Just when you think that the federal government could not be more moronic in the spending of money, you read a story like this. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been approving disability benefits for hundreds of Puerto Ricans because they do not speak English. However, these “disabled” individuals are living in a predominantly Spanish-speaking territory. Having worked for the Puerto Rico House of Representatives years ago, the story seemed to me a belated April Fool’s joke but it appears to be true.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that the SSA was misapplying a rule that is intended to provide financial assistance to individuals who are illiterate or cannot speak English in the United States. Under the rules, Puerto Ricans are allowed to receive disability benefits for their inability to speak English as well. I am not sure of the basis for the original rule as a form of disability, but speaking Spanish in Puerto Rico should have been obvious to anyone as not a disability — even in the often twisted logic of bureaucrats. However, the SSA decided that a person applying for disability in Puerto Rico who cannot speak English “may increase his/her likelihood of receiving disability benefits.” What is equally bizarre is that the agency does not even keep track of how many beneficiaries who receive disability insurance for not being able to speak English.
The OIG located 218 such cases of Puerto Ricans were awarded disability due to “an inability to communicate in English.” This included hearings where people were asked to speak, read, write, and understand English. (That itself would appear a curious hearing since the person needs only fail to respond to English and not read or write in English to presumably show this particular “disability.”).
Once again, however, there is no indication that anyone will be fired or disciplined in any way for this waste of money.
Tell me Mr. Astronaut.
Aren’t the police supposed to do the arresting? I didn’t know the police had to sub-contract out to PIs.
So I guess prosecutors rely on PIs, too, huh?
I guess being a policeman isn’t like Hill Street Blues at all.
Good thing I decided to be a submarine captain.
If one is civil, one deserves civilty in return, otherwise they deserve what they hand out.
I’m a Princess.
Juris, I KNOW there are honest attorneys. When I worked for the prosecutors office as an investigator in KC, the chief was relentless in requiring honesty and integrity from the entire staff. I’ve spoken about those days here previously. And, while they and myself battled defense attorneys tooth and nail, it was always w/ mutual respect. We put some of their very bad clients away, and over beers, those defense attorneys would acknowledge that. I have a dear friend who was a Public Defender. We have remained friends for almost 40 years now, many miles apart. I socialize w/ attorneys who are good, honest, people and some of my best friends. I’m tough on attorneys, because they deserve it. I feel confident you are one of the good ones. Your civility speaks volumes.
I’m a submarine captain.
This is an internet comment board. We can be anything we want. I’m an astronaut.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t eagerly await the exiting details of all of the killers and rapists jailed by an obvious hero (can’t wait to click the links!). Admit it, this is a rare find. Most cops go through their entire careers without jailing even one killer or rapist let alone multiples of each. Thank the lord for private investigators.
I so loved The Rockford Files. Jim Rockford jailed rapists and killers on a weekly basis (even more often in syndication!).
What incredible heroes (and I do mean “incredible”).
fiver – I have just started re-watching Magnum, P.I., great fun.
My daughter has been an attorney for 9 years and she still is honest! LOL. I raised her well I guess.
The search for truth… the lifelong journey. I share in that sentiment. I have been an attorney for a mere 7 years, but strive for truth every day. I joke with friends that I am one of the only honest attorney they know. In my short career, I have learned that most people don’t tell the truth, especially clients. I don’t do criminal work, mainly civil litigation. A big part of my job is being a PI.
Juris – people like to hold themselves out in the best light. Though you may think they are lying to you, they may just be withholding the truth. 🙂
Sounds better than spying on Aunt LuLu who was on Workman’s Comp.
Since when do historians, teachers, prison guards, hotel dicks, and PIs put killers and rapists in prison?
Are we missing some of the CV? Was he a judge? a prosecutor? a cop?
And regarding the lines at the DMV?
Cry me a river. It’s what you want.
It’s called smaller government.
You know. All those damned gubernmen’ workers you want to see fired.
Sorry it’s turned out to be so inconvenient.
Thanks, Juris. That’s kind of you to say. Been a PI for 35 years. Finding truth is one of the most rewarding a job as one can have. Working putting killers and rapists in prison was more rewarding, but that kind of work takes its toll. And, it doesn’t pay well.
Juris, when an honest PI gets info on people they base it on real occurances, not on conjecture and insinuation as some dishonest PI’s do.
And my commendation was sincere. I despise fraudsters and liars, especially those looking for the free ride. Your profession plays a vital role for the rest of us hard working honest folks.
Nick, does asking for backup for assertions somehow make the discussion vapid? Or is there just no need to reply when you are called out on BS and can’t defend your position?
“SSI and Disability has been opened up to all by this Administration.” I have already proven you wrong on the disability part of this (in fact the percentage increase when down since 2002). Is the mere fact that baby boomers began retiring in staggering numbers during this Administration make the Administration the culprit in more social security retirement benefits being paid? Or does it make the discussion vapid?
Yeah, I too would like to hear more about those “protected classes” having an easier time qualifying for SS Disability.
DBQ, See what I mean. No need to reply to vapidity.
Juris, No thanks needed. Exposing liars and frauds is extremely rewarding work, both personally and financially. Working hard is its own reward.
DBQ: “It is easier and easier to qualify for disability and especially so if you are a protected class.”
I disagree with this statement, but invite you to enlighten me. What do you base these assertions on?
@Ingannie
If you mean the Disability shortage, its simple. Just transfer money. If you mean the main fund, remove the upper limits on ss taxable income. Which is now $118,500. That is preferable to upping the age limits. I also think they need to raise SS to at least min wages amount for everybody. Some poor people get only $600 or so per month.
PS: Do you know how to contact JT or Darren??? I have a great story for them to do an article on, Killing Dogs Over Unpaid Fines.
http://money.cnn.com/interactive/pf/pet-fines/?iid=Lead
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter