Regarding social security disability insurance: If a...

[gardengeek58]

...person receives an SSDI check, for having Hepatitis C? (this person has not worked for over 5 years and only recently filed for SSDI) Does the SSDI check have to pay for that persons living expenses???? This person lives with their wealthy mother who pays all the bills. He has been on methadone maintenance for over 20 years and abuses alcohol daily. As far as being disabled, He is NOT. He just doesn't want to work. He has a voracious appetite and is 100lbs overweight. He is laughing at the system, has a Dr who is willing to fill out papers to show how "sick" he is , and plans to use his check for drugs and entertainment. Bottom line. Should I report this person for fraud???????

[patpatpitpit]

You can't report them unless they've already started to get the assistance. He doesn't get too much help from the doc that signed the "he's sick" papers, since he'll be examined by other docs to see if he qualifies. They also take into account the living situation and the income of people in his household. Plus, if he's got a noted drug problem, then they will be testing the individual from time to time, to make sure he's not aggravating his disability.

www.ssa.gov (http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html#part5)

[willie j]

Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask

[Leopardlady]

I sooo hate cheats! There are so many people who do need ssi and what have you that cannot get it for one reason or another, getting denied, etc. it's pitiful. To know someone who is trying for it, who does not need it and probably will get it, just makes me sick. That's money that someone in need could definately use. The doc should be reported as well, if indeed he does write up the dx for this guy and is lying about the condition of his patient.I know a few folks personally who do need it; they cannot work any longer. They have been denied, and had to hire lawyers. The lawyers take a big chunk out of their settlement. Sure, they get a lump sum then a monthly after, but gosh, the monthly payments are very small in most cases, not enough to live on. They've had to live in shelters, with medical conditions, some homeless for a time. So sad! I've never known anyone personally who has tried to fleece the system, and you better believe if I did, they would be reported.However, if this guy does have hc, then he can qualify. Drug addicts do qualify as well.

[chiliswoman]

You haven't said anything that doesn't qualify this person for SSDI. He paid into Social Security and if he now has a disability according to the doctor - he qualifies. We do not have the right to tell anyone how to spend the money they get from Social Security anymore than anyone has the right to tell you how to spend your paycheck.The person you do need to report is the doctor. Hhe/ she is the one who is at fault here.

[tmblweed]

You'll need their ss number, but yeah, I'd do it too.

[Dianne m]

SSDI isn't automatic just by filing an application. He will be scrutinized by medical professionals, not just his Dr. If, at some point, he does get approved you may report any suspected fraud and request an investigation. Relax, legitimate persons w/ disabilities detest seeing someone "milk" the system so you'll get plenty of support here when the time comes, if it does.

[bfpmd4077]

I hate to be like this but I have to say that YES you should report him. There are plenty of people out there who are truly disabled and need SSDI etc.... If the system keeps paying it to all of the frauds out there one day there wont be any left. Not to mention the other fact that if he does recieve a payment this individual is taking money out of YOUR and MY paycheck each week for his living expenses.

[whaticantbeme]

Sorry to say but it isn't fraud. If he recieves then he can spend the money on whatever. It's like people who get child support kind of. Do the parents keep track of every penny they spend on the child? I know I don't. Hopefully this guy will get some help with his alcohol problem though. If he continues to drink to excess the Hep C will only get worse and fast and he could die from it.

[Yin&Yang]

Sounds like you're sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Also you are judging someone whose body you aren't living in. SSDI is not easy to get nor is it just handed to everyone who applies. It is a tough screening process that multiple doctors need to agree that there is a disability that fits the criteria they require.Your question sounds like it is bordering on envy that you need to work for a living..... and let them spend their check on whatever they want to buy and shorten their life span. Whats it to you?