False Claims Act (Qui Tam)
U.S. Department of Justice
Reward Range
15–30%
Minimum Threshold
No minimum — any fraud against the federal government
Typical Timeline
Cases typically take 3–7 years
Established
1863 (modernized 1986)
Program Authority
False Claims Act, 1863 (modernized 1986)
Who Is Eligible?
Any private citizen (called a 'relator') with original knowledge of fraud against the federal government. Must file a sealed complaint in federal court through an attorney. Certain individuals — including those convicted of the underlying fraud — may be barred.
How to Report
File a sealed qui tam lawsuit in federal district court through a whistleblower attorney. The DOJ investigates and decides whether to intervene. The complaint remains under seal during the government's investigation, typically 60 days to several years.
Typical Timeline
Cases typically take 3–7 years. The complaint remains sealed during the government's investigation.
Whistleblower Protections
Strong anti-retaliation protections under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(h). Employees who are discharged, demoted, or harassed for filing may recover reinstatement, back pay, and damages.
Notable Awards & Recoveries
The DOJ has recovered over $72 billion under the False Claims Act since 1986, with billions paid to whistleblowers.
Program Reference
Eligibility, award rules, filing method, and official resources
Who Is Eligible
Any private citizen (relator) with original knowledge of fraud against the federal government. Must file through a whistleblower attorney. Certain individuals — including those convicted of the underlying fraud or who planned and initiated it — may be barred or have their share reduced.
Qualifying Violations
Any false or fraudulent claim submitted to the federal government for payment, including Medicare/Medicaid fraud, defense contractor fraud, grant fraud, COVID-19 relief fraud, and pharmaceutical kickbacks.
Award Calculation
Generally 15–25% of the government's recovery when the government intervenes in the action; generally 25–30% when the government declines to intervene and the relator proceeds independently. The court sets the exact percentage based on the relator's contribution. Statutory exceptions may reduce the share.
Anonymity Rules
Qui tam complaints are filed under seal in federal court and are not publicly disclosed during the investigation. However, the relator's identity is known to the court and the DOJ. Full anonymity is not available — an attorney is required.
Required Filing Method
File a sealed complaint in the appropriate federal district court through a qualified whistleblower attorney. Simultaneously serve a copy on the U.S. Attorney General and the relevant U.S. Attorney.
Relevant Deadlines
The later of: 6 years after the violation, or 3 years after the government knew or should have known of the violation, but no more than 10 years after the violation (31 U.S.C. § 3731(b)).
Official Agency Resource
https://www.justice.gov/civil/false-claims-actCovered Fraud Types
- Government contractor fraud
- Medicare and Medicaid fraud
- Defense procurement fraud
- Grant fraud
- Student loan fraud
- COVID-19 relief fraud
- Pharmaceutical kickbacks
- False billing to federal programs
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Reward Estimator
Calculate Your False Claims Act (Qui Tam) Award
Enter the estimated dollar amount of fraud you witnessed to see your potential reward range under this program.
Quick Eligibility Check
Does Your Situation Qualify?
Answer five quick questions to see if your information may be eligible for a federal reward program. Not intended as legal advice.
Do you have firsthand knowledge of fraud — information you witnessed, participated in, or obtained through your work or position?
Does the fraud involve a federal program, federal funds, federal securities laws, federal tax obligations, or federally regulated markets?
Is your information original — not already public knowledge, not previously reported to a federal agency, and not derived solely from news or court records?
Are you able to provide specific facts, documents, or other evidence — not just a general suspicion or allegation?
Are you willing to submit your report to the appropriate federal agency, either directly or through a whistleblower attorney?
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