Philadelphia Social Security / Philadelphia Welfare Fraud Lawyers

If you give false information on an application to try to receive welfare benefits or you give false information to receive social security benefits, then you could be charged with fraud. An attorney can often assist you with these charges and craft a defense that can be used in court if you did not knowingly provide false information or explain the options that could be available if you are guilty of the charges that have been filed. You need to seek the assistance of a Philadelphia attorney who can assist with these matters as soon as possible so that all of the documents and details that you have can be reviewed and submitted in court.

Aside from issuing copies of social security cards, the Social Security Administration also issues various types of benefits to veterans, those who are retired, and those who are disabled and are no longer able to work. There are also different types of welfare programs that you can apply for including food stamp benefits or temporary assistance until you’re able to get back to work. At times, you could give false information during the application process or during a review of the benefits that you already receive. If this happens, there are usually a few options that you have to try to rectify the information that you provided. However, if you do not contact the office or you continue to give false information, then you could be charged with fraud. This is when you need to seek help from an attorney who can walk you through the steps of what you should do about the benefits that you have received and how to possibly avoid going to jail if you are guilty of making false statements.

Sometimes, you could face federal charges instead of just a misdemeanor or a felony simply because you received benefits from a government agency and committed fraud against the agency. There are several ways that you could commit welfare or social security fraud including providing false information about your income, how many people live in your home, or a disability that you claim to have. Keep in mind that most states do have the means to prosecute those who are charged with these types of fraudulent acts, which could keep you from receiving federal charges.

Although the most common type of fraud involves making false statements during the application or review process, you can also be charged if you misuse the benefits that you receive. If you receive food stamp benefits, you could be charged with fraud if you sell them or if you try to purchase non-food items that aren’t approved under the program. Another way that you can be charged is if you try to obtain a social security card by giving false information or if you try to sell social security cards to those who are not legally able to obtain them. Failing to provide information about drug convictions when applying for benefits can also result in fraud charges along with not reporting if you are on probation or parole or if you have any outstanding warrants.

An attorney can review the charges against you to determine what information the agency claims you falsified. A possible defense would be that you were not aware of details that you gave that were false at the time or that you mistakenly included details that should have been changed.

Social security benefits are payments received from the Social Security Administration (SSA) based on eligibility requirements. This means that you were eligible to receive monthly payments based on certain information such as age and/or income. What many people don’t know is that in Philadelphia and around the county the SSA actively seeks information about those committing social security fraud. Thus, if you are innocent or weren’t aware that the information you provided was false, someone could report you to the SSA for social security fraud.

What is Social Security Fraud in Philadelphia?

Since social security is a program administered by the federal government, social security fraud is defined by the federal code. This federal criminal code is found under 42 U.S. Code 408. According to this federal statute it is illegal to provide any fraudulent information to the SSA for the purpose of obtaining social security benefits.

The fraudulent information given to the SSA obtain monthly payments includes, but is not limited to:

1. You made a false statement to obtain social security benefits
2. You hid information such as income and assets that would affect your eligibility or amount of money you’d receive.
3. You provided false or illegal social security number to earn and/or receive social security payments.

Fraudulent information is not limited to providing false information to the SSA. For example, you could be charged with social security fraud if you did not report the death of a beneficiary. It is illegal for anyone to collect social security benefits of someone who has died. You can also be charged if you sell counterfeit social security numbers.

It’s imperative that you contact a lawyer immediately if you or a loved one is accused of social security fraud. You need to understand your rights and the federal court process.

Penalties for Social Security Fraud in Philadelphia

Federal law differs from Commonwealth law when it comes to fraud cases. This means that a fraud charge in Philadelphia doesn’t have the same type of prison time as fraud in a federal court. There are two types of penalties for social security fraud. For example, if you are convicted of providing false information to the SSA, you face five years in federal prison.

However, you face more time if you are convicted to selling or financial benefiting from social security fraud such as selling social security numbers. You face approximately 10 years in federal prison.

The federal judge may make you pay a $250,000 fine. You also may have to pay all the money you received from the SSA. Thus, in addition to time in prison, you may pay a lot of money to the federal government.

Defenses to Social Security Fraud

You exact defense will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. For instance, you will have a different defense to social security fraud if you are accused of selling social security numbers than if you misused funds. Some common defenses to fraud involving social security include innocence, an alibi and no intent to defraud the government.

Contact us Regarding Your Philadelphia Social Security Fraud Case

Our Law Firm is dedicated to representing people in Philadelphia who are accused of social security fraud. The federal government does not play around when it comes to this type of criminal charge. They are out to prove your guilt, even if there’s a lack of evidence. Contact our law firm for representation. You have the right to defend yourself against this charge. You also have the right to have a legal team fighting hard to prove your innocence. We are that legal team. Contact us today for a free consultation.