ANTI-FRAUD IS SOCIAL SECURITY'S NEW TOP PRIORITY

Fraud prevention seems to be Social Security's new top priority.  In November 2014, the Social Security Administration set up a new division called the Office of Anti-Fraud Programs (OAFP).  The OAFP works closely with the Inspector General (the investigative and prosecution office) to combat fraud and waste.  Congress has allocated billions of dollars to the anti-fraud campaign.

Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Calvin Colvin, said her office will take a stern stand against anyone found to be trying to abuse or defraud the system.  Ms. Colvin said:

   “We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore to the American public the money you’ve stolen from the American people.” 

There continues to be a backlog of over 1 million disability cases waiting to be heard, and over a million claimants have been waiting 3 years or longer to get their benefits.  Social Security does not seem to have any plan to reduce the backlog or the long waits for getting a decision.  But, responding to the feeding frenzy in the media and the resulting frenzy of public attitude, Social Security is spending billions on anti-fraud measures.

 We can only hope that this heavy emphasis on anti-fraud will eventually result in making it easier for legitimate claimants to receive their benefits in a timely manner.  Unfortunately, at this moment, I see no reason for that optimism.

Social Security Disability Claims and Advice

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

TOOL BELT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS

Image
An affective craftsman will always have the proper tools on his tool belt.  The Social Security disability advocate is no different.  He or she must have the proper tools and know how to use them effectively to win your disability case.  Let's talk about a few of the tools that your disability case will require. Medical Evidence.   This is a record of your treatment from doctors, psychologists, therapists, hospitals, clinics or other providers who have treated or examined you.  It should include a diagnosis, prognosis, level of severity, treatment procedures, dates, etc.  Acceptable medical sources for Social Security are medical doctors and licensed clinical psychologists.  Evidence from other sources may also be used. Vocational Evidence (VE).   Here is another useful item in our tool belt. Vocational evidence includes your age, level of education or training, skills and work history - especially work you did during the ...
Read more

BIGGEST MEDIA LIES ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIILTY

The media lies constantly about the Social Security disability program.  I expect the media to lie; however, it is making it difficult for disabled Americans go get benefits.  Here are some of the worst lies the media is telling us.     Social Security benefits are responsible for the growing national deficit. The truth:  Social Security benefits are not included in the national budget.  Social Security is a self-financing program.  Benefits are not allocated by Congress and not included in the national budget.  Social Security benefits are funded by FICA taxes paid by workers, deducted from their pay checks and matched by their employers.  These premiums go into a special fund and benefits are paid out of the fund.  There is one fund for disability benefits and a separate fund for retirement benefits.  There is no provision for the government to pay benefits if these funds become unable to do so. People are using ...
Read more

YOU EARN SSDI BENEFITS - THEY ARE NOT WELFARE.

I speak truthfully when I tell people that Social Security disability is not welfare.  You paid for it, you earned it.  Claim it. Here's why the Social Security disability program is not welfare: 1)  You paid FICA tax every day you worked.  FICA stands for "Federal Insurance Contribution Act."  It's actually a Social Security tax.  It came out of every paycheck you earned. 2)  You were forced to purchase Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) by the US government.  You were not given a choice.  This is a government sponsored disability insurance plan, just like you would purchase from an insurance company.  The only difference, it was mandatory--you were forced to buy it, no choice. 3)  The Social Security program is self-financing.  It is not paid for out of the general US treasury.  FICA taxes come out of your paycheck, are matched by your employer, and go into a special trust fund.  When you become dis...
Read more