Can Social Security investigators spy on me after getting SSDI?

The process of applying for disability benefits from Social Security can be daunting, causing those who are already suffering an additional amount of stress. So, it can be unwelcome news to hear from someone that the Social Security Administration is going to “sic a dog on you” to make sure that you aren’t trying to cheat the system.

Fortunately, this is most likely not the case. Dr. Ed Weir, a former Social Security manager, was asked this question and he said, “I don’t think so.” That is as long as there is no doubts about fraud being involved.

Such an effort requires a lot of time and costly resources that, frankly, the government isn’t going to waste. That is unless there is probable cause to make them expend the effort. A private, profit-based insurer is another matter, as it is in their interest, and shareholders’, to deny a claim.

“I really don’t see that happening”

The expert with nearly two decades of experience as a district manager with Social Security explained in one of his informational posts on social media: “If there is fraud involved and they hear a case of some type of fraud, someone trying to manipulate the system just like workers comp… the [Office Inspector General] follows people around.”

Otherwise, “before the people even go and you know get approved for disability benefits. They’re following you to your consultative exam or something like that? Yeah, that’s, I really don’t see that happening,” he assured his audience.

There is another worry that concerns many beneficiaries, a Continuing Disability Review, or CDR, either for medical or work reasons. Again, Weir says not to sweat these. In fact, he says: “Stop stressing about CDRs.” Simply forget about them until you receive a notice that you’ll be receiving one.

In the event that that happens, which it definitely could as the SSA is required to do check-ups on those receiving disability benefits for periodic renewals, the former SSA district manager says to fill out the paperwork, send it in and then forget about it again. The impetus is on the SSA to prove that your situation has changed, not you having to jump through all the hoops that you had to do before to begin receiving benefits in the first place.

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