Noteboom The Law Firm

Increase in Robbery of Social Security Benefits

Considering the current economy, it is not surprising that more people who are unemployed are deciding to apply to get Social Security disability benefits. Fortunately, there is a strict eligibility process, so not just anyone can qualify. However, those who are denied benefits sometimes prey on those who do get checks every month. Possibly due to the economy, there has been an increase in the number of people who take advantage of others' benefits.

Though the issue is likely nationwide, officials in North Carolina have seen a definite increase of over 20% in the last two years, according to Citizen-Times.com. Some people take the checks of their relatives, while others just neglect or abuse those who depend on them for care.

Unfortunately, at the same time, social worker positions have been greatly reduced. This means that less can be done about the thievery, sometimes leaving older or disabled people without necessary medications since they cannot afford it without their checks. Even if their caretakers are spending a small portion of the checks, often it is without their consent or knowledge. Considering that many can barely live on the monthly payments to begin with, it is a serious problem.

Some cases are more innocent than they seem. Some families take their elderly and disabled relatives out of professional care so that they can save money and also get more on their monthly checks. However, they often forget that their relatives take extra time to be cared for and watched over. 

One of the saddest situations occurs when recipients of checks allow their family members to take their money. While it is out of kindness and generosity, simply to keep their family happy and able to pay bills, it can have a negative effect on the recipient. Their health may suffer without adequate food, medical care, or medications.

North Carolina's way of dealing with such situations for now is to offer information to payment recipients' needy relatives regarding unemployment checks and Medicaid. Often, the victims' families are just as broke as them, and could use some monetary help. However, in all cases, robbery of the elderly and disabled is not the way to go about it. 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.