Do Disability Investigators Follow You Around? - Blog (2024)

FAQs

Does disability follow you around? ›

For the most part, long-term disability carriers do not desire to spy on your every move. While they are generally concerned about disability fraud, as long as you don't give them an obvious reason to want to further investigate you, there's no need to be anxious.

The SSA could have an investigator follow you in public places. They look to see if you're doing anything that may show your condition has improved or are no longer disabled. For example, the investigator may watch to see if you can: Work.

The SSA will not tell you that you are under investigation. Find out more about SSA investigations and Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) here.

The SSA is not a private insurance company, however. While they may engage in such surveillance, it is highly unlikely. They typically avoid such behavior. However, that does not mean that they won't keep an eye on you; it just means that they are unlikely to go to such an extreme.

While it's essential to be thorough when discussing your disability, you should avoid mentioning unrelated medical issues or conditions. Only discuss the disabling medical problems directly related to your disability claim. Bringing up minor or unrelated issues may confuse or distract the SSA representative.

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

The average response time for the SSA to reach a decision after you apply for SSDI benefits is three to four months, but this time period could be extended to up to eight months. Reconsideration. If the SSA denies your request for benefits, you will need to file a request for reconsideration of their decision.

If the requirements are met, we send the disability application to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in the state in which the applicant resides. Using federal laws, regulations, and Agency policies and procedures, the state agency completes the disability decision for Social Security.

Does Social Security Disability Follow You? If red flags have been raised about your disability, Social Security may hire a private investigator to “catch” you performing activities you have previously stated you can not because of your disability.

What triggers an SSDI investigation? ›

CDI investigations typically begin with a report of suspected fraud from SSA, State DDS, law enforcement, or the public. The CDI unit investigates statements and activities of claimants, medical providers, and other third parties, and obtains evidence to resolve questions of potential fraud.

The Social Security five-year rule is the time period in which you can file for an expedited reinstatement after your Social Security disability benefits have been terminated completely due to work.

CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSE STATEMENTS

shall be fined not more than $25,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

One of the strongest signs you are being investigated is that law enforcement officials contact you. They could call or text you or leave their card at your door with a request to contact them. They may also go to your home and ask you to go to the police station for questioning or visit you at your job.

Generally, it takes about three to five months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision.

We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions. The state has medical and vocational experts who will contact your doctors and other places where you received treatment to get your medical records.

It is not uncommon to see persons with disabilities treated as objects of pity, charity or medical treatment that have to overcome a tragic and disabling condition or conversely, presented as superheroes who have accomplished great feats, so as to inspire the non-disabled.

While the number of times SSI checks your bank account is not standardized, it may be anywhere from a single year to six years. The SSI can also check when you go through life-altering experiences. Checking the money in the bank account is also vital to the SSI redetermination process.