Social Security Whistleblower Lawyers
Experienced Lawyers for Social Security Whistleblower Cases Involving Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
If you have information about fraud, waste, or abuse under a federal Social Security program, you may be eligible to file a whistleblower claim with the federal government. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) accepts whistleblower complaints (and federal employees can file complaints under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA)), whistleblowers can also seek monetary rewards under the False Claims Act in some cases.
Our law firm serves as legal counsel for individuals who are considering coming forward with information about Social Security fraud, waste, and abuse. If you think you may be eligible to report fraud, waste, or abuse to the federal government, our attorneys can help you make an informed decision—and we can guide you forward if you decide to blow the whistle.
Our federal whistleblower team has extensive experience representing whistleblower clients in the public and private sectors. If you are eligible to come forward, we can help you expose fraud, waste, or abuse through the appropriate means. Social Security fraud results in the loss of billions of dollars in government funds every year, and whistleblowing is key for holding bad actors accountable.
Social Security Whistleblower Complaints Under the False Claims Act
Social Security whistleblowers can file complaints under the False Claims Act in cases involving healthcare fraud and other types of fraud involving entities and organizations. The False Claims Act serves as a means of grant oversight as well. Filing a qui tam complaint under the False Claims Act is a unique and complex process, so engaging an experienced whistleblower lawyer is essential.
Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, private citizens (and, in some cases, federal employees) can file lawsuits to recover taxpayer dollars on the government behalf. Individuals who come forward under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions have clear legal rights. Whistleblower rights under the False Claims Act include:
- The right to strict confidentiality
- The right to protection against retaliation in their employment
- The right to a monetary reward in successful cases
Recognizing the crucial role that whistleblowers play in exposing fraud, waste, and abuse, the False Claims Act entitles eligible whistleblowers to between 15% and 30% of the taxpayer dollars recovered in successful cases. Our whistleblower services include helping our clients maximize their reward eligibility and working to secure their rewards from the government on their behalf.
Protected Disclosures in Cases of Social Security Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (Federal Employees)
While federal employees are eligible to file claims under the False Claims Act in some cases, federal personnel will often need to make protected disclosures under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). As amended by the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA), the WPA protects federal personnel who make qualifying disclosures to authorized recipients. These include (but are not limited to):
- Agency Offices of Inspector General (OIGs)
- Congressional committees and subcommittees
- Designated agency officials and other authorized officials
- U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal law enforcement agencies
Federal personnel can make protected disclosures to non-governmental audiences in limited circumstances as well. Federal workers who disclose information about gross waste; gross mismanagement; risks to public health; and other forms of fraud, waste, and abuse related to Social Security programs are entitled to confidentiality and anti-retaliation protections under the WPA. If you are interested in coming forward but have concerns about facing retaliation from your employer, our lawyers can explain everything you need to know.
Why to Choose Our Social Security Whistleblower Law Firm
If you have questions about serving as a Social Security whistleblower, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. Here are just some of the reasons why whistleblowers nationwide choose Oberheiden P.C.:
We Are a Team of Highly Experienced Federal Whistleblower Attorneys
We are a team of highly experienced federal whistleblower attorneys. All of our attorneys are experienced in helping whistleblowers come forward. If you decide to come forward, our attorneys can work with the government during its investigation, and we can help protect your identity throughout the process.
We Also Handle Tax Fraud, Securities Fraud, Commodities Fraud, and Other Whistleblower Cases
Along with Social Security fraud cases, we handle tax fraud, securities fraud, commodities fraud, and other federal whistleblower cases as well. If you also have information that would be of interest to the Internal Revenue Service, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or any other federal authority, we can work with these authorities on your behalf as well.
We Represent Whistleblowers at No Out-of-Pocket Cost
Recognizing the critical role that whistleblowers play in exposing fraud, waste, and abuse under Social Security programs, we provide legal representation in these cases at no out-of-pocket cost. Our whistleblower attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. If you receive a monetary reward from the federal government, our legal fees will be calculated as a percentage of your reward. We will provide additional information during your free initial consultation.
We Help Prospective Whistleblowers Make Informed and Confident Decisions
Scheduling a free initial consultation does not obligate you to move forward with blowing the whistle. Our attorneys will evaluate the strength of your case and help you make an informed decision and confident decision about whether to come forward. If you decide to come forward, we will help you gather and organize your evidence of misconduct and present it to the government through the appropriate means.
We Help Our Clients Seek Financial Rewards When Warranted
If you become eligible to receive compensation for your efforts as a Social Security whistleblower, we will work with the government to collect your reward on your behalf. As we mentioned above, whistleblower rewards under the False Claims Act can range from 15% to 30% of the amount recovered—and this means that whistleblowers’ rewards can be substantial.
FAQs: Serving as a Social Security Whistleblower for the Federal Government
How do I file a whistleblower complaint involving Social Security fraud?
Filing a whistleblower complaint involving Social Security fraud involves coming forward through the appropriate means. Individuals in the private sector must make their disclosures to specific federal authorities—typically either the Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG) or the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) through a False Claims Act lawsuit filed in federal court.
Does the Social Security Administration (SSA) have a whistleblower program?
Yes, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG) accepts whistleblower complaints from federal employees and private citizens. However, unlike other federal whistleblower programs, the SSA’s whistleblower program does not include provisions for monetary rewards. As a result, Social Security whistleblowers will generally want to come forward under the False Claims Act when they are eligible to do so.
What legal protections are afforded to Social Security whistleblowers?
Broadly, Social Security whistleblowers are entitled to confidentiality protections and protection against retaliation in their employment. With that said, for Social Security Administration (SSA) employees, the whistleblower protections that are available depend on their specific role within the SSA. In all cases, we rely on our experience to protect our clients by all means available; and, in the unlikely event that you experience retaliation as a whistleblower, we will be prepared to immediately take appropriate legal action on your behalf.
Does the False Claims Act cover Social Security fraud?
The False Claims Act covers Social Security fraud in some cases. The False Claims Act has allowed private citizens (and, in some cases, federal employees) to report fraud to the government since 1863. Since then, False Claims Act whistleblowers have helped the government recover billions of dollars in misused government funds.
If you are eligible to come forward under the False Claims Act, our Social Security whistleblowers can take appropriate legal action on your behalf. This involves filing a qui tam lawsuit in federal district court and then working with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as it investigates your allegations of Social Security fraud.
What if my employer retaliates against me for blowing the whistle?
Whistleblower retaliation is specifically prohibited under the False Claims Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, and other federal laws. If your employer retaliates against you illegally, you will be entitled to seek remedies including double back pay, additional damages, and job reinstatement or placement (if desired). While the vast majority of whistleblowers do not experience retaliation, our attorneys provide representation in whistleblower retaliation cases as well, and we can file a retaliation claim on your behalf if necessary.
Contact the Social Security Whistleblower Attorneys at Oberheiden P.C.
Do you have questions about serving as a Social Security whistleblower? If so, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. Social Security whistleblowers play an important role in exposing fraud, waste, and abuse, and the government relies heavily on whistleblowers to come forward. To discuss your case with an experienced Social Security whistleblower lawyer at Oberheiden P.C. in strict confidence as soon as possible, call us at 866-320-3959 or inquire online today.