Does Social Security have investigators?

Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.

Does Social Security do investigations?

Whether you like it or not, the SSA conducts investigations into people who are seeking disability benefits.

How do you know if Social Security is investigating you?

THE SSA INVESTIGATION USUALLY STARTS WITH THE INTERNET

SSA opens their investigation by looking for you on the internet. They will look up your name, phone number, and address. They usually already have this information, but they are checking it to make sure you are living at the address that you say you are living at.

Does the Social Security office call you about suspicious activity?

The SSA will never call you regarding your account, even if suspicious activity has been recorded. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent the SSA, the call is most likely a scam and you should hang up and report the call directly to the SSA.

Does Social Security have an inspector general?

Under her direction, the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) serves the public through independent oversight of SSA's programs and operations and protects them against fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement.

Will Social Security Send a Private Investigator to Challenge your Disability Claim?

Who investigates the Social Security Administration?

The Office of Investigations (OI) (S8B) conducts and coordinates investigative activity related to fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in SSA programs and operations. This includes wrongdoing by applicants, grantees, or contractors, or by SSA employees in the performance of their official duties.

What happens during an IG investigation?

The OIG reviews the information and makes an initial determination of what action is required. If an allegation appears to be credible, the OIG will generally take one of three actions: (1) initiate an investigation; (2) initiate an audit or inspection; or (3) refer the allegation to management or another agency.

Will the Social Security office ever contact you by phone?

Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. We may call you in some situations, but will never: Threaten you.

How does Social Security contact?

Remember that the SSA will almost never contact you out of the blue. It will only text you if you've opted to receive notifications that way, or to verify your identity when you access your online My Social Security account. It will never threaten or pressure you to take immediate action.

What questions does Social Security ask to verify identity?

To verify the identity of the signer, we match the disability applicant's answers during the application process with the following information in our records: name, date of birth, Social Security number, place of birth, work history, and mother's maiden name.

Does Social Security send out private investigators?

Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.

How often does Social Security disability review your case?

If improvement is possible, but can't be predicted, we'll review your case about every three years. If improvement is not expected, we'll review your case every seven years. Your initial award notice will tell you when you can expect your first medical review.

Does Social Security make home visits?

Generally, we use the mail or call you on the phone when we want to contact you, but sometimes a Social Security representative may come to your home. Our representative will show you identification before talking about your benefits.

What is a Social Security audit?

The Audit Trail System (ATS) is a Social Security Administration (SSA) certified and accredited General Support System that ensures stewardship of the Social Security trust funds and supports the agency's security and integrity review functions by detecting and preventing fraudulent and improper payments.

What triggers a CDR?

CDR will occur if your vocational services have been completed and Vocational Rehab reports you are working or able to work. Report from someone who is in a position know the claimant. If SSA receives a report from an individual who knows you and the agency believe the reports to be true, it may trigger a CDR.

Who monitors Social Security?

It's a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency. You can also call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.

Why would Social Security benefits be suspended?

SSA will suspend benefits if a beneficiary does not cooperate with a CDR and will terminate disability benefits after 12 months if the beneficiary does not provide necessary information.

Why would I get a call from Social Security?

Any call, text, or email asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash. Scammers pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency.

What triggers an OIG investigation?

OIG initiates investigations based on information received from a variety of sources, including: OIG's fraud, waste and abuse hotline; Departmental, GAO, and DOJ referrals; Congressional requests; and referrals from OSC regarding whistleblower disclosures.

What is the investigative process?

The investigative process is a progression of activities or steps moving from evidence gathering tasks, to information analysis, to theory development and validation, to forming reasonable ground to believe, and finally to the arrest and charge of a suspect.

What happens when you file an IG complaint?

The complaints resolution process begins when a complaint is received by the IG. If possible, the IG will acknowledge receipt of the complaint at that time. If the complaint was received via fax, e-mail, or mail, the IG is required to confirm receipt (in writing, by telephone, or in person) within 5 duty days.

What is Social Security investigation?

The Office of Investigations (OI) conducts investigations on allegations of fraud and misconduct related to SSA programs, operations, and employees.

What happens if you don't report changes to SSI?

If you fail to report changes in a timely way, or if you intentionally make a false statement, we may stop your SSI, disability, and retirement benefits. We may also impose a sanction against your payments. The first sanction is a loss of payments for six months. Subsequent sanctions are for 12 and 24 months.

How much money can you have in the bank on Social Security disability?

WHAT IS THE RESOURCE LIMIT? The limit for countable resources is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

Can Social Security just stop my payments?

If you apply for benefits and we have not yet made a determination that you are entitled, you may voluntarily suspend benefits for any month you have not received a payment. If you are already entitled to benefits, you may voluntarily suspend retirement benefit payments up to age 70.