Company Reports Breach of Social Security Disability Data

March 21, 2014

For those who collect Social Security Disability, the benefits supplied through the program may be their only source of income. But security breaches of claimant data can result in Social Security Disability Fraud that could lead to a loss of benefits.

Recently, a Maryland company that oversees the benefits of 13,900 disabled Maryland residents has come forward about compromised benefit information that affects roughly 70 percent of its customers. According to an article from The Baltimore Sun, a hacker was able to enter Service Coordination Inc.’s computer system between Oct. 20-30 of last year. They were then able to gain access to information regarding individual disability cases that included:

• Medical Assistance numbers
• Medicaid Status
• Personal Demographics

Officials say the data breach could become especially complicated since many of the clients depend on third parties to handle their finances and business. Many other disability recipients rarely conduct checks of their accounts and deposits, which means they may not realize their information has been compromised until their benefits go missing.

Virginia Marcus, an executive director with the Maryland Disabilities Law Center, says the hack could also add to an already burning need for legal services for the state’s disabled.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin recognize the need for security regarding benefits and encourage anyone with questions regarding their payments to seek the counsel of a qualified attorney immediately.