50+ Lifestyles

REPORT FOR DUTY BY REPORTING FRAUD

By Linda Clayton-Powell
Social Security District Manager
Davenport, Iowa

In July, with American flags flying, we celebrate our nation’s birthday and the freedoms and protections we hold dear. Although love for your country can take many forms, Social Security takes preventing and combatting fraud as seriously as we take our other vital missions.

Social Security has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud. In tandem with local law enforcement, we pursue criminals who cheat the system by collecting benefits that they are not owed.  This might be as subtle as someone intentionally failing to report income and resources or that they live with their spouse, which can result in incorrect payments. Fraud might take the form of someone claiming to be disabled when, in reality, they continue to work. These examples are why we also rely on you — the American public — to report fraud when you see it.

While we cannot prevent every instance of fraud, any more than the most effective law enforcement agency can prevent all crime, we aggressively investigate and pursue prosecution of those who try to cheat and steal from the system.  Our message to those who would defraud Social Security is clear: We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore the money you have stolen from the American people.

We impose stiff penalties to discourage people from committing fraud. We monitor cases closely, and we have sophisticated tools to help us predict where and when fraud may occur so we can catch it early — often before it happens.

Social Security employs innovative weapons in the fight against fraud.  Our Office of Anti-Fraud Programs (OAFP) is the newest member of Social Security’s anti-fraud team.  Established in November 2014, the mission of OAFP is to coordinate all the agency’s efforts to efficiently and effectively detect, deter, and mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse of our programs.

OAFP works closely with our Office of the Inspector General to ensure that there are consequences for those who commit fraud — even if the act is not prosecuted.

Social Security takes fraud seriously, and so should you.  In the same way, that you might keep a keen eye out for suspicious activity that might harm our nation, we encourage you to keep an eye out for potential Social Security fraud.  Some of our most vulnerable citizens — the elderly, disabled children and war veterans, as well as the chronically ill — are counting on you.  If you suspect someone is committing Social Security fraud, report it online at http://oig.ssa.gov/report or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

HELP YOUR PARENTS PLAN THEIR “SOMEDAY”

Since your parents have done a lot for you over your lifetime, this is the perfect time of year to return the favor by helping them find their “Someday” at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.  In May, we honored mothers on Mother’s Day and, in June, we thanked our fathers on Father’s Day. In July, we get to show our appreciation for both.  Parents’ Day, celebrated on July 27, is a great time to make sure your parents take the necessary steps to have a bright and comfortable “Someday” in retirement.

Even if they are still young, it is never too early to help your parents start planning for their retirement or help them imagine what their “Someday” might look like. When you ask them about their retirement plans, encourage each of them to open their own secure my Social Security accounts at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. It is quick, easy, and free to do!  They can even do it from the comfort of home.
my Social Security features several tools available to guide your parents through the retirement process, whether they are just starting to think about it or they are already retired.  Before retiring, your parents can view their Social Security Statement to verify the accuracy of their earnings records and find out what benefits they can expect to receive at age 62, full retirement age, and at age 70.  They can also get personalized benefit estimates using the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. The Estimator shows different scenarios, like how future wage changes or alternate retirement dates will affect their future benefits.

Once your parents have retired and are receiving Social Security benefits, they can use their accounts to:

•  check benefit information;

•  get an instant letter with proof of their benefits;

•  change their address and phone number;

•  get a replacement SSA-1099;

•  get a replacement Medicare card; and

•  start or change their direct deposit or electronic payment method.

Retirement is a big life change, so let your parents know you will be there for them just as they have been there for you! When you help them sign up for my Social Security at www.socialsecurity/myaccount, you are showing that their “Someday” means something to you.