Perhaps you have been notified that there is a CDI (Cooperative Disability Investigation) pending regarding your claim for disability. You may be confused as to what a CDI is. Why are you being investigated? Should you be nervous?
Simply stated, a CDI is a process that reviews questionable disability claims and investigates cases of suspected disability fraud. The goal is to determine fraud before benefits are paid or when fraud is suspected.
As Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyers, we remind our clients that if you are legitimately disabled, you have nothing to hide. A CDI report may bolster your claim. For example, if you are observed limping into your house or using a cane to walk, your reported back pain gains credibility. On the other hand, if you have exaggerated your symptoms to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you might have some explaining to do after your CDI is completed.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A Cooperative Disability Investigation?
A CDI is a joint initiative involving the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), state Disability Determination Services (DDS), and State and local law enforcement agencies. Its primary goal is to uncover Social Security Disability claim fraud.
The process usually begins with a referral from the DDS or SSA to the CDI Unit. Fraud referrals also come from SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, private citizens, anonymous sources, and other law enforcement agencies. Social Security Disability fraud can involve malingering, filing multiple applications, concealing work or other activities, and exaggerating or lying about disabilities.
The CDI Unit Team Leader screens the referral. If it accepts the case, the Team Leader will work with the state or local law enforcement members of the team to investigate the allegation by interviewing the applicant and third parties and/or conducting surveillance of the applicant.
Upon completion of the investigation, a report is sent to DDS, where DDS staff serves as the ultimate decision-making entity in determining whether a person is eligible to receive a monthly disability benefit payment. If the individual is already receiving benefits, DDS and/or SSA will determine if the person’s benefits should be continued or terminated. In some cases, there is the possibility of criminal prosecution, financial penalties, or administrative sanctions.
If you receive notice of an investigation for Social Security Disability fraud, you should contact your attorney first. Feel free to ask your attorney questions regarding CDI and how it may impact your Social Security Disability claim. Just remember that as long as you were honest in completing your disability claim paperwork, a CDI is likely not harmful to your claim.
As a law firm that solely practices disability law, Parmele Law Firm has the experience (135+ years), competency (over 55,000 favorable decisions), and integrity to guide you through what can be a confusing, long, tedious process. If you’re considering filing a disability claim, call us today at 866-889-2570 to schedule your no-cost consultation.
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