Noteboom The Law Firm

Actor Accused of Defrauding the SSA

You might assume that people who defraud the SSA have little or no income, which is why they require monthly checks. However, some people already have income and simply want more, such as in the form of Social Security disability benefits. In fact, some people who turn to fraud are somewhat successful in their careers, but just want more money.

An actor who played a small part in 5 episodes of the television show The Sopranos was recently accused of defrauding the SSA. According to SILive.com, 46-year-old Raymond Franza was injured in a 2008 car accident that rendered him unable to work. Thus, he was eligible for disability benefits. However, when Franza applied for Social Security disability benefits, he neglected to tell the SSA that he was already receiving $4,000 per month in private disability benefits.

You might be wondering why Franza wasn't upfront about his private disability benefits. Could he have collected disability payments from the government as well as from a private insurer? The answer is yes. If you receive benefits from a private insurer, you may be eligible to also receive Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB). If you are awarded benefits, however, the amount of your private disability payments will be offset by the amount you receive from Social Security. 

If Franza would have applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on the other hand, he would have been denied since one of the program's guidelines state that you cannot receive any monies or monetary gifts over $674 per month.

Within about a year, Franza collected nearly $13,000 in checks. After an investigation, the truth about his income was revealed. He paid the $5,000 bail and will be seen in court in January. Charges include completing a false written statement, third-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Clearly, this type of behavior has not been taken lightly by the court.

Government money is already in short supply, and many people who need to qualify for disability just to pay the bills are denied. People like Franza, who defraud the system simply to collect thousands of dollars every month, likely make it more difficult for the truly needy people to qualify.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.