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.

Additional Resources

Blog comments

Britt5 (not verified)

I know someone who is using

I know someone who is using their children to manipulate counsolers into giving them a diagnosis to get SSI for two of her children. The children in question are also mine. We have 50/50 custody. My problem with it is both of my children accel in school greatly and their teachers have nothing but good things to say. Neither child qualifies for an iep in school because they are exceptional students. She has tried to label these children with things ranging from autisim, adhd, pdd and etc. When my children are with me we do not see any of the things she says they do. We have them 4 days out of the week. This to me is ssi abuse and she's labeling my children with things they dont even have to get this ssi. Our lawyer told us there's nothing we can do about it but I figured I'd ask here as well.

Sun, 04/16/2017 - 19:47 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What if I know a person who

What if I know a person who works and does drugs plus give some of his medication away

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 06:46 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

If you suspect fraud you can call the SSA directly and give them details: 1-800-772-1213

Best Regards,
Eric

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 13:56 Permalink
Tina (not verified)

If you are legally married

If you are legally married but separated with dependants do you need to claim that when you apply for disability?

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 10:58 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Tina (not verified)

Hi Tina,

Hi Tina,
While it may not affect your application, it may be a good idea to make sure that your marital status and dependents are included in your application.

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 13:17 Permalink
Lost love (not verified)

I live with a man that works

I live with a man that works a full time job and draws a disabilty check and I can't see that its right i need to report hum but don't know how too

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 13:37 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Lost love (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

The SSA has it's on Fraud page where you can submit information if you suspect fraud.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 13:44 Permalink
Sissy (not verified)

I know someone who works at a

I know someone who works at a bar and is paid wages to keep them under social security hide lines but is also paid the rest under the table and with their tips average 38.00 a hour...is making 5000.00 a month and collecting SSD of 800 a month and they are on it for a bad back but can lift 100lbs or more at this job..has a new home and a new car...this is why people who really NEED SDD can't get it..because Social Security let's people get away with this...I work 40 to 50 hrs a week ant this person is living 100% better than I because they get breaks for beING disabled...

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 16:44 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Sissy (not verified)

Hi Sissy,

Hi Sissy,

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

Best Wishes,
Eric

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 17:02 Permalink
mary (not verified)

can you draw ssi and own

can you draw ssi and own rental property and rent it out for over 300. a month

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 08:44 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by mary (not verified)

Hi Mary,

Hi Mary,
If they report this income to the SSA, they may not be committing fraud in this case. However you may want to contact your local SSA office regarding this.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 10:27 Permalink
Kelly (not verified)

I get people saying they are

I get people saying they are going to turn me in. But I have hashimotos thyroiditis liver disease and other metabolic issues and depression because of the health issues. I'm 55 and have no one but my wife . And no help to mow the grass but yet neighbors make they're comments about not working, or mowing is pretty hard work for someone supposed to be disabled. It takes alot out of a person to be on this and tortured by others.because they judge by appearance. But they don't feel your pain or the constant urge to vommit. But yet they judge. I pray they are never in a position that they can't work.

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 15:33 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Kelly (not verified)

Hi Kelly,

Hi Kelly,
Thank you for sharing! It's true, it's hard for people to really know what someone is going through.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 10:28 Permalink
Ami (not verified)

Need advise. My stepdaughter

Need advise. My stepdaughter came to live with my husband and myself in Feb 2015. Her mother had been receiving dependent ss benefits for her and did not report to us until my husband found out and reported her on Oct 2015. The SSA HAD PROOF (a custody order) yet has done nothing but forward the benefits to my husband. Which barely cover school lunches. The SSD recipient receives SSD for a disk in her spine but rides 4 wheelers, horses and also claimed she works on her social media page and even goes into detail about her work. She does various odd jobs including dog sitting, baby sitting, house cleaning and interior painting. All under the table. It seems even tho she was cought receiving benefits for a child whom no longer resides with her that nothing has been done. She still receives SSD benefits and continues to work. How is this possible? Is her social media and her various pictures of her riding 4 wheelers and horses and posts of her working enough to report her?

Sat, 04/22/2017 - 10:44 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ami (not verified)

Hi Ami,

Hi Ami,
I really could not say as it's very hard to determine if someone is disabled or not based on pictures on social media, as they could have been taken prior to a disability. However you may want to contact the SSA regarding this, as that may be considered fraud.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 10:31 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

i know a boy.only 6years old

i know a boy.only 6years old his mother receive. ssa benefits. she do not take care of him at all. His grandparents do. Because shes on crack and been lock up and more charges she faces because of drugs. shes a bad crack addiott. is that fraud

Sun, 04/23/2017 - 12:55 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact your local SSA office regarding this, they can re-assign the child's payee to someone who would use the benefits for his benefit.

Tue, 04/25/2017 - 12:51 Permalink
Anon (not verified)

This is ridiculous, I'm

This is ridiculous, I'm not risking a penalty if YOU can't find fraud. I don't trust the government to actually do their damn job well enough to report someone for false anxiety claims that collects SSI. He's a good actor, that's why he got them in the first place. If we can't report anonymously, what's the damn point? This isn't about me, it's about THEM. We waste more money paying these pieces of human waste then we ever will investigating them. A 23 year old, healthy, outgoing male should NOT be receiving benefits when he fakes his anxieties (which I actually have and have been diagnosed for but STILL WORK). He TOLD me he doesn't visit the doctor or take medication because he doesn't need to, but I know if I dare try to report him you've got my information and it'll hurt me. Now, to protect myself, this sleaze will get away with it and continue to take money away from someone with a real disability that actually needs it. Ridiculous.

Sun, 04/23/2017 - 14:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anon (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
We are not affiliated with the SSA or the federal government, and as such we do not have any power to collect information, investigate, or verify any allegations of fraud.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 10:33 Permalink
Shirley Wells (not verified)

at

Someone I know did my taxes fraudulently ! He was found quilty of it by the IRS and I received my money after 7 months . He receives a inheritance check monthly , owns condo outright! I have known him for 17 years. He lies to get food stamps as well. Years back he tried to get disability, used me as reference I was honest so he did not get it. That was for a ankle problem now he is going for his I Q degreasing . He works as well ! I am 68 broke my back neck ribs and I can work! He is lazy and feels intitled. He is use to getting all he wants , he puts on too doctors to get what he wants. My son was a police officer and a Marine. He became disabled lost motor skills. I can't stand when people abuse this system!! Myself and son was renting room from him for awhile , he got mad because his food stamps went down and kicked us out on street after taking almost $4000 dollars from me! We lived in car for a week! I loved John as a friend for so long I can't believe I saw the real him. He will inherit a large amount of money when he turns 55. Yet still takes and steals from everyone. I never have reported anyone before and he will probably come after me ,but sense my son served our country and deserves disability, and I am working hurting everyday I feel I need to. It's the right thing.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 10:24 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Shirley Wells (not verified)

Hi Shirley,

Hi Shirley,
I',m sorry to hear about all that! You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, their address is:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 10:35 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

My brother in law receives

My brother in law receives SSI and is working with my other brother in law. This guy has seizures and has cerebral palsy. Jeff has bought Billy a truck and let's him work doing lawns with someone while Jeff does landscaping. I see him all the time, we work in the same areas.

Thu, 04/27/2017 - 15:05 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
that may not be fraud if they are reporting their income to the SSA, as the SSA would reduce benefits one dollar for every two that someone on SSI earns.

Thu, 04/27/2017 - 15:24 Permalink
LL (not verified)

How do you find out if

How do you find out if someone is using your address for their benefit. They do not live with me nor have they ever.

Thu, 04/27/2017 - 16:58 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by LL (not verified)

Hi LL,

Hi LL,
If you're receiving mail from the SSA in someone else's name at your address, then you can contact them and inform them of this, you can do so by calling them at 1-800-772-1213

Mon, 05/01/2017 - 09:39 Permalink
Janice (not verified)

My son is drawing disability

My son is drawing disability due to a mental illness problem, states is unable to work a job due to his impairment. He has been off medications for three years now and has created and runs a computer business in Scottsboro Alamaba. He still draws disability though, is this considered fraud?

Fri, 04/28/2017 - 05:20 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Janice (not verified)

Hi Janice,

Hi Janice,
I really could not say as you can work and own a business while receiving disability benefits, however it may be a good idea for him to contact the SSA regarding what restrictions he might have about working and income.

Mon, 05/01/2017 - 09:46 Permalink
Sharron (not verified)

If a person is receiving

If a person is receiving disability drives a different car everyday, or owes several cars, remodeled his home, feeds a group of city officals, gives elaborate parties and receives up to 5000 dollars a week and u can't prove it but, it's true. Can SSDBF Investigate? I know name and where the person works for cash and a post on th about him feeding city officials but, no hard evidence. His yard is full of vehicles he owns.

Sat, 04/29/2017 - 11:21 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sharron (not verified)

Hi Sharron,

Hi Sharron,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so by sending a letter to the SSA here:

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

Mon, 05/01/2017 - 09:41 Permalink
Eric (not verified)

I have a coworker who told me

I have a coworker who told me that his wife collects social security, but the only reason she gets it because they are supposed to be separated. Should I report him because they are living together? He also works for the federal government and is under a security clearance

Sat, 04/29/2017 - 22:07 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Eric (not verified)

Hi Eric,

Hi Eric,
I really could not say if that's an indication of fraud, however you can report fraud to the SSA by sending a letter here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 05/01/2017 - 09:43 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone on disability

I know someone on disability allowance and goes on holiday at least 4 times a year if not more. Unsure what disability they are claiming for , but if you can go on this amounts of holidays surely you are fit and well enough to go to work.

Mon, 05/01/2017 - 16:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Even disabled people are able to go on vacation, this person may be paying for them out of savings, returns on investment, ect. They may not be committing fraud.

Mon, 05/01/2017 - 16:38 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

how can l check to see if my

how can l check to see if my daughter had been receiving survival benefits for her daughter? She claims no money has been coming since the initial lump sum received in December 2016 and we DO NOT believe her.

Tue, 05/02/2017 - 10:52 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

HI Karen,

HI Karen,
You would need to contact the SSA with your daughter's written permission to do that.

Tue, 05/02/2017 - 13:55 Permalink
Cindi (not verified)

What if you know someone who

What if you know someone who has a hearing coming up and you have pictures of them hunting n doing activities that he supposedly can't do. Has been denied 4 times so far. There absolutely no reason he can't work. He stated if he doesn't get it this time then he will just have to get a job!!! Hello get it now and get off of welfare!!!!!

Tue, 05/02/2017 - 15:40 Permalink
Frances (not verified)

What about someone lives with

What about someone lives with you never pay rent any bills but can buy amazon. I need to report her

Tue, 05/02/2017 - 16:46 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Frances (not verified)

Hi Frances,

Hi Frances,
If you'd like to report fraud, you can send a letter to the SSA here:

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

Wed, 05/03/2017 - 09:48 Permalink
wepa (not verified)

How can you determine if a

How can you determine if a person is collecting ss benefits if you do not know for sure but you suspect fraud?

Wed, 05/03/2017 - 00:59 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by wepa (not verified)

Hi Wepa,

Hi Wepa,
You would need to ask them if they are. The SSA would require written permission from the person to obtain information about any benefits that that person receives.

Wed, 05/03/2017 - 09:52 Permalink
Burrus (not verified)

A woman works 40-60hrs a week

A woman works 40-60hrs a week under the table also receiving foodstamps HUD asst and has a renter living in her home .. she works several ppl cleaning house an puts it out on fb...
she has been reported several times an they always ask her to come to there office but do nothing cause she says its not true ..which is a lie
what can be done bout this

Wed, 05/03/2017 - 11:44 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Burrus (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If the SSA receives multiple reports, you may want to include evidence of her advertising her business in any reports you file with them.

Wed, 05/03/2017 - 14:09 Permalink
Frank (not verified)

My neighbors brother is

My neighbors brother is collecting disability for bipolar disorder, but makes almost $2000 a week selling drugs. What evidence would I need to collect before reporting him?

Sat, 05/06/2017 - 02:34 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Frank (not verified)

Hi Frank,

Hi Frank,

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.

Best of Luck,
Eric

Tue, 05/09/2017 - 09:36 Permalink
Bridget Forrester (not verified)

You would get more reports if

You would get more reports if you kept the reporter anonymous. I would certainly like to report some fraud but do not want the other parties to know who reported as they are friends.

Mon, 05/08/2017 - 12:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Bridget Forrester (not verified)

Hi Bridget,

Hi Bridget,
Don't worry, you do have the option of reporting fraud anonymously! You can send a letter to the SSA without identifying information. Here's their address:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 05/08/2017 - 13:19 Permalink
Pat (not verified)

I also know someone that was

I also know someone that was just approved. Can no longer do the job he did for years but he can work and does under the table. Had a shoulder injury. He was in HVAC. Now he works under the in a cleaning business where he operates a floor buffer. Disability should be for people who CAN'T work.

Mon, 05/08/2017 - 18:57 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Pat (not verified)

HI Pat,

HI Pat,
I'm sorry to hear about that! You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can send a letter with this information to them here:

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

Tue, 05/09/2017 - 12:50 Permalink

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