While we all condemn misuse of the Social Security disability programs, the recent news that approximately 100 former police officers, fire fighters and others were indicted this week in New York City for allegations of fraudulently obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance benefits should not distract us from the real problem.
Every day I see folks in my office who are genuinely disabled…and who are waiting unacceptably long for approval of their applications for benefits. We cannot allow the bad behavior of a relative few jeopardize the crucial benefits of the millions of Americans with significant disabilities and severe illnesses who depend on these programs.