Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement to Obtain Social Security Benefits

            CONCORD - Linda Jackson, 64, of Mabank, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson received Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits for over 10 years.  During the application process, Jackson did not report she was living with someone as husband and wife and that he was paying for her living expenses.  They lived together in Marlborough, New Hampshire, and spent their winters in their other home in Mabank, Texas.  Had Jackson honestly reported her living and financial arrangement in her application, she would have been ineligible for SSI benefits.

            SSA occasionally interviewed Jackson to determine if she remained entitled to benefits.  In those interviews, Jackson again misrepresented her living and financial arrangement.  She also did not disclose her relationship with another individual whom she eventually married, the financial support he provided her, or her restaurant and catering business to SSA.  SSA became aware of Ms. Jackson’s husband when she applied for survivor’s benefits after his death.

            Jackson’s shared living arrangement and marriage, if properly reported, would have disqualified her from receiving benefits.  Applicants for certain disability benefits must have limited income and resources in order to qualify for assistant.  The incomes of all members of a household are considered when determining an individual’s eligibility for SSI benefits.  As a result of her concealment, Jackson received over $75,000 in benefits that she was not entitled to receive. 

            Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2020.

            “Federal benefits programs provide important financial support to needy beneficiaries,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who lie in order to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive are stealing from Social Security and cheating everyone who pays taxes to support the programs.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who swindle government programs for their personal financial gain.”    

            This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter. 

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