Rise In Number Of Social Security Claims Being Blamed On Fraud

March 14, 2013

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 the number of 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, acting commissioner of the agency, Carolyn Colvin, is blaming the dramatic rise on an increase in the number of fraudulent claims filed.

Some common examples of fraud include individuals who receive benefits without first receiving 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 common method of defrauding the system is simply lying about the amount of income a person receives.

Experts point out a large majority of fraudulent cases occur because individuals receiving benefits have no incentive to get back to work. This is due to policies that do not allow partial disability to be received.

The Social Security Disability Attorneys with the law firm of Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are aware the high number of fraudulent claims only makes it more difficult for those who are truly in need to get the benefits they deserve. The firm encourages anyone who is considering filing a claim to discuss their case with an attorney.