New York Social Security Disability Fraud Investigation Implicates City’s Police and Firefighters
Law enforcement officials conducting a major investigation into allegations of Social Security Disability Fraud could soon charge as many as 100 police officers, firefighters, and other city workers.
According to the investigation, former city emergency workers like policemen and firefighters submitted bogus Social Security Disability claims for stress-related illnesses. Although the workers are collecting Social Security Disability pensions, investigators have found that many appear to be healthy and are working other jobs or taking part in rigorous athletic activities.
Federal social security investigators have been assisting New York City’s Department of Investigation and NYPD Internal Affairs officers have been helping the Manhattan District Attorney’s office investigate the Social Security Disability fraud claims.
At least some of the 100 potential suspects, who are former workers for the NYPD and FDNY, benefit from the 9/11 pensions, which allow them to earn Social Security Disability for mental and emotional stress involved in taking part in rescue efforts after the terrorist attacks. Other scammers include two doctors who allegedly wrote fraudulent diagnoses, and several “steerers” who directed the former employees toward fraudulent Social Security Disability applications.
The investigation suggests that steerers and doctors collected kickbacks for each “patient.”
The Social Security Disability probe began after SSA officials became suspicious of a spate of similar diagnoses and contacted federal investigators. After the DA took the case, an informant told investigators that at least one of the people on Social Security Disability was a retired police officer who still had his gun permit. When the New York Police Department Internal Affairs Bureau joined the investigation, they found other retired police officers who were involved in the Social Security Disability scam.
Social Security Disability is a program designed for those who, either through temporary or permanent mental or physical injury, cannot adjust to another type of job.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is expected to announce the arrests this week.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration has announced that it will make some major changes to its disability program, which will both facilitate claims and make filing more difficult. Changes to how disability is determined, how many cases judges can handle, how doctors and lawyers can argue for disability, and how judges, lawyers, and doctors are regulated could help speed up the Social Security Disability application process, but could also make applying for disability benefits more difficult.
Our Disability Lawyers Can Help You:
- Apply for Disability Benefits
- File for Reconsideration
- Request a Hearing
- Appeal Hearing Decision
- File Suit in Federal Court
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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