Reporting Social Security Fraud

Social Security disability benefits were established to help individuals who are suffering from legally-recognized disabilities maintain an acceptable standard of living. For many people living with disabilities, SSA benefits are a valuable source of income that helps them pay bills, buy groceries, and support dependents financially.  When an individual collects disability payments under fraudulent conditions, the entire system suffers.

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Taxpayers and government funds are the main source of disability payments to individuals who suffer serious conditions that prevent them from working. Although most beneficiaries genuinely suffer from the conditions they reported to the Social Security Administration, some people choose to take advantage of the system and attempt to collect benefits in a fraudulent manner. Common types of disability fraud include:

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o    Collecting benefits for a false medical condition
o    Faking or exaggerating a medical condition or injury in order to collect benefits
o    Making false statements on disability claims or applications
o    Concealing  facts that may have an affect on benefits
o    Omitting income and other sources of revenue
o    Making false statements regarding one's assets and finances
o    Failure to include information about spouses and domestic partners
o    Failure to report deceased dependents in order to continue to collect benefits

Other types of disability fraud may include the theft or sale of social security numbers in order to gain disability benefits, or bribery of Social Security officials.  Disability fraud is a serious crime and is not to be taken lightly.

If you observe someone committing disability fraud, such as a neighbor collecting benefits for a nonexistent disability, you should report the fraudulent behavior to the SSA. The administration has established several different ways to report fraudulent behavior including fraud hot lines and websites to visit if you have concerns.

It is important that individuals who file for disability benefits complete the application in the most truthful and forthcoming manner possible. Failure to report medical conditions, making false statements, and concealing facts are often reason for prompt dismissal of your claims. If you have concerns about your disability claim and need legal assistance, it is wise to consult an experienced disability attorney.

Occasionally, claims may be denied by the SSA for various reasons, including fraud, lack of disability information, or other causes. If you have been wrongly denied disability benefits, visit the website of the Indianapolis Social Security disability attorneys of the Charles D. Hankey Law Office.

Reporting Social Security Fraud

Joseph Devine

INDIANAPOLIS