man using social media

The Government May Use Social Media to Determine Your SSD Eligibility

Social media is a great form of expression for many people. But unfortunately, sometimes that expression can be misinterpreted to our disadvantage. In fact, the federal government may just use your social media pages to decide whether or not you are eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. 

According to an article in the New York Times, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may start using your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the like, to see if you post anything that could signify that your claim is fraudulent. 

Misinterpretation and Inference Matter

Since SSD benefits were intended to help the more than 10 million Americans unable to work who are currently using them, as a means for having income to pay for the cost of living expenses. Therefore if someone posts something that can be interpreted in a manner in which one could infer that you are not disabled as you claim, it can be a red flag for the SSA.

For instance, if you are receiving benefits for your claim that you were completely paralyzed in an accident, but you post a video of yourself playing basketball, the video can cause the SSA to reject your claim – even if the video you posted was taken before the accident when you were totally able-bodied. In other words, the problem with the SSA using your social media to support or deny your claim is that a lot of what people post isn’t in real-time. People will often post pictures and videos from past vacations and other events. 

In other words, it’s not so much the intention behind your posting, but rather how it can be perceived. For this reason,the-goverment-may-use-social-media-to-determin-your-ssd-eligibility it’s in your own best interest to think – and think again – before you post anything on your social media pages. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Privacy Online

Those who do not wish to give up their social media should just bear in mind that there are certain things that they can do to increase their likelihood of privacy. Such things include:

  1. Avoiding placing all of your personal information on your pages. While you may elect to post your first name, you may want to refrain from sharing your birthday, city of residence, and last name. Instead you may want to use your first name and middle name as your full name, or first name and a nickname so that people cannot find you easily by searching your name.
  2. It’s best to assume that your profiles will never truly be private. However, with that being said, social media platforms generally default all profiles to public. Therefore be sure to switch your profile to private and share things only with your family and friends, or others to whom you are connected on your profile.
  3. Finally, since you are assuming that your profile can always potentially be seen by someone whom you don’t want to see it, be sure to post as though your worst enemy could see what you share. In the same vein, assume that the SSA and the federal government can see whatever you share. Then post accordingly.

The Las Vegas SSD Attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC Can Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability that prevents you from being able to work, you may not know how to proceed. Fortunately, the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can help. We understand the impact that a disability can have on your physical, emotional, and financial health. That’s why it’s our mission to help you. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!