IS SOCIAL SECURITY WATCHING YOU ON FACEBOOK?

Earlier this year, Social Security advised its administrative law judges that they cannot use the internet to investigate disability claimants.  Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oka) disagreed, stating that it deprives judges of a valuable tool for determining Social Security fraud.

Senator Coburn used this illustration, which I have paraphrased.  Suppose a person has applied for disability benefits.  A judge looks this person up on Face Book and finds there photos or a discussion of that person playing football or participating in his bowling tournament.  If the claimant had alleged severe back problems on his disability application, his credibility is called into question.

I have long advised my clients to avoid the social media.  I believe that to be good advice.  The internet remains the first place that investigators will look when checking up on your personal affairs.  This includes private insurance companies who may be paying out on a disability claim.  Though  you are not involved in fraud, why give the insurance company ammunition to shoot at you with - or to make allegations that you have to refute?

Use common sense but don't become paranoid.  It isn't necessary to avoid normal activities like vacations or going out to eat.  There's no need to stop going to church or to the grocery store.  As a rule, nobody from Social Security is going to follow you around to see what you're doing.  

Naturally, disability claims should be based on honesty.  If you don't have medical evidence to support your claim, you should not make false or misleading statements to make your case stronger.  Besides, that rarely works, anyway.  But it can cause you a lot of problems.