A Seabrook man has pleaded guilty to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits.

Thomas McGrath III, 65, applied for disability in February of 2011 and agreed to report any work earnings, according to officials at the Department of Justice.

McGrath worked as a carpenter's assistant from January of 2015 to at least the beginning of March in 2020. Officials say he concealed this employment, even though he was told that he could earn income while continuing to receive some SSDI payments.

The administration has a Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program.

Officials say due to his scheme, McGrath received almost $54,000 in SSDI benefits he was not entitled to receive.

Acting U.S. Attorney John Farley said in a statement on Wednesday that disability benefits provide important financial support for people who are unable to work.

"When individuals lie about their ability to work, they are stealing benefits that they are not entitled to receive," Farley said.

Farley said his department will continue to work with the Office of the Inspector General to identify and prosecute people who fraudulently obtain benefits.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen.

McGrath is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 11 in federal court.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @KimberleyHaas.

 

 

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