Disability Fraud and Legal Consequences: Staying on the Right Side of the Law
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Disability fraud can lead to various problems and legal consequences. Finding out what counts as disability fraud can be vital for avoiding these issues yourself. There are various types of disability fraud to be aware of. Do not panic if you find yourself dealing with disability fraud. Reach out to a Pennsylvania individual disability insurance attorney to figure out your legal options.
What Counts as Disability Fraud?
Exploring the types of disability fraud may help you avoid falling into disability fraud yourself. Any type of fraud is generally described as an intentional misrepresentation of 
information to obtain benefits. Material fraud involves influencing a decision on disability benefits with false or misleading information.
Fraud causes major problems for the Social Security Administration (SSA) and those applying for disability benefits. These problems include providing benefits to those who do not genuinely qualify for benefits, confusion during the application process, and various technical complications. Scammers who pretend to be from the SSA can also use similar fraud tactics to deceive you.
Disability benefits fraud can take many forms during the application process and after receiving benefits. Making false statements is one of the most common examples and can look like exaggerating symptoms and adding symptoms that are not actually present. Withholding facts and events can also count as fraud.
Not only does this look like concealing work skills and abilities despite having a disability but also involves not updating the SSA. A common example is failing to update the SSA that a disability beneficiary passed away. Representative payees who manage benefits on someone’s behalf may misuse those benefits. Other fraud examples include:
- Filing disability claims under someone else’s identity
- Bribing SSA staff
- Selling Social Security cards
Be wary of scammers when they pressure you to apply for disability benefits or act unprofessionally.
Consequences of Disability Fraud
The consequences of disability fraud involve not only the possibility of not receiving disability benefits but also fines and jail time. Jail time can last up to five years and may or may not come with fines. Almost anyone who received money to support the act of fraud may also face fines and jail time.
The court may order restitution in the form of monetary compensation if the action of fraud led to certain outcomes. These outcomes include disability benefit payments made based on fraud or financial losses caused by fraud. In some cases, only partial restitution might be required.
Consider contacting a Pennsylvania disability lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about disability benefits fraud. An experienced lawyer can help you explore all your legal options to see what steps you can take next. Once hired, your lawyer can take steps to defend you in court if needed and collect evidence on your behalf.
Call Edelstein & Nelson Today
You may not have to face disability fraud alone. Do not hesitate to ask a Pennsylvania disability lawyer for legal help if you find yourself stuck in a difficult legal situation. All you have to do is contact Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 today for a consultation. Our legal team is ready to help you explore all your legal options.