Many people who are entitled to Social Security Disability (SSD) rely on those benefits in order to survive. This can mean that any errors will have serious consequences in their lives, such as the inability to meet monthly mortgage, car and food expenses.
This is the unfortunate situation that one 48-year-old woman is currently facing. She suffers from hearing loss, speech problems and depression. She receives SSD benefits and relies on the $600 per month payment in order to live.
So when she realized that the amount did not end up in her bank account, she was naturally concerned. She immediately contacted the Social Security Administration (SSA), but was told that her direct deposit was sent to another financial institution.
The SSA says they thought she had changed her account, even though she did not. This is a major mistake that the SSA should be able to address with more than simply a shrug of the shoulders.
So how can a major mistake like this occur? Local law enforcement agencies are investigating the situation as a scam, which it may well be. On the other hand, it is possible that a mistake was made by the SSA, or that there is some other problem at the SSA.
If it does turn out to be a scam, and not a mistake on the part of the SSA, it is certainly worrisome that this type of scam could occur at the SSA. If her bank account was changed, then presumably documentation including the woman’s signature would have to be on file with the SSA.
In any event, perhaps the SSA should consider revising their security measures in order to protect SSD recipients. Doing so could prevent disabled individuals from becoming victims of fraud and losing their much needed benefits.
Georgia residents who receive SSD benefits should always be on alert about the problems that can occur when dealing with the SSA, and the difficulties in having problems resolved.
Source: abc-7.com, “Woman scammed out of disability check,” April 5, 2012
