This publication provides the investigator with general information about the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, including who is covered, how the program is administered, how individuals defraud the program, and past experiences with investigating fraudulent activities. The publication also explains how the staff of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) interact with the State and local officials who administer the AFDC program. Chapter I provides background information about AFDC, while Chapter II discusses eligibility standards. Chapter III identifies types of AFDC violations, including unreported or under-reported income, unreported/concealed resources, misrepresentation of family unit, and duplicate/multiple aid. In Chapter IV the role of the OIG with respect to the AFDC program is briefly delineated. Chapter V discusses the types of AFDC cases in which OIG investigators became involved. Chapter VI excerpts the federal criminal statutes under which AFDC fraud has been prosecuted. Chapter VII describes AFDC projects and studies that have been conducted by or directly involved OIG, such as Project Match, The Connecticut Alien Benefit Project, Project Missing Kids, and Project Birthdate. Appended are excerpts from the AFDC States Benefit Project User's Manual and the names and addresses of AFDC Regional Project Agents for each Federal Region. (RH)