If you’re disabled in Southern California and you need to receive disability benefits, let an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyer help. The first bit of advice might seem obvious – you must be honest. If you try to receive disability payments fraudulently, it’s a crime, and you’ll be caught and punished. In May, for example, U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason sentenced Amancio Zamora Agcaoili, a U.S. Postal Service employee, to 30 months in jail and three years of supervised probation after he pled guilty to Social Security disability fraud amounting to more than $365,000, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin R. Feldis. Agcaoili, a 57-year-old Alaskan native, faked his injuries, received payments from two different programs, and lied about the payments and injuries, according to court records.
How Fraud Is Detected
A multiyear investigation by the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Postal Service led to Agcaoili’s arrest in 2014. That investigation determined that Agcaoili faked his disability claims, hid the fact that he was working while collecting payments, and collected payments from both Social Security and workers’ compensation at maximum value at the same time. Agcaoili even walked with a cane when he had to visit Social Security offices. According to court records, Agcaoili also took vacations to Hawaii, Canada, and the Philippines.
Protecting Yourself and Your Claim
The majority of Social Security disability recipients are honest, hardworking people whose disabilities prevent them from working. If you are disabled in the Los Angeles area, whether you have not yet applied, have been denied, or are currently navigating the application process, it’s critical to work with an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyer.
Legal guidance ensures your claim is handled properly, reduces mistakes, and helps secure the benefits you are legitimately entitled to. Starting the process early can save time and stress, so make the call promptly.