Disability Insurance Fraud Crimes Explained by a NY Insurance Fraud Lawyer
Disabled individuals can receive funds from the Social Security Administration through one of two disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). An individual disabled due to performance of work tasks may receive temporary or permanent disability benefits for either full or partial disability through workers’ compensation. Finally, individuals covered by private disability insurance may make a claim for covered conditions.
Exaggerating the extent of a disability or making misleading statements about disability status may be considered a form of fraud no matter what type of disability benefits are being improperly claimed. When you are accused of fraud involving SSDI or SSI, you are likely to face federal charges while other types of disability insurance fraud crimes may be prosecuted on the state level.
An experienced NY criminal defense lawyer at Bukh Law Firm, PLLC can provide assistance with all state and federal criminal and civil cases against you. Whether you are being asked to repay funds that were improperly provided or are being criminally prosecuted and threatened with jail time, you need to get help from a lawyer who can handle complex disability insurance fraud cases. Our legal team has the knowledge, skill and background necessary to help you make strategic choices to try to minimize penalties as your case moves through the court system.
What is Disability Insurance Fraud?
Disability insurance fraud involves any attempt to improperly obtain funds from Social Security Disability programs; from workers’ compensation insurers; or from private disability insurance providers. False applications and false claims are two of many examples of disability insurance fraud.
When the disability insurance fraud involves the Social Security Administration, the Federal False Claims Act provides significant financial incentives to whistleblowers who file qui tam claims that result in the government recovering funds. Accusations of disability fraud are common and those who have been accused of participation in any fraud scheme need to ensure they have aggressive legal representation to help fight the charges against them.
Types of Disability Insurance Fraud
Disability insurance fraud may involve:
- Making misleading statements on an application for a disability insurance policy when applying for private insurance coverage.
- Submitting a false application for benefits to the Social Security Administration.
- Making a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim.
- Exaggerating the extent or impact of a disability in order to obtain more benefits than your condition would entitle you to.
- Failing to report income earned to the Social Security Administration when receiving disability benefits.
- Failure to report improvements in your condition that could result in you no longer qualifying for disability benefits.
- Providing assistance to anyone who is making a false claim or exaggerating the extent of injuries or illnesses to qualify for disability income.
Disability fraud charges are not just brought against people who allegedly claim to be more disabled than they are so they don’t have to work. Many doctors, chiropractors, and other healthcare providers are frequently accused of participating in disability fraud schemes and providing misleading medical information to help individuals qualify for benefits they should not be receiving.
For example, a doctor or care provider who bills workers’ compensation for treatments for a disability when no such treatments are provided may be committing disability fraud. A doctor who provides assistance to a patient in exaggerating symptoms to qualify for disability coverage can also be guilty of a fraud crime.
Bukh Law Firm, PLLC provides legal representation to benefits applicants; policyholders; medical providers; and others accused of participation in a disability fraud scheme.
Penalties for Disability Insurance Fraud
Penalties for disability insurance fraud can vary significantly depending upon the scope of the fraud scheme, the amounts of money obtained, and your role in the scheme. The Social Security Act outlines penalties for fraud related to Social Security Disability claims in Section 1632. Under this act, the maximum penalty is five years imprisonment as well as fines.
There are myriad other state and federal charges you can face for submitting false claims for government benefits, or for insurance fraud on the state level. Your attorney can help you to understand all of the different charges and possible penalties and will assist in exploring defenses for each crime you have been accused of committing.
Contact a NY Disability Insurance Fraud Lawyer
A NY Disability insurance fraud lawyer at Bukh Law Firm, PLLC is here to help when you have been accused of fraud. Whether you are under investigation or have officially been charged, we are ready to come to your aid and fight for your future. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more .
