Woman Accused Of Collecting Dead Child's Social Security Benefits
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- A Philadelphia woman is accused of continuing to collect Social Security benefits directed to her disabled daughter for years after the child died.
Authorities say Nakia Calicat's daughter received Social Security from infancy to age 3, but when the young girl died in 2010, Calicat continued to collect her Social Security checks for four years.
"Calicat illegally received Social Security benefits on behalf of her deceased child, defrauding the government of approximately $27,000," says Patty Hartman with the US Attorney's office.
Hartman says Calicat lied to authorities multiple times, telling them her daughter was still alive.
"Calicat faces a maximum possible statutory sentence of up to 225 years in prison a fine of up to 3.5 million dollars," Hartman says.
The 38-year-old Calicat has been arraigned and is out on electronic monitor until her next court date.