About the Office
OI conducts and coordinates investigative activity related to fraud,
waste, abuse, and mismanagement in SSA programs and operations including
wrongdoing by individuals such as applicants, grantees, or contractors
perpetrating criminal activity against SSA programs and operations.
OI also investigates allegations of employee misconduct in the performance
of their official duties.
This office serves as the OIG liaison to the Department of Justice
on all matters relating to investigations of SSA programs and personnel,
and the office reports to the Attorney General when OIG has reason
to believe Federal criminal law has been violated.
OI works with other investigative agencies and organizations on
special projects and assignments.
In support of its mission, OI carries out and maintains an internal
quality assurance system.
Field Divisions
| Headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland.
OI is divided into Field Divisions with offices in approximately
60 cities.
|
The Field Divisions are:
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Denver
Kansas City
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia
Seattle |
 |
Programs
Cooperative Disability
Investigations
Background
Established in 1998, the CDI program is a joint effort among
Federal and State agencies to effectively pool resources for the
purpose of preventing fraud in SSA's Title II and Title XVI disability
programs and related Federal and state programs.
SSA's Office of Operations and the Office of the Inspector General
(OIG) manage the CDI Program. At OI Headquarters, the CDI National
Coordinator is responsible for updating operating policy and coordinating
activities connected with this major anti-fraud initiative.
As of FY 2009, there are 20 CDI Units in operation to combat wide-spread
disability fraud. Further expansion above the current FY 2009
level (20 teams) is contingent upon available funding.
In the field, CDI Units are typically comprised of one OIG Special
Agent (Team Leader), two Investigators on detail from State or
local law enforcement agencies (LEA), and one SSA Management Support
Specialist or equivalent position and one DDS analyst or examiner.
Mission
The mission of the CDI program is to obtain evidence of material
fact sufficient to resolve questions of fraud in SSA's Title II
and Title XVI disability programs.
This effort supports the Agency's strategic goal of ensuring superior
stewardship of SSA programs and resources by preventing fraudulent
and erroneous payments and improving debt management; increasing
the accuracy of earnings records; strengthening the integrity
of the Social Security Number; efficiently managing Agency finances
and assets, and effectively linking resources to performance outcomes.
These measures are also designed to ensure public confidence in
the integrity of SSA's programs and operations. Mission objectives
are accomplished through the combined skills, cooperation and
specialized knowledge of OIG, SSA, DDS and State or local LEA
personnel in combating disability fraud.
Objectives
Relying on the combined skills and specialized knowledge of the
Social Security Administration's OIG, Operations, Disability Programs,
DDS, and State and Local Law Enforcement, CDI Units.
Providing the DDS with a Report of Investigation (ROI) and investigative
evidence, e.g., video surveillance evidence, for use in making
timely and accurate disability eligibility determinations.
Seeking criminal and/or civil prosecution of applicants and beneficiaries
and referring cases for consideration of Civil Monetary Penalties
and administrative sanctions when appropriate.
Identifying, investigating, and seeking prosecution of doctors,
lawyers, interpreters, and other third parties who facilitate
and promote disability fraud.
Fugitive Felon Program
Law enforcement agencies can help SSA by sharing information about
fugitive felons, parole violators, and probation violators with
SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
In cooperation with local law enforcement agencies in various
locations throughout the United States, SSA's OIG is matching
the wanted persons files provided by the participating law enforcement
agency against SSA's computer files of individuals receiving Title
XVI payments, Title II benefits and/or serving as representative
payees.
When there is a match, the OIG:
Verifies the identity of the individual.
Ensures that the warrant is active.
Works with local law enforcement to attempt to locate the person.
Refers the case to the local Social Security office for suspension
of benefits.
Participation in the Fugitive Felon Program
Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies interested
in participating in a matching program for the purpose of identifying
fugitive felons, parole violators, and probation violators should
contact the nearest OIG office or the SSA regional fugitive felon
coordinator. Contact any Social Security office for the name and
phone number of the coordinator for your area.
Exchange of Information
In addition to matching wanted persons files, OIG and SSA are
authorized by law to release to a Federal, State, or local law
enforcement officer the current address, Social Security number,
and photograph (if available), of individuals receiving Title
XVI payments or Title II benefits, and/or serving as representative
payees, who are fleeing to avoid prosecution for a crime which
is a felony or fleeing to avoid custody or confinement after conviction
for a crime which is a felony; or individuals receiving Title
XVI payments or Title II benefits who are violating a condition
of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law.
Law enforcement officials may contact the nearest OIG office or
any Social Security office for this information.
Requests to SSA OIG must be made in writing on the law enforcement
agency letterhead and include the following:
The name of the person being sought.
Other identifying information; for example, date of birth and
Social Security number.
Confirmation that the person is fleeing to avoid prosecution for
a crime which is a felony; fleeing to avoid custody or confinement
after conviction for a crime which is a felony; or is violating
a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal
or State law.
Certification that the requesting official's duties include the
location or apprehension of the person.
Performance Results
|
Calendar Year 2008 Investigative Results
|
| Allegations Received |
121,020 |
| Cases Opened |
9,468 |
| Cases Closed |
10,068 |
| Arrests |
1,555 |
| Indictments/Informations |
1,225 (929 Indictments, 296 Informations) |
| Criminal Prosecutions |
2,006 (320 Pre Trial Diversions,
1,686 Sentencings |
| Civil/CMPs |
432 |
www.socialsecurity.gov
