More Arrests Made in National Social Security Disability Fraud Case
A national investigation into a massive Social Security Disability fraud ring led to 30 more arrests on Tuesday, February 25th.
In January, 106 former New York City firefighters, police officers, and other city workers were charged with defrauding the Social Security Disability fund. Although many of those accused applied for Social Security Disability due to faked mental problems related to the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, prosecutors say that the Social Security Disability fraud scheme goes back as far as 1988. They claim that the Social Security Disability fund could have been billed for as much as $400 million.
All of the previously-charged defendants have pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges.
“We will chase down every penny that these dishonorable thieves fraudulently pilfered so that the truly heroic firefighters, police officers, medics, and civilians who actually risked their lives on September 11, 2001, and are now suffering because of it, can get the care that they critically need,” said James T. Hayes, Jr. special agent-in-charge of Homeland Security Investigations New York said in January.
The investigation began 5 years ago when the Social Security Administration noticed a flurry of similar disability applications, and realized that a number of applicants still had gun permits, although they made claims of severe psychological problems.
Emergency and city workers were allegedly coached by lawyers and doctors in how to fake PTSD symptoms or other mental illnesses in order to receive Social Security Disability. Prosecutors say the defendants meticulously taught the applicants how to fail memory tests, how to dress, and how to behave. Nearly every Social Security disability application included near-identical descriptions of the applicant’s daily life.
Reportedly, the applicants claimed they were so traumatized that they could not hold a normal job and could barely go outside. However, many of the fraudsters moved and later held jobs, or posted Facebook photos of long fishing trips and skiing adventures.
The DA said that it was possible the Social Security Disability fraud scammed as much as $400 million from the federal government program, and as many as 1,000 people could be involved in the scam.
Proving You Need Social Security Disability Benefits
The standard of disability that must be shown is the same for both programs.
In determining disability, the test is not whether you would be offered a job, but whether there are jobs which you could perform. For those over 55 years old, new regulations allow a more realistic look at age, education, and experience in making this analysis.
For each of the major body systems, Social Security maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe, being diagnosed with one automatically qualifies you for disability. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security will have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, you will be found disabled.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Claims
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be complex. However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.
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