Common Reasons For Not Getting Social Security Benefits - Making False Statements On Claims

Each week, the Kenton Koszdin Law Office consults with and interviews many prospective disability and workers’ compensation clients. When I interview clients, I not only prefer to focus on any relevant personal facts or circumstances that may provide reasons or grounds for the approval of benefits, but I also like to focus on any relevant personal facts or circumstances that may provide reasons or grounds for the denial of benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a variety of situations to be fraud, waste or abuse. If the SSA discovers that an applicant obtained disability benefits by acting fraudulently or dishonestly, it can, and will, terminate benefits. It may also pursue criminal charges for fraud against the perpetrator.

Individuals applying for Social Security Benefits must state that all information they provide on the forms is true and correct to the best of their knowledge under penalty of perjury. If they state any false information which they know is untrue, they may be guilty of a crime.

One of the most common examples is an applicant that lies about details related to income. Applicants incorrectly stating (understating) the amount of income or omitting a source of income, such as rental income or private insurance, is a circumstance too often encountered by the SSA.

Another example is an applicant who indicates an incorrect marital status on his or her application, i.e., that the applicant is not married when in fact he or she actually is married or living with another as a married couple. Another example is an applicant who claims to be unable to drive a motor vehicle because of blindness when, in fact, the individual holds a valid driver’s license and operates a motor vehicle regularly.

Applicants for Social Security disability benefits must act within the law. An experienced disability attorney may often pinpoint that information which provides the most vital component for or against benefit approval. My staff and I are dedicated to helping our clients establish eligibility for disability benefits. The Kenton Koszdin Law Office exists to help individuals in this situation. Contact us today for your free consultation. Call 800-438-7734 or visit us online. Se habla espańol!