Disabilty Fraud

Part of the role of the Social Security Administration (SSA) is to weed out claims of those who are not truly disabled in order to help those who are truly disabled. Some applicants for Social Security disability are genuinely ill or impaired but just don't meet the SSA's stringent requirements for disailbity, but others commit fraud by claiming to be disabled and unable to work when they are not.

What Is Considered Disability Fraud?

The SSA considers these situations to be disability fraud:

Making false statements to the SSA
Hiding facts that affect eligiblilty from the SSA
Receiving Social Security benefits for a child not under one's care
Failing to nofity the SSA of a change in material circumstances
Cashing the check of a deceased person who was receiving Social Security
Concealing a marriage that would end Social Security benefits
Alleging a disability is worse than it is
Using the Social Security number of another person, and
Claiming to endorsed by the SSA or misusing the symbols that identify the SSA.

Consequences of Committing Disability Fraud

Fines may be imposed if the SSA finds that disability fraud occurred. More significant penalties, including jail time, can be imposed in a criminal case. For instance, when a person makes a false statement on a Social Security application, after stating that the information is true and correct, he or she can be liable for a crime. The SSA does not usually pursue criminal charges against a person alleging that fraud occurred. However, the SSA will not consider any statements that it considers to be fraudulent and will deny an applicant’s claim if it is deemed to be fraudulent.

Help from a Disability Lawyer

If you have been accused of disability fraud, it's important to promptly seek the advice and counsel of an attorney who can defend you and possibly help you recover benefits to which you are entitled, if applicable to your situation.

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Of these, the disability fraud that Social Security applicants are most often found guilty of are making false statements and concealing information that can affect eligibility.

Putting False Information on Claims

It is considered fraud if a person knowingly states that:

· they have less income than they do.

· they are not working when they are.

· they are not married when they are.

· they can work less than they can.

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Hiding Information or Events That Could Affect Eligibility

It can be considered fraud if a person doesn’t tell the SSA of information that could prevent or stop disability benefits. For example, you are committing fraud if you fail to report that:

you are working or have returned to work.
your condition has significantly improved.
you receive income or assets.
you start to receive a pension.
you get married.
you get divorced.
you receive a workers’ compensation settlement.
you are put in jail.
you have moved overseas.

What Is Considered Disability Fraud?

Consequences of Committing Disability Fraud

Help from a Disability Lawyer

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