Man Caught in NYC Social Security Disability Fraud Cross-Fire Finally Receiving Benefits Again

Over 100 people have been indicted on serious fraud charges after a massive social security disability fraud ring was uncovered in New York City, involving former emergency responders such as police officers and fire fighters who were trained to fake mental disabilities and PTSD in order to receive government benefits. However, earlier in September, the court announced that at least four people were falsely accused of faking disabilities to receive social security disability, and now, after a hard fight, at least one man is receiving benefits again.

Former NYPD Sgt. Michael Kull was one of the first responders after the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City. His illnesses, like many of those workers at Ground Zero, was caused directly by responding to the attacks and being exposed not only to the worst terrorist attack in US history, but harsh chemicals.

Kull retired from the NYPD in 2006 on disability because he suffered severe respiratory disorders after working at Ground Zero for weeks, searching for bodies after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

However, Kull got caught up in the massive NYC social security disability scandal earlier this year, and the prosecution froze Kull’s disability payments and bank account in order to investigate. Charges against Kull were dismissed on August 21st, but he still had to convince the Social Security Administration to reinstate his benefits.

“I was just told nothing,” Kull said. “I was just shuffled from one office to another, and told nobody had an answer for me.”

Fortunately for Kull, Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor, one of Kull’s local representatives, learned about the retired NYPD man’s predicament and began assisting Kull in the fight against Social Security’s delays. Lalor called Kull’s Social Security Department every day for a week, beginning on September 5th and ending September 11th of this year – a supervisor finally returned his call and said there was nothing they could do for Kull.

“The very government he was serving that day punished him,” Lalor said, “He’s continued to be punished. His family has been punished.”

Instead of calling every day, Lalor, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, began calling the Queens Social Security Office every hour. He was finally told that the appeal process would be handled by a higher SSA office in Maryland, so Lalor called the Congressional Liaison Office for Social Security. On Monday, September 15th, Kull’s disability payments were finally reinstated.

“It was pretty incredible how much it took for something that should have been a no-brainer for any reasonable person,” Lalor said.

“It’s really a disgrace, what’s going on,” Kull said.

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.