For 8 Years He Received Social Security Disability Funds, But Toms River Man Was Working

TRENTON, NJ — A Toms River man who claimed he was disabled and unable to work has admitted to stealing nearly $271,000 in Social Security Disability Insurance payments while working for a home improvement company, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Krzysztof Niedzielski, 49, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to charges of theft of public money and making false statements to the Social Security Administration, authorities said.

The investigation found that from at least as early as 2012 through at least as recently as 2020, Niedzielski received $270,933.10 in Social Security disability benefits for himself, his wife, and his dependent children on the basis that he was disabled and could not work, authorities said.

He initially applied for Social Security Disability insurance in February 2012, claiming he was unable to work due to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, according to court documents. He initially was approved for benefits covering only April 2010 through November 2011 but Niedzielski appealed it, and an administrative law judge in 2015 ruled he was eligible to receive benefits. The judge noted he was only capable of light-duty work, the documents said.

While he was supposedly disabled and unable to work, Niedzielski managed and performed physical labor for a home improvement contracting company, and earned a substantial income from that as a result, according to the documents.

Niedzielski failed to notify the Social Security Administration of his employment and income, and knowingly and intentionally concealed this work from the Social Security Administration to prevent any reduction in disability benefits, authorities said.

The charge of theft of public money carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and the charge of making false statement to the Social Security Administration carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. Each charge also carries a fine of up to $250,000.

Niedzielski is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 5.