Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud

Submitted by Daniel on

Social Security Disability is a great benefit to those who truly need assistance due to a severe medical condition that prevents them from working for at least a year. However, sometimes people violate the law and fabricate a medical condition. Detecting a fraud in the Social Security system is a challenging process, but it is one that is necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the program. Determining whether someone is trying to take advantage of the system can be a difficult task, so before reporting an alleged fraud, consider the long journey ahead and all that goes into pinpointing fraudulent activity.

If you suspect someone is violating the law and is, in fact, fraudulently collecting disability benefits:

  • You need to know the reason why the person has been approved for benefits. If you are unable to determine this, research will need to be conducted to determine the truth before accusations are made.
  • You need to be aware that even though you see this person, you may not fully understand how the person’s impairment causes difficulties in daily living.
  • Some people receiving Social Security Disability suffer from mental or psychological disorders; these are not often easy to pinpoint as an outsider, and it may be difficult to judge how these conditions could interrupt the daily activities.

Typically you would have to know someone quite well in order to determine whether or not he or she is taking advantage of the system. Making strong accusations about someone receiving disability benefits is touchy ground, and something that you would not want to do lightly. When in doubt, do not be afraid to ask questions and look into the actions of the person. This can greatly help you determine where the truth lies. If you do still truly suspect someone of committing a fraudulent act, you should consider reporting that individual.

  • You should begin by contacting the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.
  • Remember to provide as much information as you can. This includes the name, address, birth date, phone numbers, and Social Security number (if you know it) of the person suspected of committing fraud. The more information you provide, the sooner the investigation can begin. You should explain in detail to the SSA exactly in what type of fraudulent activity that you suspect this person to be involved.
  • Do not report anything that you do not know for sure. There are penalties for reporting false information, so stick with the facts.
  • Be certain that you understand the situation surrounding the person’s disability. Work may complicate the person’s condition more than you know. Some people are unable to work because they have to be medicated frequently throughout the day. There are also many individuals on disability who have to make trips to the hospital on a weekly or even daily basis. Other individuals may suffer from a psychological or mental condition that makes them appear quite normal, but they may, in reality, be struggling deeply on the inside. You must be fully aware of their circumstances to be able to judge if they are fraudulently collecting benefits.
  • If you feel uncomfortable telephoning regarding your concerns, you can complete an online fraud reporting form, or mail in your findings to the Fraud Hotline at:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

When working properly, the Social Security Disability program is a wonderful asset. To those individuals suffering and unable to work, or even waiting out the last stage of their lives, it is often a much-needed benefit. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of a good thing and use it improperly, as is the case with fraudulent behavior. While reporting this kind of activity is important, it is also a serious leap to take. Before you report your suspicions, you should realize that the most important thing is to know all the facts, and to move forward only if you are certain you have a definite case of fraudulent conduct.

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Blog comments

S (not verified)

My sister gets as for her 13

My sister gets as for her 13 year old son but does not provide for him in the way he needs. She doesn't have a home and spends the money on illegal narcotics. What can I do to help my nephew?

Mon, 12/26/2016 - 16:00 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by S (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact social services in your area to help get your nephew the help that he needs.

Tue, 12/27/2016 - 11:38 Permalink
jon doe (not verified)

What if someone is on

What if someone is on disability but has moved out of the U.S. for a couple years with no intentions of coming back?

Tue, 12/27/2016 - 14:23 Permalink
Jodi (not verified)

What if I have been with a

What if I have been with a person for quite awhile, and he has recently gotten disability benefits, due to not being able to work due to a back problem. However, he continues to work on people's cars for cash, takes odd jobs under the table, and smokes weed. Would this be grounds for filing a fraudulent case? I have other witnesses to this as well.

Tue, 12/27/2016 - 15:30 Permalink
Shelley (not verified)

What if I know a person very

What if I know a person very well who I know gets ss for supobley major back problem but yet she is out in the bars drinking& dancing almost every weekend& a lot during the week. . You people need to check on her.

Wed, 12/28/2016 - 01:25 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Shelley (not verified)

Hi Shelley,

Hi Shelley,
We are not affiliated with the SSA nor are we affiliated with the federal government of the US, at all. You may want to contact the SSA at www.ssa.gov or by calling them at 1-800-772-1213

Wed, 12/28/2016 - 11:35 Permalink
VAST 1 (not verified)

An individual is collection,

An individual is collection, SSI and they do work full time online doing fetish work having money transfered around from mutiple other accounts to avoid declaring the insane amount of money that she and the husband are making.
Is there grounds for fraud for collecting the money and making multiple accounts to transfer around money to avoid being caught ?

Wed, 12/28/2016 - 18:21 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by VAST 1 (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Misreporting your income to gain SSI benefits may be a crime. You can report the matter to the SSA by sending a letter here:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Thu, 12/29/2016 - 14:17 Permalink
cann (not verified)

Hi I would like to report

Hi I would like to report someone that I believe is collecting disability & shouldn't be. I just don't know how to go about it. I want to do it anonymously so no one finds out it was me. If this person finds out it could stir up a lot of problems. Also even though I am definitely sure she is lying I'm worried that it might come back at me & they might say I falsely accused someone of committing fraud which is not what I'm trying to do. I truly believe she is faking. What do I do?

Mon, 01/02/2017 - 12:56 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by cann (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to send an anonymous letter to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 10:21 Permalink
Priscilla (not verified)

Is someone smoking crack

Is someone smoking crack cocaine while getting SSI (disability) fraud? If she pretends to be mentally impaired, which I've seen with my own two eyes but she is not. Every time she goes to the SS office she goes into character. She also cleans houses for under the table pay. She sells her medication as well. Can I report all of this?

Mon, 01/02/2017 - 17:49 Permalink
theresa (not verified)

Would if you know someone

Would if you know someone that is getting disability but sales drugs on the side, has an apt in someone else's name but keeps his mother address to make it look as if he still lives there and is not capable to work. And yes this person has been diagnosed with bipolar but how does being diagnosed with that keep you from working when there are people that are diagnosed with all the time and still keep a job , but how does being bi polar justify dealing drugs and knowingling using your disability check to commit fraud. Also using the same drug that you sale.... I don't get it. And I'm like everyone else why even report when it seems I would be I vestigated even though I'm the one that works hard and people like that just sit back and not have to do nothing but lie and say they are too mentally ill to work but mental enough to get over on the system make them believe they are mentally ill and at the same time use that same money to buy drugs and sale them smh. This world we live in. This person doesn't even take meds or go to the Dr or even a counselor none of that just wakes up and does nothing everyday .

Tue, 01/03/2017 - 04:59 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by theresa (not verified)

Hi Theresa,

Hi Theresa,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so by calling them at 1-800-772-1213.

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 09:30 Permalink
Josh (not verified)

I suspect my ex is listed as

I suspect my ex is listed as married while collecting benefits, although we've been separated for over 2 years. Due to her hospitalization, it delayed me filing for divorce, and she has no desire to get back together with me, yet she exploded over the idea of finalizing her divorce. I fear getting in trouble if it turns out to not be true. What should I do?

Wed, 01/04/2017 - 10:36 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Josh (not verified)

Hi Josh,

Hi Josh,
You may not be liable for your ex's actions, and it's unlikely she would be able to do anything that would somehow get you in trouble regarding social security. However, you may want to contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 regarding this.

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 10:27 Permalink
Nikki (not verified)

Does buying drugs not

Does buying drugs not prescribed by a doctor to you quAlify as ss fraud

Wed, 01/04/2017 - 12:19 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Nikki (not verified)

Hi Nikki,

Hi Nikki,
If the drugs do not aggravate the person's condition and is not specified in the SSA's determination of the person's disability, it may not be against the SSA's rules.

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 10:28 Permalink
Flint (not verified)

I am wondering if someone can

I am wondering if someone can receive disability, and still receive money from renting property.
My daughter's mother has received disability for years. She also has received rental income for the past several years. In 2016 she reported to our family court that in 2015 she made approximately $390,000 in rental income.. She also reported receiving over $9,000 in disability income. In late 2016 she filed bankruptcy.
She last filed taxes in 2014.
I would like to know the process of reporting her.

Wed, 01/04/2017 - 16:32 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Flint (not verified)

Hi Flint,

Hi Flint,
Yes, they would be able to receive disability benefits and rental income if they are receiving them based on their work record rather than their income and resources. You can file a report by sending a letter to the SSA here:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 10:30 Permalink
Flint (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Sorry, I don't

Sorry, I don't understand. It's ok if they are receiving them based on their "work record" rather than their income and resources? What does that even mean?

Her "business " is renting out a rental property. She makes money hand over fist. She coordinates renting it out as vacation rentals, for private parties, even has had commercials filmed there. She coordinates cleaning, stocking it with food, furniture etc. It's a lucrative business.
This is all happening while she pullls disability for a neck injury. It seems completely wrong. She could effectively be a millionaire while still getting social security.
That can't be right.

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 21:13 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Flint (not verified)

Hi Flint,

Hi Flint,
I'm sorry for the confusion.
Benefits based on her work record would be SSDI, which is disability insurance; you must have an appropriate amount of work history to be eligible for that benefit, rather than SSI which is a means tested system. With SSDI, you can still make money as a business/rental property owner, though you can't necessarily do work while owning the company.

Fri, 01/06/2017 - 09:17 Permalink
Anthony (not verified)

What if someone receives

What if someone receives benefits for a child and doesn't have the child living with them nor take care of the child in any way but is collecting the benefits because the child is disabled?

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 01:55 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anthony (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the SSA about this, they can have another representative payee assigned for the child. You can contact them at 1-800-772-1214 .

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 10:24 Permalink
Joke (not verified)

I think it is so funny that

I think it is so funny that on this website there are ads for lawyers ready to sign you up. What a joke you are government. Open your eyes, this IS the fleecing of America, and the American tax payer. I am all for folks who are really disabled collecting. Who are the real disabled? Substance disorders; What??? Become a drug addict, live life like a pig, collect $$ from tax payer. Anxiety disorder; WHAT? Read how to qualify, ANYBODY COULD FAKE THIS ONE!!! Personality disorder: WHAT? Oddity of thought is one of the symptoms, so all weirdo's please apply. For some these would be ligit, no doubt, but for most it is not.

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 02:06 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Joke (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
We are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, nor are we affiliated with the federal government.

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 10:23 Permalink
Ashlee (not verified)

Not sure if this is

Not sure if this is considered fraud, but would like information. I'm paying rent in a trailer park that I live in, who I found out may be receiving SSD. There are about 80 trailers in the park that gets worked on my the landlord -- Is my landlord able to receive SSD even though he works and owns this trailer park?

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 16:08 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ashlee (not verified)

Hi Ashlee,

Hi Ashlee,
While you can own a business and receive unearned income while receiving disability benefits, he may not be able to do any work at that business. You may want to contact the SSA, you can call them at 1-800-772-1213.

Mon, 01/09/2017 - 10:36 Permalink
John (not verified)

What if I know someone who is

What if I know someone who is claiming disability for Lyme disease saying it impairs his ability to stand yet frequently takes frivolous hunting trips? Also if that person has Bipolar and own many firearms is this considered a danger to public health?

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 18:26 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by John (not verified)

Hi John,

Hi John,
If they have not been approved for benefits, they may not get them as Lyme disease is not a listed condition for disability benefits.However, you may want to contact the SSA if you suspect fraud on his part. I really cannot comment about firearms ownership and mental health as I am not an expert regarding mental health.

Mon, 01/09/2017 - 10:40 Permalink
anonymous (not verified)

i know a family that helps

i know a family that helps eachother out by commiting fraud 1 guys father in law took him to the disability doctor gave him cruches and told him how to play the part also his wife and him also get it hes a avid hunter and fisherman 1 of them even plays the part of hes working but forsure not working the entire family has gotten away with this for sooo long i will make a report or better yet call and give the names not only that, they all communicate about how its done.

Fri, 01/06/2017 - 14:47 Permalink
Mike (not verified)

I know this person who got

I know this person who got into a car accident and now this person is claiming disability stating that he and his wife cant work. I believe they are suing the insurance company. recently I saw that they received a cheque from disability and the fact is its all lie cuz the husband owns a gas station and he works at least 5- 6 days a week but he is claiming that he cant work. I know this person is lying and receiving money that they shouldn't. In this case do I need to let the insurance know or government cuz I do have proof.

Fri, 01/06/2017 - 16:02 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Mike (not verified)

Hi Mike,

Hi Mike,
you can send a letter to report this to the SSA's Fraud Hotline:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 01/09/2017 - 10:43 Permalink
what am i missing (not verified)

I really need some help with

I really need some help with this . So my ex boyfriend has a 13yr old son who he never met or for that matter CARES to know of .My "stepson" I took on that title when he met my son and daughter for the first time in some random store and the kid called me step mom ( sketchy ) about the whole thing we kept in contact because my kids were curious that they had a big brother out there . long story short the mother doesn't want him dad doesn't care and he now lives with me for the past year I don't ask for anything at all from dad or mom but I found out she received Ssi for him and his birthday just pasted not even a damn fone call like really . Idk I asked her about it she denies it hes a great awesome kid she never gave me any documents just him and the cloths on his back .But now shes threatning to take him back witch I don't mind that's her son but I'd prefer he stay hes happy and over there they treat him like carp but how do I deal with this???? ......anybody

Sun, 01/08/2017 - 13:14 Permalink
Melanie (not verified)

I have a question. Where does

I have a question. Where does someone report an individual who is applying for disability, but has his own business and works it?

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 16:42 Permalink
DPE (not verified)

I am wondering how to report

I am wondering how to report fraud on behalf of a caregiver. I know of a couple that is married(not legally) where the husband is rightfully on disability, but his wife collects payment for being his caregiver. They live together and have been collecting not only his benefits, but she is being paid to be his caregiver. This seems like unjust double dipping, and I'm fairly certain they know it to be wrong as they intentionally did not report their marriage or that they live together. Is this something that should be reported?

Wed, 01/11/2017 - 09:56 Permalink
What is going … (not verified)

I know someone that went on

I know someone that went on SSD and he did flooring under his own company. It took several years to get the benefits, but still does flooring in Florida in the winter months. Also paving driveways in the spring and summer in MA. THE IS BROKE.

Wed, 01/11/2017 - 11:11 Permalink
John (not verified)

I know a couple who are

I know a couple who are taking advantage of social security and welfare by them lieng that they don't have anyone else living in there residence and also lieng about there rent and address. Is this something that can be reported?

Fri, 01/13/2017 - 21:28 Permalink
Fayye (not verified)

My dad's wife gets a

My dad's wife gets a check but she live in and out of the house and never reports it not ever to her payee who is her father. Same thing with her foodstamps

Sun, 01/15/2017 - 19:01 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Fayye (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear about that. You may want to contact the SSA if this situation leads to an abuse/misuse of SSI disability payments.

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 09:26 Permalink
Tammy (not verified)

I know someone that lives in

I know someone that lives in texas but recieves a check from Iowa. Lives here as married but dont say they r

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 02:52 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Tammy (not verified)

Hi Tammy,

Hi Tammy,
If they're receiving SSI benefits, then you may want to contact the SSA regarding this.

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 09:28 Permalink
Someone (not verified)

If someone is using illegal

If someone is using illegal drugs marijuana,crack or abusing alcohol is that grounds for losing a ssi check. Would that be grounds for an investigation

Mon, 01/16/2017 - 13:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Someone (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
if drugs or alcohol are a contributing factor in the person's disability, then it may be grounds for the SSA to investigate.

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 09:23 Permalink

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