far greater percentage of West Virginians
A collect Social Security disability benefits than the rest of the nation . For instance , a 2011 review found 9 percent of the state ’ s working-age population received benefits as compared to 4.6 percent nationally .
There ’ s no doubt many have legitimate disabilities , but such a high percentage also suggests some people may be gaming the system . Such a significant problem demands action .
That ’ s why my office recently partnered with federal authorities to launch a Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit ( CDI ), a first-of-itskind partnership in West Virginia designed to root out disability fraud before benefits are paid .
The Charleston CDI will consist of two investigators and an analyst from my office . Their salaries will be covered by the federal government as they work alongside representatives from the Social Security Administration , its Office of the Inspector General and the state ’ s Disability Determination Section ( DDS ).
Certain claims from Social Security or DDS will be investigated and analyzed and then turned over to disability examiners .
The unit ’ s report will help others make informed decisions and ensure payment accuracy , a formula that generates significant taxpayer savings for federal and state programs .
CDI has a proven track record . In Virginia , federal officials credit a Richmond unit with saving $ 1 million per month in federal funds and $ 700,000 in state funds – benefits otherwise awarded without CDI ’ s investigative work .
Nationwide , CDI projections show units as having saved Social Security programs $ 3.3 billion since the program ’ s inception in 1997 . That ’ s in addition to another $ 2.2 billion in savings for related programs .
The CDI program is one of Social Security ’ s most successful anti-fraud initiatives and its formation in
West Virginia should be a wake-up call for anyone who thinks about stealing from Social Security .
Such thievery comes at a tremendous cost to the taxpayer and jeopardizes a critical safety net for those who depend upon Social Security now and into the future .
While I firmly believe tackling such abuse is critical , those legitimately receiving disability benefits have no reason to worry . In fact , those are the very people we aim to protect .
By exaggerating or lying about one ’ s disability , the undeserving take from the poor , disabled and retired . They also contribute to the potential exhaustion of Social Security ’ s Disability Trust Fund , which just this past fall needed an act of Congress to maintain solvency past 2016 .
This recent legislation , which involved taking money from Social Security ’ s retirement fund , represents just a band-aid for a program scheduled to face bankruptcy yet again in 2022 .
This extreme action only reinforces the notion that Social Security fraud must be stopped , and now .
Disability fraud has been a generational issue for far too long – one untouched by the West Virginia ’ s leaders in the past . Fortunately , we are changing that with this unit ’ s formation . That is why I proudly join a program operating 37 units in 31 states , the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico – this is the beginning of a real cultural change in West Virginia .
I believe these partnerships are crucial for protecting taxpayer funds and reinforcing confidence in the government ’ s stewardship of this program . It is time for West Virginia to go after fraud more aggressively and reach her potential .
Patrick Morrisey serves as attorney general for West Virginia .
Photo credit : Photographee . eu
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 9