According to the Associated Press, last week, an Iowa woman was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of Social Security fraud.
The AP reported that Sharon Jean Manchester, a 51 year-old resident of Farragut, Iowa, was sentenced to a year and one day in prison, and three years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment. Earlier this year, Manchester pleaded guilty to committing Social Security Fraud from October 2008 to July of 2013.
As a part of her plea, Manchester was also ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $48,815.93. The Social Security Administration, along with the Fremont County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, Page County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, began to investigate Manchester after she claimed that she did not receive financial support from her husband, co-defendant Andrew Manchester, which was proven to be untrue.
Andrew has pleaded guilty to charges of possession of a false document and is awaiting sentencing, according to the AP.
Can I Collect Social Security Benefits If My Spouse Works?
This case should serve as a reminder that you should always be truthful when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Additionally, you should always report your household income accurately if you receive SSI, as a failure to do so could have long lasting consequences.
Remember, SSDI benefits are determined by how much you have paid into the system and for how long. It is not a need-based program, as recipients have to have work credits. However, SSI has a maximum benefit payable per month, an amount that could reduce because of additional income or assets in your household.
If you ever have questions about Social Security benefits, you should contact our attorney today who can help you through the application process. Call our office at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
