Do they do an investigation when you file for disability?   Someone in a discussion forum asked this question: "When you apply for disability, do they investigate you? Do they send someone to follow you and see if you really are disabled?" Some might find this question humorous. However, it is a reasonable question. After all, when it comes to workers compensation or personal injury claims, a claimant may find themselves at the other end of a recording device, being recorded as they bring in the groceries, take out the trash, do minor yard work, or even play with their dog. All of which is ridiculous. Fortunately, as Social Security Disability and SSI are federal disability benefit programs, there is no profit motive to rear its head in the evaluation process to determine eligibility for SSD or SSI. In other words, if you file for SSD or SSI benefits, the social security administration will not dispatch "hired goons" to watch your various activities. That said, however, it is best to mention this one reality of being on disability, which is the fact that one's neighbors may, for whatever reason(s), decide to report a person for fraud if a) they know the individual is on disability and b) they see the individual doing anything other than sitting in a wheelchair. Because these kinds of unsolicited "fraud reports" are fairly common, they tend to get ignored. Very often, it just boils down to a neighbor being a busybody who has an axe to grind. But even so, for this very reason, a person on disability may wish to be careful about any personal information they disclose (such as being on disability) to individuals outside their personal circle, such as friends and family. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How to file for disability in Arkansas Is Rental Income Counted Against My Social Security Disability Check? Calling Social Security about a disability case Getting SSI for children when parents get disability Social Security Disability and financial resources Filing for disability with alcoholism Filing for disability with hypermobility How long to get a Social Security decision letter? How to file for disability in New York Social Security medical disability determination process How to file for disability in North Dakota Why does disability get denied? SSD Notice of Award Question Social Security Disability Award Letter Following an Approval Social Security Disability and trying to work Antisocial Personality Disorder and Filing for Disability