A 2019 article from REUTERS states that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been looking at social media accounts in fraud and abuse allegations dating back as far as 2014 and is looking to expand its program in the future.

This news may come as a surprise to some, as the authenticity or accuracy of dates of photos is difficult to determine from a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post. However, there have been at least 100 arrests made against those who defrauded SSDI since the investigating began, based upon photos of people on jet skis, driving motorcycles or doing other dangerous activities on their social media accounts. These photos prove to the SSA that these people should not be receiving disability benefits and is something to keep in mind when you are receiving SSDI benefits yourself. 

The fact of the matter is that there are certainly people who take advantage of SSDI benefits, but there are also those who really do need the benefits and may have those benefits affected by something that they post online. As this program continues to expand, it is important to keep this in mind and have a reliable social security lawyer at your side to have your rights completely protected. Don’t leave yourself or a loved one open to being hurt by something they post online.

Should you believe you are eligible for SSDI or SSI and are looking for a trusted social security lawyer, we are the team to trust in the WNY area. We serve those in communities that include Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Lancaster, Niagara Falls, Orchard Park, West Seneca, Tonawanda and the surrounding areas. We look forward to assisting you or a loved one soon and will be happy to answer any questions you have about social security benefits.