If you’re receiving disability benefits, there’s always the possibility that the Social Security Agency will monitor you.
Yes, you read that right. The SSA does conduct surveillance activities on their beneficiaries. In fact, the law requires that SSDI and SSI beneficiaries should be subjected to periodic reviews to determine their eligibility.
So, being monitored by the SSA doesn’t necessarily mean you’re suspected of fraud. Sometimes, it’s just a routine check to see if you’re still qualified to receive disability.
But whether it’s due to fraud suspicions or just a routine eligibility check, nobody wants to be under any form of surveillance. That’s why, in this post, we’re delving into how to know if the SSA is spying on you and what you can do about it.
How Does Social Security Do Surveillance?
How the SSA does surveillance depends on why they’re doing it.
Periodic Reviews
As mentioned, SSDI and SSI beneficiaries are subjected to periodic reviews. For SSDI, the process is called Continuing Disability Review (CDR). While SSI recipients are subjected to SSI Redetermination. For these law-mandated periodic reviews, the SSA will notify you by mail.
If you are subjected to CDR, the SSA will send you a Continuing Disability Review Report (SSA Form 454). You can complete this form and send it back by mail or through your mySocial Security account.
For SSI Redetermination, the SSA usually does it by mail, phone, or in person. If you opt to do it by mail, the SSA will send you forms that you need to complete. Otherwise, you can schedule a phone interview or go to your local SSA office to complete the forms.
Suspicion of Fraud
If the SSA suspects fraud, they obviously won’t let you know that you are under investigation. Instead, they resort to:
- Direct Observation. They will send someone to follow you around and monitor your every move. They tend to observe you discreetly in public places like the park, supermarkets, and the gym, among others.
- Social Media Monitoring. Social media is one of the easiest ways to obtain information about you. That’s why it’s one of SSA’s favorite methods of investigation.
- Video Surveillance. Aside from following you around and stalking you on social media, the SSA may also try to obtain photos and videos of you doing things. If you really are committing fraud, these will serve as irrefutable evidence.
How Do You Know if Social Security is Investigating You?
If you’re under investigation for fraud, the SSA can be really discreet about it. Here are some of the telltale signs that social security is spying on you:
1. You notice someone constantly following you around
As mentioned, the SSA will usually send someone to observe you while you go about your day. They follow you in public places, including your workplace (if you’re working).
Their main goal is to find out whether you really are disabled. So they’ll take note of your capacities and limitations, including:
- your capacity to work
- lift heavy objects
- stand or sit for a long time
- walk long distances
- function without assistance or assistive devices
Sometimes, they’ll even keep an eye on you right outside your house.
2. Someone is asking your acquaintances about your disability
Aside from observing you, the SSA investigator may also interview your neighbors, family members, and friends. Most of the time, they’ll introduce themselves before asking questions.
So if your family, friends, or neighbors tell you that someone is inquiring about you and your disability, there’s a good chance they’re from the SSA.
3. Your social media accounts are being spied on
Social media is free for all and most of the time, it’s impossible to determine if someone is spying on your account.
If your profile and photos are set to private, SSA investigators may not be able to see them. But tagged photos from friends are another story, especially if they’re set to public. If you claim to be disabled but your tagged photos show that you’re perfectly capable of doing things, they could be used as evidence of fraud.
4. Someone is trying to take a video or photo of you
Unless you’re famous, someone taking photos or videos of you is highly unusual. So if you notice someone trying to snap a photo of you out of nowhere while you’re working or doing something, they could be from the SSA.
How Often Does the SSA Spy on You?
Disability Reviews are usually held every three to six years depending on your disability. If your condition is expected to improve, you’ll receive a CDR notice after a few years. But if no improvement can be expected, disability reviews will be less frequent.
SSI Redeterminations, on the other hand, are typically conducted every 1 to 6 years. But they may also conduct one when you report a change that can affect your eligibility or payment amount.
Fraud investigations don’t really have a set frequency. They’ll only conduct one if they suspect you’re committing fraud.
What to Do if the SSA is Investigating You
If you’re not lying about your disability or financial situation, there’s no need to do anything. The more you try to convince your investigators, the more suspicious it will look.
All you can do at this point is wait for the investigation results. If you don’t agree with their findings, you can hire an experienced social security disability lawyer like Victor Malca. For over 20 years, he’s been helping disabled individuals in Florida get disability benefits. He knows the SSA’s rules and regulations like the back of his hand. So he can help you defend your case and get back the benefits you rightfully deserve. Call us now for a free consultation.
VICTOR MALCA – Florida Workers Compensation & Social Security Disability Attorney
Victor Malca P.A. has over 27 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. His experience and continued success when fighting for his clients puts him among the most trusted workers’ compensation attorney’s in Florida. He specializes in representing injured workers on compensation benefit cases and disabled individuals claiming lost social security disability benefits.
Book a free consultation today. Our unwavering advocacy for employee rights and privileges are recognized by our past clients across South Florida.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a writer and editor for the Victor Malca Law P.A. website and blog. She enjoys helping people in need with questions about social security disability and workers compensation law. She has a passion for helping those in need and the elderly with accurate legal information that can make a positive difference in their lives.