The current Social Security rules include employee operating instructions, Commissioner rulings, regulations, and the law. Therefore, there is a massive number of rules that Americans should take into account.
On the one hand, Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits are not for everyone. On the other hand, once you start receiving them because you are eligible, they may not last forever.
This money will be essential to make ends meet, so you may not want to lose it whatsoever. For example, if you are on Social Security retirement benefits and you go to jail for more than 30 consecutive days, the Administration will stop sending you checks.
Social Security rules you should take into account
It is impossible to know all the rules that Social Security has. However, there are things that you should take into consideration because they are a very serious matter. Do not forget that there could be penalties and they may vary depending on what you do and the number of times you do it.
The Administration takes fraud very seriously. If you know someone is making something illegal, you can report it. SSA has a great commitment to getting rid of all sorts of fraud. Then, Americans should follow the rules and support the SSA program by reporting fraud.
Hence, it is of vital importance to prevent and detect it so that fraud disappears and Americans do not have to pay for that heavy loss of money. Here are a few examples of fraud. For instance, if you make a false claim or statement. Not informing SSA of a death to continue collecting benefits is another crime.
Some people even buy or sell cards from the Social Security Administration, and that is illegal too. Other sign claims under another person’s Social Security number, but this is fraud too. Scammers and impersonators are also breaking the Social Security rules. Bribery and misuse of benefits are also illegal.
What could be the penalty for a false statement about Social Security benefits?
When someone makes a false statement or hides information to get monthly payments, there will be penalties. Undoubtedly, you will automatically lose the monthly benefits as soon as the Administration realizes about this fraud.
What is more, you will become ineligible for future Social Security payments. However, the length of this penalty will depend on the number of times that you have committed fraud.
For example, if it is the first time that Social Security finds out you are committing fraud, you will be ineligible for 6 months. It is the second time that you are doing something illegal, your ineligibility will last for 12 months.
The penalty will be of 24 months if you have been caught committing fraud for the third time. These are just a few simple examples, but if you are on disability benefits, make sure you inform the Administration if you have overcome your disability and can go back to work. Or else, you may lose your benefits.