On April 15, President Donald Trump signed a new memorandum aimed at curbing Social Security benefits for individuals without legal status in the United States. This action affects people who did not establish their ‘My Social Security’ accounts before September 18. The decision has significant implications for individuals attempting to access Social Security benefits without proper legal status and those using fraudulent documents or false identities.
The memorandum, which was signed after President Trump presented the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football team at the White House, aims to address Social Security fraud more aggressively. It expanded the Social Security Fraud Prosecutor Program to at least 50 U.S. attorney offices and established a Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution program in 15 U.S. attorney offices, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
This move comes as former President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver a keynote address in Chicago at the Advocates, Counsellors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference. Biden is expected to discuss Trump’s threat to Social Security and highlight concerns regarding the potential impact on benefits for eligible individuals.
The signed declaration directs the SSA Office of the Inspector General to begin investigating earnings reports for individuals aged 100 or older with mismatched Social Security records in an effort to prevent identity theft. Michelle L. Anderson, the Assistant Inspector General for Audit, who oversees a team of auditors, criminal investigators, and specialists, will play a key role in enforcing this investigation.
The memorandum also calls for reinstating civil monetary penalties for individuals engaging in Social Security fraud. This effort, which has been paused for several years, will now be revived in an attempt to hold wrongdoers accountable. Leavitt stated that taxpayer-funded benefits should be reserved for eligible taxpayers, implying that individuals unlawfully accessing these benefits, including illegal immigrants, need to be scrutinised.
A White House document clarifies that the policing of Social Security Act fraud is essential, as it covers not only traditional Social Security for older Americans but also other critical programs such as unemployment insurance, disability insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and TANF.
The memorandum primarily impacts those attempting to access Social Security benefits fraudulently. However, it does not affect lawful immigrants or U.S. citizens who are entitled to benefits. This move is a part of the ongoing effort to reduce fraud and ensure that Social Security programs remain secure and sustainable for those who are truly eligible.
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