On occasion, we take on a client and discover that their electronic file with Social Security contains a “CDIU Report.” This report is typically the product of an investigation requested by Social Security. The typical pattern that we see with these investigations is that an individual who has applied for disability benefits will be approached by a police officer. The officer will then conduct a “pretext interview” in which they may suggest that there is a concern about identity theft as a pretext for obtaining a lot of information about the applicant. They may also interview neighbors or other individuals who know the applicant for disability.
Individuals tend to disclose a lot of information in these interviews, which can be videotaped. This information can later be used to damage credibility.
If you are an applicant for disability benefits and you are approached by a police officer at home or while you are out, be aware that there is a small chance that the officer is trying to obtain information about you that could be damaging for your application for disability benefits. If this happened in your case, you should discuss the interview with an attorney and discuss how to respond to any damaging information in the report.