Seabrook man who didn't declare part time work pleads guilty to SSDI fraud

CONCORD - A Seabrook man pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, the U.S. Attorneys office announced on Wednesday.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Thomas McGrath III, 65, applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in February 2011 and agreed to report any work and earnings. McGrath worked as a carpenter's assistant from January 2015 through at least March 2020 but concealed his employment to keep his benefits.

In February 2016, the Social Security Administration informed McGrath that he could work and earn income while continuing to receive some SSDI payments through the agency's Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. However, McGrath never took that opportunity.

Due to his scheme, McGrath received almost $54,000 in SSDI benefits that he was not entitled to receive.

McGrath is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 11.

"Social Security disability benefits provide important financial support for those who are unable to work," said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley. "When individuals lie about their ability to work, they are stealing benefits that they are not entitled to receive. To protect the integrity of the program, we will continue to work with the Office of the Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits."