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

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