A Missouri woman has been sentenced for unlawfully collecting Social Security benefits that were intended for her deceased grandmother. The court ruling was made on January 21, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk. The sentence includes probation, community service, and a repayment order for the stolen funds.
Shamari Jackson, 33, continued to receive $13,047 in Social Security benefits after her grandmother passed away. This occurred because the death was not reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the payments were deposited into her grandmother’s account as usual. Jackson accessed the funds through the debit card associated with the account and withdrew the money. Additionally, she used a $1,200 COVID-19 stimulus payment that had been issued for her grandmother.
Jackson admitted to her crimes in October 2024 and pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money in U.S. District Court during a hearing in January 2025. She was sentenced to five years of probation and required to complete 40 hours of community service. Moreover, she has been ordered to pay back the stolen amount in full.
Jackson’s LinkedIn profile indicates that she worked as a funeral home director between 2016 and 2022, a job that may have provided her with the knowledge to handle financial matters related to her grandmother’s death.
This case sheds light on the ongoing issue of misusing government benefits and highlights the legal consequences for those who attempt to deceive the system for personal gain. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting changes, like the death of a family member, to relevant authorities, in this case, the Social Security Administration, to prevent misuse of benefits.
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