Could a post or tweet lead to lost disability benefits?

There is no denying the fact that social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have drastically changed the ways that people communicate and interact. Through their social media accounts Oklahoma residents can keep in touch with their friends and loved ones, keep up on the news and offer their opinions on current event topics. It is an excellent way to share with others, but also a pervasive way for others to learn about strangers.

Not long ago the Social Security Administration published a report that suggested it is looking into ways to monitor social media to see if disability benefits recipients are committing fraud. Benefits fraud occurs when someone receives benefits and they do not qualify. The report suggests that surveillance may be used to see if people are engaging in activities that prove they do not have disabilities or are otherwise able to work.

While social media monitoring may nab some who have defrauded the important system of disability benefits that provides millions of qualifying Americans with support, it may also erroneously identify men and women who qualify for benefits as possible defrauders. For example, an old picture of a person engaging in physical activity may be mistaken for a current image of someone who has received disability benefits for a debilitating injury.

At this time the Social Security Administration’s plan to monitor social media for this purpose is only a proposal. While anyone who uses social media should be mindful of what they share, disability benefits recipients should be aware that what they put online may someday be used as evidence to deny their disability claims.