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

Eric

In reply to by Dee G. (not verified)

You should begin by

You should begin by contacting the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 09:14 Permalink
RG (not verified)

What if you know someone who

What if you know someone who is recieving benefits for a mental illness and whoever is collecting benefits for them is not properly caring for that individual? How can that be reported and what is the investigative procedure?

Sat, 11/18/2017 - 21:55 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by RG (not verified)

You can file an anonymous tip

You can file an anonymous tip (800) 269-0271. The SSA has their own investigative team that looks into fraud cases.

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 09:17 Permalink
Dianna (not verified)

Is this SS Fraud? Mother to

Is this SS Fraud? Mother to my grandchildren has been in jail June 2017, and know has been sent to prison. She is still getting SS payments. How can she be still getting SS when the State is taking care of her. I believe this is so wrong.

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 05:41 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Dianna (not verified)

Hi Dianna,

Hi Dianna,

Generally when someone goes to jail and they are on Social Security benefits, those benefits are paused for their duration incarnated. You should report this to the SSA.

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 09:18 Permalink
Jay (not verified)

Liability question before

Liability question before reporting. A beneficiary of someone's SSI has not been truthful on SS interviews when asked if there is someone else living in the home contributing income, and if they represent themselves as married. This is not the fault of the person receiving the benefits, and am asking if first, who is committing the fraud, and what liability would the person not involved but is living in the house have when reported?

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 11:02 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jay (not verified)

Hi Jay,

Hi Jay,
I really could not say that anyone is committing fraud, but the SSA may require any overpayments made to the payee to be repaid.

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 11:29 Permalink
Jay (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Thanks for the reply. It&#039

Thanks for the reply. It's almost fraud as it's an attempt to get the most they can. If they required overpayments, would that be the responsibility of the payee, the benefiary of the recipient's money, or the party who they told SS doesn't live there when they did?

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 11:43 Permalink
Jay (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Since you say this may not be

Since you say this may not be considered fraud, who do I call to with these liability questions? They want to get married, and the truth will come out, and I don't want the wrong people hurt as a result of reporting the truth. Would it be the fraud hotline number you've posted in previous comments?

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 13:20 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jay (not verified)

Hi Jay,

Hi Jay,
You can report fraud by contacting the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Tue, 11/21/2017 - 09:21 Permalink
Jay (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

I sincerely thank you for

I sincerely thank you for your clarification and your help overall. Now I know what to do.

Tue, 11/21/2017 - 10:06 Permalink
Kathy (not verified)

If a husband gets on social

If a husband gets on social security disability after having surgery and sues his place of employment and gets a big settlement, doesn't he have to turn that in to ssa that he got a settlement? And if his wife works as a nurse shouldn't that income be counted toward their assets ?

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 11:29 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Kathy (not verified)

Hi Kathy,

Hi Kathy,
Those may only be factors if the husband had applied for income-based benefits.

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 12:57 Permalink
Sally (not verified)

I know some one who had 2 kid

I know some one who had 2 kid's with a man and he died in a car crash. The 2 son's get money 1200 a mo and the mom uses the money poorly , she is broke in a week. What should i do and how i go about it anonymously?

Mon, 11/20/2017 - 22:43 Permalink
Terry (not verified)

Someone on ss disability died

Someone on ss disability died, how do I know checks stopped direct deposit to bank.

Fri, 11/24/2017 - 02:55 Permalink
Renee (not verified)

I know a lady at work that a

I know a lady at work that a few month's ago started getting disability she started using her daughter's name and ssn so she can still work she works 30+ hour's a week.The GM and one assist manager knows of this.

Sun, 11/26/2017 - 18:05 Permalink
Chelsea (not verified)

Hi I know someone who has

Hi I know someone who has power of attorney over his disabled wife who can Barley speak or and cannot take care of herself at all, he is collecting social security for both him and her, he has lied to social security and told them that he and her dont live together so that he can get more money. He lives there, and withholds her prescribed pain medication from her. I dont know if he sells it or what but he only gives her maybe one a day when shes prescribed 4 a day. I dont know how to go about reporting him or who to contact. I can easily get evidence but I need to know what kind I need to get.

Mon, 11/27/2017 - 20:16 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Chelsea (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

You can contact the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Tue, 11/28/2017 - 09:10 Permalink
debbra frances (not verified)

i know someone who is

i know someone who is receiving benifits because hes diabetic but does not see a doctor or take any medication , he uses the money to buy and sell drugs, neth, he smokes weed and crack and shoots up the meth, and i know this cause he was my boyfriend for a year til i found out all his secrets, using prostitutes for drugs its pathetic, and he thinks its ok, and i aint giving my info cause i can be killed for reporting this!

Tue, 11/28/2017 - 00:41 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by debbra frances (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

I am sorry to hear that. You can call the SSA's fraud hotline and leave an anonymous report.

Tue, 11/28/2017 - 09:08 Permalink
Lisa (not verified)

I have a question, What if

I have a question, What if someone says they are separated from their spouse, but they really are not and are living together?

Wed, 11/29/2017 - 14:14 Permalink
Charlie (not verified)

Hello, I know someone that is

Hello, I know someone that is a legal resident of the United States but has not lived or worked in the USA for over 40 years. He has now come in through the border to avoid immigration check and now he is here claiming retirement. He will then collect a small monthly check and live more comfortable back in his country of origin. I will not tolerate the abuse to my country. What can I do? Thanks

Wed, 11/29/2017 - 15:16 Permalink
Charlie (not verified)

In reply to by Eric

Thanks for your prompt

Thanks for your prompt response Eric

Thu, 11/30/2017 - 10:33 Permalink
Ann (not verified)

What if you know somebody

What if you know somebody trying to get disability and you know that he shouldn't be?

Thu, 11/30/2017 - 17:28 Permalink
Bill (not verified)

I know a guy who was involved

I know a guy who was involved in dwi motorcycle accident. Lost his job because of the dwi. He receives disability, but he still drives his motorcycle, so he physically and mentally able to drive his 700lb motorcycle, has a job as a house manager and is planning on going to another country to build churches. Does this sound like someone who should be collect disability?

Fri, 12/01/2017 - 17:47 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Bill (not verified)

Hi Bill,

Hi Bill,

I understand how that could look like fraud, but one can still work and collect disability at the same time.

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 09:05 Permalink
Anonymous For Now (not verified)

If I have text messages from

If I have text messages from a person receiving SSDI that states she has a job and works for cash, how can I find out if she isn’t suffering a mental problem before I make a fraud claim because she obviously is fine physically because she’s taking stairs constantly with heavy clothes baskets and lifting heavy things when she rearranges her living room three times a week.

Sat, 12/02/2017 - 01:00 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous For Now (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

You are able to work and collect SSDI at the same time. That alone does not constitute fraud.

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 09:07 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

If u suspect someone stealing

If u suspect someone stealing and cashing someone’s check how do u report that

Sun, 12/03/2017 - 04:10 Permalink
Hilary (not verified)

If a person is in a Nursing

If a person is in a Nursing Facility and their mother is getting all of that persons benefits and spending them on drugs and also taking drugs into the facility to the individual who do you report that to?

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 10:37 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Hilary (not verified)

Hi Hilary,

Hi Hilary,
You may want to inform the nursing facility and then contact the SSA regarding this.

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 16:57 Permalink
Ash (not verified)

Is it illegal to collect

Is it illegal to collect disability in one state and live in another State

Wed, 12/06/2017 - 17:37 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know this guy his name is

I know this guy his name is Kevin file he lives in Aurora Illinois drawing Social Security for some reason makes a phone call has methamphetamine delivered to a friend's house here in Galesburg Illinois I think this is wrong

Wed, 12/06/2017 - 21:36 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone who has been

I know someone who has been on SSI for the majority of her life, with maybe 4 years of contribution and is in their 60s. She received an inheritance 17 years ago and had someone co-own the bank account so she did not have to report the money. She also was awarded a settlement and has not reported that either. It is my understanding that someone on SSI can only have $2,000 in assets without benefits being impacted. I am assuming this lack of disclosure is fraud. Should I report this.

Thu, 12/07/2017 - 15:24 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Yes, that is correct! It's

Yes, that is correct! It's possible that she set the funds aside in a secure account, but SSI recipients cannot have high assets. You can consider reporting this if you believe it's fraud.

Fri, 12/08/2017 - 08:30 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

My mother in law quit work

My mother in law quit work becaise of a car wreak that did nothing to her physically.which she practically cause tge wreak herself.long story short she claiming she's unable to work due a Neuro problem but there is nothing wrong with her.she lives in USA 6 montjs and she lives here six months she's building her a home in Jamaica so She cam move back n recievce income.I have documentaion on her house and all the receipts.this has been her plot can't believe it actually work America sucks..they let them use our system n insult our intelliegence

Thu, 12/07/2017 - 18:49 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

How can a person collect

How can a person collect social security disability (claims physical disability) and be a caretaker for a person with alzheimers? How much can an SSID person make per month to avoid penalty?

Thu, 12/07/2017 - 22:03 Permalink

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