It’s no secret the nation’s Social Security Disability system has seen a massive influx in the number of claims filed. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports a 60 percent growth in claims from 2003 to 2012.
Under the administration headed by former commissioner Michael Astrue, the SSA attributed this increase to the nation’s economic downfall. According to the Washington Free Beacon, the agency’s acting commissioner, Carolyn Colvin, blames the dramatic increase in the number of fraudulent claims filed.
Some common examples of fraud include individuals who receive benefits without obtaining a commercial driver’s license. The licensing process requires a rigorous physical examination that can often determine if a person is truly disabled or not. Another standard method of defrauding the system is simply lying about the income a person receives.
Experts point out that a large majority of fraudulent cases occur because individuals receiving benefits have no incentive to return to work. This is due to policies that do not allow partial disability to be accepted.
The Social Security Disability Attorneys with the law firm of Newlin Disability know that the high number of fraudulent claims only makes it more difficult for those needing the benefits they deserve. The firm encourages anyone considering a claim to discuss their case with an attorney.
