ANTI-FRAUD: SOCIAL SECURITY'S NEW PRIORITY

Fraud prevention seems to be Social Security's new top priority.  In November 2014, the Social Security Administration opened a new division called the Office of Anti-Fraud Programs (OAFP).  The OAFP works closely with the Inspector General (the investigative and prosecution office) to "combat fraud and waste."  Congress has allocated billions of dollars to the anti-fraud campaign.

Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Calvin Colvin, said her office will take a stern stand against anyone found to be trying to abuse or defraud the system.  Ms. Colvin said:

   “We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore to the American public the money you’ve stolen from the American people.” 

There continues to be a backlog of over 1 million disability cases waiting to be heard, and over a million claimants have been waiting up to 3 years to get a decision on their claims.  Social Security does not seem to have any plan to reduce the backlog or the long waits for getting a decision.  But, responding to the the media frenzy and the resulting hostile public opinion toward Social Security, the agency is spending billions on anti-fraud measures.

 We can only hope that this heavy emphasis on anti-fraud will eventually result in making it easier for legitimate claimants to receive their benefits in a timely manner.  Unfortunately, at this moment, I see no reason for optimism.


Of course, there is fraud in any large government program.  And yes, it should be rooted out and those found defrauding the Government should be punished.  At the same time, honest, legitimately disabled individuals deserve to have their applications adjudicated in a reasonable time frame and in a fair manner.

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