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

Bella T (not verified)

My neighbor is renting a

My neighbor is renting a added room in the back and this lady that lives with them be going out for walks washes her cars and always arguing with people but when they pick her up i think its a therapy place she acts like she cant walk at all and the gentlman even gets off to help her get in ..should i report her

Sun, 02/12/2017 - 19:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Bella T (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I really could not say if you should, but you can file a report by sending a letter here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 15:07 Permalink
Lily (not verified)

Long story short, my uncle is

Long story short, my uncle is mad and my dad and I and he reported me to SS saying I steal my dads money (he receives social security retirement money) and it isn't true at all but now my dad is cut off and that's his whole form of surviving so what can we do? How can I prove its not true. My dad was just at an office today where they told him they were cutting off his money and he told them I am not stealing it.

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 20:18 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Lily (not verified)

Hi Lily,

Hi Lily,
You may want to get some documentation as to where that money has gone, having records of receiving the money, and then using the money for approved uses, may go a long way in establishing that your uncle made a false report

Tue, 02/14/2017 - 09:12 Permalink
Tammy (not verified)

I have ex tenant still using

I have ex tenant still using MY address to get her disability because they wont let her have it while she lives with her well off DAD. I need to report her for using MY address after 5 months and not telling them she was evicted and dont live there any longer. She is still using MY no longer valid lease to claim she is paying ME $500.00 a month when she is not. I need to report her. I keep sending her letters from them back with my new return to sender stamp. She is getting all her mail at my house where she n longer lives. HOW can I report her fr this fraud?

Fri, 02/17/2017 - 22:27 Permalink
Aaron (not verified)

My fiancé's mother went

My fiancé's mother went into a coma in October and was switch to a long term care facility. Her brother was actively using their mothers SSI check while she was in that facility and never reported to ssa that she was in long term care. They did receive a letter that money benefits would stop and Medicaid would continue paying for her long term care. This is not the first time he has stolen his mothers SSI money. Can this be reported as fraud?

Sun, 02/19/2017 - 14:35 Permalink
Jennifer Doner (not verified)

Is it fraud to not tell SS

Is it fraud to not tell SS that someone got married and didn't report it?

Tue, 02/21/2017 - 14:40 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What if you know someone who

What if you know someone who got married but didn't say anything due to not wanting to lose their benefits so she didn't change her last name just to be able to keep them?

Tue, 02/21/2017 - 14:58 Permalink
Miami Rez (not verified)

I know someone who has an

I know someone who has an expired green card - has lived in Miami for almost 40 years - never working a day and gets social security disability benefits and food stamps. He is not disabled he is just absolutely lazy and refuses to work. Is this fraud?

Tue, 02/21/2017 - 15:26 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Would this be considered SSDI

Would this be considered SSDI child benefit fraud? A couple used a sperm donor to have children. They were never legally adopted by male parent. He did sign the birth certificate. His ex is now receiving SSDI benefits for the children is this legal?

Tue, 02/21/2017 - 17:45 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
That doesn't sound like fraud, children may be able to receive disability benefits from a parent's work record even if they are not the biological parent, though the SSA must consider them the child's parent for purposes of eligibility.

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 11:39 Permalink
Tony w (not verified)

What if an SSI recipient

What if an SSI recipient passed away and the children found checks and somehow went and had them cashed?

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 11:19 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Tony w (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
That sounds like it may be fraud. It may be a good idea to contact the SSA regarding this.

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 11:40 Permalink
Tyrone (not verified)

My family member who's

My family member who's been in the hospital, his brother has been getting his SSA check for 9 months. He's never noticed. Is that fraud?

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 12:24 Permalink
Randel Roland (not verified)

Is it correct that a person

Is it correct that a person collecting social security at the age of 30 should be able to buy pot with his money and be high all the time?

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 01:25 Permalink
Taroly.p (not verified)

I moved in to this house

I moved in to this house thinking it was going to be a great match, until I realized he runs poker games multiple times a week and makes a good amount of money. always brags about all the money he makes, and then I remembered him telling me one time that he was on disability. It hasn't been sitting well with me, I actually try and not stay there as much as possible, because if makes me feel so uneasy. I'm not completely sure if he is still on disability but I don't want to ask him and seem nosey. I'm just trying to figure out what to do. I work with a fellow that is on disability and can only work so much and he still struggles, meanwhile this man is over here making a lot of money off money he doesn't have to record and still collect disability

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 16:22 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Taroly.p (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
if gambling is illegal in your jurisdiction, you may want to contact your local authorities regarding this.

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 09:02 Permalink
Andy (not verified)

Is there any penalties that

Is there any penalties that can be imposed on a personal who knowingly gave false information to Social Security Disability to harass a recipient. This person is harassing a ssd recipient with many disabilities, thus causing the recipient to go into deep depression.

Sat, 02/25/2017 - 12:06 Permalink
Happy (not verified)

So my neighbor is on

So my neighbor is on disability for mental illness but not only is he mentally able to do more than myself but he is for sure using and selling meth. I have seen him sell and use in the driveway we share. I gold mine in the summers and was contacted by a detective informing me he was selling out of my driveway even. Disability is for SOBER people needing real help, what can I do?

Sun, 02/26/2017 - 22:34 Permalink
Opal (not verified)

I just want to know how to

I just want to know how to tell someone that someone I know filed a tax return this year to get money on one of her kids she didn't work she has no legs or hands she lives around me She got the money and has went around spending it like candy I think it wrong and I want to report it to the right person and I'm trying to get it to the IRS please help me

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 17:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Opal (not verified)

Hi Opal,

Hi Opal,
You may want to contact your state's revenue service, they may be able to help you with this.

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 10:15 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

what if i know someone who

what if i know someone who uses their disability to fund their drug habit and their caseworker is the one who is supplying the drugs...?

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 17:21 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so by calling 1-800-772-1213 for some more information about reporting this to the SSA.

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 10:16 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know a married couple who

I know a married couple who used brothers sperm to have children. The male spouse is now on SSDI is it legal for his "nieces" to be receiving SSDI benefits from the male spouse?

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 14:25 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,
You might want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so by calling 1-800-772-1213 for some more information about reporting this to the SSA.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 16:43 Permalink
Felix (not verified)

What if you factually know

What if you factually know that your spouse purposely withheld contradictory Dr reports when filing a claim where one Dr states the person is diagnosed with an illness but second opinion Dr says no, and spouse gets awarded disability. And never gave SSI the second Dr results. I don't want to be a part of this fraud and fear if found out the government can also take action against me. I also know my spouse studied hard to emulate the symptoms to get the prognosis of the disease claimed.

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 19:30 Permalink
Amy (not verified)

My husbands mom had her

My husbands mom had her thyroid gland removed back 10+ years ago due to early stages of cancer found. Following that she's became heavily addicted to prescription drugs, Marijuana, and who knows what else. She let her health purposely continue to fail. In the past ( almost ) 6 years we've been together she's been put on a list both in their hometown and where we all live now so doctors can't prescribe her certain medications and what is prescribed only at a certain amount. She goes through all that trouble yet refuses to keep her thyroid meds regulated, much less take them when she has some. She's extremely over weight and knows if she doesn't keep her thyroid regulated her legs will swell so she doesn't have to work. She got fired for not ever showing up and stealing last year, and has been trying to get disability ever since. She got approved by her doctor for disability since her thyroid issue is causing varicose veins in her legs, and disability denied her ( thankfully. ) Now, she's trying to appeal it and threatening she'll claim depression too as a direct result. PLEASE tell me they'll continue to see through her act.

Thu, 03/02/2017 - 00:38 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Amy (not verified)

Hi Amy,

Hi Amy,
The SSA does take a very close look at applicants, and they may also require that a person must make attempts to treat their condition so that they would be able to work, when possible for an applicant to do so.

Thu, 03/02/2017 - 09:20 Permalink
someone not here (not verified)

I have a very good feeling

I have a very good feeling that someone that I know might be collecting or might be in the process of trying to collect disability process. Due to back benefits and I have seen him laying on the ground under cars and fixing things. I was wondering if that would be considered filing a false claim. Would I be able to issues get someone to look into that.

Sun, 03/05/2017 - 16:08 Permalink
marie (not verified)

Can someone collect while in

Can someone collect while in prison for a felony for minimum of nine years, the wife is on disability, he receives some kind of check thru her. I do not understand how you can collect from the government, while in jail, the government is already paying to house and take care of you. Thanks

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 13:02 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by marie (not verified)

Hi Marie,

Hi Marie,

You can't receive monthly Social Security benefits while you're incarcerated, benefits to your spouse or children will continue as long as they remain eligible.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:34 Permalink
Marie (not verified)

In reply to by Eric

This person going to prison

This person going to prison is the husband of the incapacitated disabled person. Is disability the same as social security as you mentioned. am I correct he can not be receiving social security disabilty because of his wife while in prison? thank you

Thu, 03/09/2017 - 12:57 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Marie (not verified)

Hi Marie,

Hi Marie,
If the person being incarcerated is receiving benefits, they may not be eligible for benefits while in prison, however their spouse may still be eligible for benefits.

Thu, 03/09/2017 - 13:02 Permalink
Marie (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

he just got sentenced today

he just got sentenced today seven years. How does social security find out he is in prison, he gets direct deposit. It would be fraud if they keep it. Does the prison let them know?

Fri, 03/10/2017 - 16:32 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Marie (not verified)

Hi Marie,

Hi Marie,
Yes, the prison and the local SSA office may coordinate, however to ensure that his benefits are terminated, it may be a good idea to contact the SSA regarding his incarceration if you are a representative for the incarcerated.

Mon, 03/13/2017 - 09:59 Permalink
Cheyenne (not verified)

Someone works for me as a

Someone works for me as a babysitter for 150 a week. She is on disability and while she is getting paid 150 a week she is also buying and selling concentrated marijuana to minors. She is constantly buying dab rigs and other smoking tools. I don't think it's right to take advantage of the government benefits like that. I already made a report online. When will I know anything about that? Or will lie at all? I just want to make sure everything gets taken care of.

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:21 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Cheyenne (not verified)

Hi Cheyenne,

Hi Cheyenne,

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) tries to act on reports of fraud within 45 days of the report being sent in.
If the SSA suspects fraud after developing information, they refer it back to the OIG for possible criminal investigation. There are various other types of things that can happen after filing found here:http://oig.ssa.gov/newsroom/blog/2012/06/all-about-social-security-frau…

Best of Luck,
Eric

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:27 Permalink
Peter (not verified)

I know a guy that apply for a

I know a guy that apply for a SS Disability, but had a pending Hearing with Immigration (Ready for a Deportation) That's a Fraud?? I heard that he want to leave the country and live in Cuba.He's living in Florida

Tue, 03/07/2017 - 20:57 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Peter (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
While you can apply for benefits as a non-citizen, he may not be eligible for disability benefits due to his immigration status.

Wed, 03/08/2017 - 15:04 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Peter (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
While you can apply for benefits as a non-citizen, he may not be eligible for disability benefits due to his immigration status.

Wed, 03/08/2017 - 15:04 Permalink

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