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

Diana (not verified)

My ex son in law recieves

My ex son in law recieves benifits for my granddaughter. Problem is my grandchildren live with me. What can I do?

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 12:03 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Diana (not verified)

Hi Diana,

Hi Diana,
You can make an appointment to become the beneficiary on behalf of your granddaughter in person at your local SSA office. They'll have the paperwork you'll need to receive those funds. You can make an appointment by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 15:50 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

what if someone collected

what if someone collected benefits intended for my daughter, but was not me or her

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 22:22 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I would contact the SSA immediately about this! You can do so by calling the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Fri, 08/25/2017 - 07:20 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know a person who is

I know a person who is receiving food stamps, child support, and working. She is paid under the table, but is claiming she is unemployed. She works about 30 hours a week. She is either receiving disability or will be soon. She is said to have personality disorders that "prohibits her from working". However, she is working. Is that something that should be reported?

Sat, 08/26/2017 - 16:52 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

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

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 08:59 Permalink
Freebee (not verified)

I know somebody who is

I know somebody who is getting ssdi and working under the table. I want to report them but I don't want to get charged with a bogus claim. What proof do I need in order to make the fraud report successful?

Sun, 08/27/2017 - 22:00 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Freebee (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I would contact the SSA with any information that you have, the SSA would not prosecute someone who makes a report in good faith.

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 08:55 Permalink
Roberta (not verified)

I have a friend that is in

I have a friend that is in process of claiming disability. He also will be getting a settlement grim a car accident. Does he need to report that to disability? Also he works under the table claiming that he is unable to work

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 07:02 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Roberta (not verified)

Hi Roberta,

Hi Roberta,
Your friend may have to do so, it's best to report any and all income that you receive to the SSA if you receive benefits.

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 08:56 Permalink
Info (not verified)

What if you know that a

What if you know that a person has been working for 2 years or more before the administrative judge granted social security disability and can provide the name and phone number of the person they work for and still working for? And receive a personal check for payment each week.

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 15:23 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Info (not verified)

Hi there,

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

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 16:31 Permalink
Sarah (not verified)

I have a concern about

I have a concern about someone who is receiving $3,500/month in VA disability and is also collecting $1,500/month in SS benefits as well as a child support stipend of $600/month. She claims her ex-husband and her eldest daughter (who is 22 and lives out of state) as dependents in order to get more in disability payments. She has 50/50 placement of her minor child and is still receiving full-time benefits for her from SS. I do have written documentation of these amounts. She claims to have lupus as her disability. She runs marathons, takes kickboxing and boot camp type fitness classes and regularly rides the roller coasters at Great America. Does this sound like fraud?

Tue, 08/29/2017 - 15:32 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sarah (not verified)

Hi Sarah,

Hi Sarah,
I really could not say that this person is committing fraud, as lupus would not necessarily stop someone from doing the things described ( though it can stop someone from working), the child support stipend may be from a prior divorce agreement, and even if she had claimed her ex and her eldest daughter as dependents, the SSA does not supply extra benefits for dependents over the age of 16.
If you suspect fraud, you may want to contact the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Tue, 08/29/2017 - 16:11 Permalink
Nikki (not verified)

i know someone who has two

i know someone who has two disabled children and they receive ssi benfits and she is to report what they are used for and keep logs, she pays no bills because she lives in her parents rental property and they make up a false lease and utilities list, they pay her bills and she spends their ssi money on tattoos and partying. the kids are filthy and never dressed but she always has herself done up. im very upset and concerned

Tue, 08/29/2017 - 17:55 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Nikki (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the SSA to report any suspected fraud, and if you are concerned about the children's welfare, you may also want to contact social services in your area.

Wed, 08/30/2017 - 10:50 Permalink
B (not verified)

I get up at 4am to work

I get up at 4am to work everyday. My neighbor is on disability for his back. He hunts, plows snow, operates a bulldozer, builds sheds, loads and unoads wood and concrete blocks out of his his truck. He's a very busy guy for not being able to work. Grinds my gears that I'm paying for that out of my paycheck. It's horse hockey!

Wed, 08/30/2017 - 09:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by B (not verified)

Hi B,

Hi B,
If you suspect fraud, you may want to send a letter with any evidence to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Wed, 08/30/2017 - 11:16 Permalink
Q (not verified)

I know someone who used his

I know someone who used his check on scratch tickets won the lottery got 100 k bought a new car for 48 grand and is now selling weed n pills n still gets his check every month meanwhile his only bill is his car payment n insurance doesn't pay rent. I wanna report him he does not deserve what he has he's abusing the system for awhile

Fri, 09/01/2017 - 16:14 Permalink
rbs (not verified)

I know someone who's

I know someone who's been receiving benefits for a few years now that claims she is unable to work because of issues with her back and has had back surgery but is at the clubs every weekend and partying and dancing but cannot sit at her desk job for 8 hrs. its a shame that people that really need it have a hard time getting it but others that get it really dont need it

Fri, 09/01/2017 - 18:33 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by rbs (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately SSA fraud can happen from time to time. You can call the SSA Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271 and leave a report.

Best of Luck,

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 09:24 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What if you know someone who

What if you know someone who has just been approved for disability benefits through Social Security for a back related injury causing them to be disabled, however have witnessed this person numerous amount of times lifting our approximately 60 pound daughter. Not only have we witnessed this person lifting more than allowed with the claimed disability, we also have witnessed this person lifting much more weight than she should be with the back injury, reason for disability benefits through SS, it has also been witnessed that this person is also throwing our child up and down and swinging her around. Physical activity that would not be possible if this person was as disabled as claimed. Through watiching these interactions, it has become clear that this person could inf fact hold a job since this person has the ability to take care of a toddler, picking her up, and throwing her up and down. She claims to be so disabled through the back injury that she would be unable to work due to lifting and other physical limitations. I have videos and proof that these are not legitimate limitations. Is this a scenario where fraud of collecting disability benefits should be reported?

Fri, 09/01/2017 - 23:24 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

The more evidence you have of

The more evidence you have of this the better. You can call the SSA Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271 and leave a report.

Best of Luck,

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 09:27 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I have a family member who

I have a family member who collects Ssdi and makes 42 dollar's an hour. He uses a tax ID number cause he is continues getting 600 a month plus Medicare too. It isn't right for him to being doing this and it needs to stop. I'm scared to turn him in and having him fimd out thatit was me.

Sun, 09/03/2017 - 16:48 Permalink
jenny (not verified)

my step-son is on ssi for a

my step-son is on ssi for a disability since birth hes 10 his father has just become his payee with in the last month and my partner was it before that. how am I able to report him for fraud seeing as my sons ssi is suppose to go to support him and his needs and I know for a fact that none of that money is going to my step-son in anyway.

Mon, 09/04/2017 - 21:50 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by jenny (not verified)

Hi Jenny,

Hi Jenny,

I am sorry to hear that. You can call the Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271 and leave a report.

Best of Luck,

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 09:18 Permalink
Darlo (not verified)

I have a neighbor who is on

I have a neighbor who is on 100 % disabilitie for a shoulder problem. We watch him cut and split wood leafblow, ride his 4 wheeler, drive a tractor lift wood etc. Why can't he work a job? Does this constitute fraud?

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 12:29 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Darlo (not verified)

Hi Darlo,

Hi Darlo,
It does not as he may not be able to chop wood drive a tractor, leafblow, or ride his four wheeler full time as a job. Disability applications take into account a person's condition, and whether they can find gainful employment with their condition/level of education/ability to be retrained for another job.

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 14:24 Permalink
Shay (not verified)

What if the person is getting

What if the person is getting goverment benifits because of a disability but also drawing check from 2 adoptions that not in her care?

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 17:29 Permalink
Anna Eller (not verified)

Can a person draw Social

Can a person draw Social Security for a child that she has custody papers for, but the child not living in their home, but living with a grandparent, even if the Mom gives that money directly to that child?

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 18:11 Permalink
Concerned (not verified)

I know of someone who claims

I know of someone who claims to get SS disability but happens to play golf 5 days a week. Is this cause for reporting? Thanks

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 13:50 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Concerned (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I really could not say, as this person's disability may not have anything to do with their ability to golf.

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 15:04 Permalink
sam (not verified)

I know this man is doing

I know this man is doing fraud . he never went to work having new cars,At first i think he was not working because of his child but now its not , he wrote on council application that he is registered disable taking PIP..so now ..1..he has been making repairs on cars and many times he does polishing cars for cash He even asked me if i would want to polish my car.i HAVE TAKEN SOME PHOTOS OF HIM DOING THIS.[the way h carry heavy machine up and down the car polishing This man is never disable he should be stop getting this benefits .He and his wife is 24/7 smokin from taxpayers money .i newly moved into this area i don't know his name but i know the house number an street

Fri, 09/08/2017 - 03:02 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by sam (not verified)

Hi Sam,

Hi Sam,

Physical evidence like photos is always good. However, you may need more evidence than that.

Mon, 09/11/2017 - 09:01 Permalink
Davis (not verified)

The story is too much, first

The story is too much, first the person on disability is currently working- as a private consultant and also works for an online consult webpage, she traveled recently out of the country to work for a month and obviously get paid for that. The second part of the story is that she falsified the medical records she submitted to the ssd, I don't want to get in trouble, I have proof of the fraud I just don't want to be involved in her mess. How do I approach this?

Fri, 09/08/2017 - 15:19 Permalink
Jamie (not verified)

We just got guardianship of

We just got guardianship of my husbands 12 yr old son who has a interlectual disease and is getting social security. His insurance is thru the ssi and when we questioned his mother who gave us custody she said and I quote " I never have asked for child support from(my husbands name) so I am keeping (childs name ) check monthly." is that legal? We are not asking any child support from her. I worry that by reporting her that she may take him from us and put him from us and place him in a worse situation. Any thoughts. I get free lunch at school for him and food stamps but cant call to ask questions about his insurance since she wont add us or change payee. which makes taking care of his health very hard and finding the right doctors for him and such.

Fri, 09/08/2017 - 16:40 Permalink
Helen (not verified)

I know someone who hasn&#039

I know someone who hasn't worked in about 15 years. I'm sure he's on disability because of a heart condition. He claimed to be a contractor in a law suit to put a lien on a building to swindle money out of the owners. I would think being on disability you can't be a contractor?

Sat, 09/09/2017 - 12:29 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Helen (not verified)

Hi Helen,

Hi Helen,

Well that alone may not constitute SSA fraud. However, the more physical evidence you have of fraud the better your chances of getting this person reported by the SSA.

Mon, 09/11/2017 - 09:09 Permalink
RJ (not verified)

My aunt's husband draws

My aunt's husband draws a disability check each month, but runs an under the table construction business for which I am pretty sure he is not paying taxes on. He picks up guys to do work for him and then runs these dodgy crews when he works for various people. He seems to have bamboozled my aunt regarding the legality of all this. If you draw a check are you able to work at all, only a little or depends on your disability. He and my aunt didn't file any taxes this year either because of his disability. Can you clarify for me what crimes if any he is committing? Thank you.

Sat, 09/09/2017 - 14:28 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by RJ (not verified)

Hi RJ,

Hi RJ,

Those on disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) are able to work if there condition lets them and collect a monthly benefits check. Not filing any taxes off of their disability benefits could be considered fraud, however you would need physical evidence of this.

Mon, 09/11/2017 - 09:11 Permalink
John (not verified)

What if I know someone very

What if I know someone very closely that is on disability and claimed in their disability appeal hearing that they can not stand or sit for very long but they are making crafts year round and working their booth, without assistance, at local shows and making money that is not being reported? This person is using a family member's name to rent the booth so their is not paper trail. This person can drive without assistance, walk without assistance and carry bundles & bundles of crafts into each show and set up the booth without assistance? There are no mental issues at all and only visits the doctor every 2-3 months. This person is following steps and procedures that their family told them to follow. Living off of the system because this person does not want to work. Is this considered fraud?

Sun, 09/10/2017 - 20:13 Permalink
Curious person (not verified)

I know for a fact that

I know for a fact that someone is totally disabled over a back complaint, working daily in a car garage, which includes getting under the cars, bending over doing work and picking up parts and being in a weird position sometimes to put them on the cars. How long are they investigated, for a day, week, month or whenever they feel they have enough evidence against them. I knew someone else drawing disability over a back injury, complaint, and was caught just using a farm tractor to plow peoples gardens in the spring and fall, was caught doing this, lost benefits, had to go to work as a truck driver to pay every penny back that he had drew up till that time.

Mon, 09/11/2017 - 14:13 Permalink

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