The Social Security Administration and the OIG (Office of the Inspector General) announce they have opened four new Disability Investigation Anti-Fraud Units across the country.
These new units added to the existing program are called CDI (The Cooperative Disability Investigations). The CDI units identify, investigate, and help to prevent fraudulent use of Social Security Disability benefits.
The new offices are in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Las Vegas, Nevada, Manchester, New Hampshire, and Omaha, Nebraska.
The CDI program helps to ensure transparency in disability claims before any benefits are disbursed. It takes more than one agency, though.
The CDI works closely with personnel from the Social Security Administration, the OIG, the DDS (Disability Determination Services), and local and federal law enforcement. All of these agencies help to prevent fraud in the Disability benefits department.
The process involves an OIG Special Agent who is Team Leader, employees from that State’s DDS, an SSA employee, and state and local law enforcement. Working with the skills of each professional is what enables the program to have its success.
With the professionals working in sync, the CDI units then receive applications that have been identified as suspicious by the DDS. If needed, the investigation continues.
“Social Security has zero-tolerance for fraud, and the CDI program serves a vital role in detecting potential fraud and preventing it,” says Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security. “We tirelessly work at the national and local levels to stop would-be crooks and continue to be good stewards of taxpayer money by protecting the integrity of our programs.”
When the CDI started in 1998, it had units in five states. The CDI currently consists of 49 Units in 44 States. They are working on providing this investigative coverage to all 59 states by 2022.
Gail S Ennis, Inspector General For Social Security, says, “Through this investigative work, we have saved an estimated 7 billion dollars and helped deter those who fraudulently seek benefits.”* Since its inception, The CDI’s efforts have contributed to 4 billion in projected savings to SS programs and 3 billion in savings for other Federal and State programs.
While these agencies have been doing an exceptional job at keeping fraud at bay, they don’t do it alone. If you suspect someone of disability fraud, do your part and contact the OIG here at https://secure.ssa.gov/ipff/home or by phone at 800-269-0271.
