Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 21:11
My 7 year old nephew is Autistic and receives SSI monthly. Due to his mother's extreme personal diffiiculties we are concerned that this is not being used for his benefit nor saved for him. Is there a way that it can be monitored and checked closely to ensure the money is used for it's intent, to help him and for his future? What steps do I take and who should I contact to investigate this potential abuse?
Social Security abuse
I'm sure you do not need me to tell you this, but here goes: You should be very careful about reporting abuse unless you know exactly what is going on. Raising a child with autism can be extremely difficult and financially ruinous, and I'm sure you do not want to make the situation worse. Having said that, if you have some evidence that the SSI benefits for the autistic child are not being properly used, you might try contacting the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. I believe they will answer basic questions, off the record and without the use of names, to allow you figure out what the mother should be doing with the funds. In cases where the representative payee is clearly not adhering to the rules regarding that arrangement, you can also report fraud and abuse at the website of the Inspector General.