Any of our Los Angeles readers who pay even a little attention to the daily news cycles know that government agencies are under constant scrutiny. After all, some recent polls have been showing that the public perception of the federal government has never been more negative. A sense of gridlock and inefficiency seems to be ruling the day.
So, when reports come out that the Social Security Administration has been distributing Social Security Disability benefits to people who are actually dead, the outrage can be somewhat understandable. The Social Security Administration is responsible for the distribution of millions of dollars in benefits every month.
The reports indicate that the Office of the Inspector General conducted an audit at the SSA that revealed the problem. In fact, the OIG audit indicated that the problem is likely far more significant than even the instances that they uncovered. There is little doubt that the results of this audit will likely become the topic of Congressional hearings on the topic very soon.
Anyone who is currently going through the application process for SSD benefits – or who has actually been denied benefits – is likely to be particularly offended by the notion of the SSA distributing millions of dollars to people who are already dead and don’t need the financial assistance. However, it is also important to remember that there are millions of Americans who are receiving the exact financial assistance that they need through this important program. More information about this controversy may yet come to light.
Source: freebeacon.com, “Social Security Paid 740 Dead People At Least $17.1 Million,” Elizabeth Harrington, March 13, 2015
