The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reportedly expanded its anti-fraud program in order to better identify and prevent Social Security Disability fraud so the funds can go to those who actually need it.

Social Security Disability Expands Anti-Fraud Program

The (Utah) Daily Herald reported that the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General has expanded the agency’s anti-fraud Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Program into Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota in order to move closer to the administration’s goal of having offices in all 50 states. According to Inspector General Gail S. Ennis, “CDI has a significant impact on the integrity of Social Security’s disability programs, and is an important resource for those making disability determinations.”

The anti-fraud program helps ensure the accuracy of Social Security Disability payments, saves taxpayer funds from being fraudulently distributed, and assists disability claims examiners to make informed decisions about claims applications. Currently, the Cooperative Disability Investigations Program operates in 40 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. The program is aiming to operate in all 50 states by 2022.

Social Security Fraud

Social Security Disability fraud may take several forms, including false statements made on claims, concealing facts that may affect benefit eligibility, misuse of benefits, filing claims under someone else’s Social Security number, or scamming or bribing the Social Security Administration. Although the Social Security Administration’s anti-fraud program is meant to prevent scammers from applying for funds allocated for people with disabilities, many people who qualify for funds also have their first claims denied.

Was Your Social Security Claim Denied?

Although a percentage of claims are denied due to the possibility of fraud, many people with valid disabilities are also denied benefits. According to Charleston, SC ABC News affiliate WCIV, some 70 percent of all first-time Social Security claims are denied. If your Social Security claim was denied, you may qualify to hire an experienced attorney to help you appeal the denial. The application process for Social Security benefits is time-consuming and daunting and easy for applicants to make mistakes or miss deadlines, leading to claim denial. Having an experienced attorney on your side may make navigating the application or appeal process easier.

Appealing a denied Social Security benefits claim can take years. As of May, approximately 675,000 applicants were waiting to hear whether their claims had been approved or denied.

Having a Social Security Disability attorney at your side may make the long process smoother for you. A qualified attorney may be able to help you assemble the necessary documentation for your claim, walk you through what to expect from the application or appeal process, and make sure you meet the deadlines for submitting your materials.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.