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Improper Payments vs. Criminal Fraud in Social Security

The distinction between improper payments and criminal fraud in the context of the Social Security Administration, including the roles of audits, investigations, and prosecutions.

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Jan 15, 2026
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How do auditors and Congress distinguish between ‘improper payments’ and criminal fraud in SSA program oversight?

Auditors and Congress draw a clear legal and operational line between improper payments—mistakes, administrative errors, or beneficiary reporting failures—and criminal fraud, which requires knowing mi...