social security was set up for retirement. You wonder why it's going broke???????

dakotanative said on December 3, 2011 at 8:39 AM

This is typical in the OWS era. Blame other people, the government in this case. Plenty of people know of offenders like this, but do nothing. Why wasn't the government that has thousands to monitor watching her? Why want the people that see her daily doing something?

Bread said on December 3, 2011 at 8:38 AM

I, for one, will never agree to pay more taxes as long as this is going on. How can we trust our government to spend wisely? We can't. The governor can cry all she wants. How can anyone of you out there think that this is ok????!?

javajoe said on December 3, 2011 at 7:44 AM

Government is the watchdog, and we are shocked that this is happening?

myopinion said on December 3, 2011 at 6:42 AM

alch84-You know people stealing from me? Why aren't you turning them in?

LisaMarie70 said on December 3, 2011 at 2:35 AM

P.S. ....and this hose-beast probably left out the part of her being married, I'll bet. As a result, she will be forced to pay all of this back, because of her marital status. We often see this, when someone is "cohabitating" with another person and not reporting it. Both benefit, yet there is a single mom out there, such as myself, who struggles to make the ends meet with working two jobs and can barely afford daycare and rent.

pucelas said on December 3, 2011 at 2:31 AM

disabledworker Your sarcasm is plain ignorant. I personally sent a registered letter to Gregroire's office when she was the AG. It included documented evidence with cashed checks and deposits for child support payments and the woman filed court papers of non-suppport and was receiving welfare. Her office did nothing to investigate the claim. This woman exceeded the 5 year total and still nothing was done to her. Worst case was her mother worked for the state and had the state paying for the house she lived in. The father refused to marry her and hid so any money he earned couldn't be included in the household income count. Get your facts straight and stop defending the leaches. As to the state funding cuts, apply a little thought process. Eliminate useless positions in the state government and move them to enforcement and stop whining about cuts to the cops. Start with those people the governor said were to lose their jobs at the arts commission and are still on the public dole.

LisaMarie70 said on December 3, 2011 at 2:01 AM

At Slinky: You must live in a very different area than I do. Most people that live in our Marysville Projects are lucky if they own a car and, if they do, they are lucky to be able to get it started half the time.

Slinky_McGhe7a8 said on December 3, 2011 at 1:40 AM

Hey, I have a question for you guys- how many of you know that someone can be collecting welfare or other benefits and still get an income tax return at the end of the year? I have an idea, for the healthy folks (not talking about legit disabilities) who are complaining that the "assistance" isn't enough - find a job. There are jobs out there, that will be paying over $9 an hour come January. Problem with a number of people is that they want everything for little or nothing. Drive through some of the county housing- you'd be amazed at how many Escalades and other nice, new cars are parked in there, in residents' stalls. Oh, this case is definitely NOT the exveption .. . .

rocketlauncher said on December 3, 2011 at 12:15 AM

I think its awesome. Rather pay for them to live the high life than pay for illegals and all their anchor babies who we do pay for, no questions asked.

emptynestr said on December 3, 2011 at 12:10 AM

Unconscienceable! I know people on Social Secuity who got their food stamps cut from $230 to $16 because of a mistake that the DSHS made in not including the wife's SS in the configuration (or so they say anyway) and who can live on $16 a month for food when the SS doesn't even stretch the entire month as is? I know of a single mom who also had her food stamps cut to $16 and a homeless fella who also got his food stamps cut to $16. Sixteen dollars must be their bottom line but it is almost an insult to those who are having a hard time barely making it in the first place and then we get somebody living in a million dollar home who goes on vacations who really doesn't need the help who are getting it! How galling!!!!! This makes me furious.

LisaMarie70 said on December 2, 2011 at 11:55 PM

This is wrong on so many levels, that it is unbelievable! Most people are not able to get away with this. I tried to get assistance with daycare, during and after my divorce and was put through the wringer. I had to provide so much information, regarding my job, how long it took me to commute to and from, my paystubs, my employers timeclock sheets, my sitter's timesheets, etc. She had to of known someone from within for this to happen.

vffrwm said on December 2, 2011 at 11:54 PM

Don't ya just love this governent? They can do nothing and I do mean nothing right.

mikeek8994207968 said on December 2, 2011 at 11:39 PM

What gets me is where was the Seattle Housing Authority looking to inspect the house to see if it was livable for her conditions. King County Housing Authority always inspected my place prior to the tenant moving in and once a year after.

eric1972sea said on December 2, 2011 at 11:37 PM

There will always be people like this woman who are heartless thieves and this type of welfare fraud is not the norm so people who think DSHS is to blame for being too lax in handing out welfare checks need to realize that this is a rare case. For the most part thew system does work.

DisabledWorker said on December 2, 2011 at 11:34 PM

Anybody who says they know "lots of people" committing welfare fraud similar to this, who hasn't turned any of them in, is an accessory after the fact. They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I would not trust them. Anybody blaming the governor, is likely someone who voted to slash the very budget that any funds to police this kind of abuse would have come from. "Thousands Of Honest Desperate Washingtonians Used The Social Safety Net As Voters Intended Today" is never going to be a headline, even though it's true every day.. Some people will use this as an excuse to cut programs for people who use them honestly, like the millionaire panhandler urban myth. Ironically, based on the criminal's demographic she is probably a Republican. Definitely a 1%er.

bazwest said on December 2, 2011 at 11:33 PM

Programs like these bring out the scammers in droves and the government isn't motivated to root out the thieves because the government believes it has an endless supply of money. People line up to try their hand at winning the disability lottery; it doesn't take much to be declared disabled. What a sham. Those who truly need the support of the community are pushed aside in the rush.

dakotanative said on December 2, 2011 at 11:31 PM

Any taxpayer funds should be public record. That may discourage fraud.

alch84 said on December 2, 2011 at 10:56 PM

I know lots of people who receive food stamps and every year go on vacation to hawaii. I know some people who own bussines, can buy new car for cash and receive a free medicaid for their kids. If you own a bussiness and you need a medicaid for kids you just need to show your tax return from last year. They receive 100000 a year.Business owners able to set their own income. In tax return for their income they lie and put 30000. And receive free medicaid. Some business owners receive food stamps.

HomeHorthwest said on December 2, 2011 at 10:35 PM

Oh no! How was it possible to audit Progressive Democrats on the take (The WA state legislature pass a law forbidding audit of welfare receiver, the Federal government also pass a similar law forbidding audit of welfare receiver with help from people like Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell ). Remember this is a person who gets rent subsidies, therefore do not pay taxes or real estate taxes. The owner most likely claim low income housing assistance there fore do not pay current real estate taxes. Join the Progressive Democrats and you can become a welfare rich! If the house is $1.2 million then the current real estate tax is $12,000 per year. You can go to King County Parcel to see if they applied for tax relief based on low income housing assistance! Those progressive democrats are so cute, when they rip off the tax payers!

hewhoo said on December 2, 2011 at 10:21 PM

I am so happy that the taxpayers have been able to cover the expenses of her servant(s). This is job creation at work!

brewster said on December 2, 2011 at 10:13 PM

The system is SO broken it makes me believe it is beyond repair! Sometimes it is hard to blame the crook because the system is set up to be raped! This is not an rare case, there are thousands just like this all over the state!

skok_cush said on December 2, 2011 at 10:10 PM

And in OWS

skok_cush said on December 2, 2011 at 10:09 PM

...and in OWS

libradad said on December 2, 2011 at 9:45 PM

I to am angered. One rotten apple makes the rest of the barrel smell. The problem has long been in different department not working together. DSHS says they are not an investigative (criminal) agency. Local police say it is state, state police says federal. DSHS say they are not trained. Lawyers (for both sides ) say DSHS can't arrest. Not proper training, criminal evidence procedures not followed. DSHS says no money for training, Legislature does not change laws or put money up for training.....

oldgoat39 said on December 2, 2011 at 9:44 PM

this no suprise worked 33 years on the big rock in lake wash went to all the addresses saw this more times than i care to think about food stamps , etc.welfair oldgoat39

earthstamp said on December 2, 2011 at 9:35 PM

So you want more government?

DimpleSkin said on December 2, 2011 at 9:35 PM

realitychk.....reread the article. Disability is mentioned.

Proudamerican said on December 2, 2011 at 9:30 PM

Stuff like this angers me Stealing from the poor ppl that need help. This lady clearly does not need help. Hope they make a example of her.

msbetty said on December 2, 2011 at 9:26 PM

To receive disability benefits is one thing, IF she's truly disabled. However, this looks to me like another case of someone qualifying for benefits - once upon a long time ago, and DSHS not having the systems in place to follow up on a regular basis and MAKE SURE that person is still truly in NEED of benefits. I don't doubt that this gal at some point qualified for her benefits, but I'm sure she kinda "forgot" to let the state know when she was doing better financially. So now, how many OTHERS fall into this situation? And for how long? If I take the time to do the math I might make myself sick. HEY QUEEN CHRIS, ARE YOU LISTENING??? The constant mismanagement of state agencies and OUR tax dollars are why I do NOT want to pay more sales tax. PROVE to the taxpayers that our dollars are being handled responsibly, and WASTE is truly CUT -- THEN come talk to us about raising taxes. We keep giving, our state government keeps screwing it up.

sac5bw said on December 2, 2011 at 9:25 PM

Traveled to Tel Avis? So is she Jewish?

realitychk said on December 2, 2011 at 9:21 PM

I don't see where it says anything about disability.

myopinion said on December 2, 2011 at 9:06 PM

one more thing we (the public) don't have "patient confidentiality" laws

myopinion said on December 2, 2011 at 9:03 PM

lhasamom------The public can report anyone we want, If I know my neighbor is sittting in a fancy house driving a fancy car and and taking lavish vacation while on welfare,my dime. . I don't know what the state will do, but You can bet I will report

davebrownspoint said on December 2, 2011 at 9:02 PM

There's always a Welfare Queen story, whether factual (an extreme exception) or fantasy. No way do food stamps pay the mortgage here, she's just supplementing her income. This is a 0.1% problem, blown out of proportion. There are 9,999 other people who are destitute.

lhasamom said on December 2, 2011 at 8:33 PM

Unfortunately accordingly to hippa laws, certain persons like these fine folks (Joke) who are breaking the laws. Where the spouse is working and the wife is collecting DSHS and raping the system. Even If we know about the fancy address, or the mercedes, we still can't report them, due to patient confidentiality. The system needs to change, there are so many people that know how to work the system

liveinthegorge said on December 2, 2011 at 8:32 PM

Yeah so lets just cough up another 1/2 cent sales tax so more folks can live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Social programs are ridiculous.... no audits or accountability! So when is enough enough?

gnirk said on December 2, 2011 at 8:22 PM

That kind of assistance is meant for those who truly NEED it to survive. Obviously, this person doesn't "need" it if she or family have assets they can sell to support themselves. I'm sure she is one of many who take advantage of a system, without any care as to WHO is paying for it. (me, and the other taxpayers). Shut her down, as far as the taxpayer support goes.

myopinion said on December 2, 2011 at 7:59 PM

paraif-----------------Not only is she living in this millon dollar home she "Court records show the couple gave money to charities and traveled around the world to exotic places like Turkey, Tel Aviv and resort towns in Mexico.' You and me are paying for that and you are ok with that?

salesclerk said on December 2, 2011 at 7:57 PM

paraif - obviously you don't know how vouchers work. It's a supplement. So she's probably paying more on top of that to live in that home. NO WAY are they accepting $1,200 for that place. AND you are obviously someone living off the system unethically as well.

nwguy69 said on December 2, 2011 at 7:55 PM

Really State vouchers to make rent and food stamps and Welfare and still travel around the world? And gives money to charity !!!!! Come on our government is so Blind and Stupid it is sickening !!!!!!!!!!!!!

paraif said on December 2, 2011 at 7:38 PM

So, wait...what? I don't get what the problem is. a) She gets money because she has a disability and food stamps, it doesn't indicate that she's isn't due those benefits, b) She's been living in the house since 2003 and paying $1200 in rent every month because of the voucher. Okay? Seattle is expensive. That means someone is willing to accept that little in rent and use the house as a write off if they don't own it outright. c) She is married it sounds like so if her husband is working and has an income, it might impact the benefits she does receive but it's not indicating that he's employed. So the question becomes if you're on state assistance of any make and sort, the government can tell you where you can and can't live? This story is either full of holes or poorly written.