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

Rod (not verified)

Hi I just recently divorced

Hi I just recently divorced and received an unbelievable ruling in favor of my ex-wife for alimony. The reason given was she presented she was deemed disabled from an old back injury and was receiving disability. This is the type back injury that can't be proven through medical exams. Her workman's compensation claim on this injury went to trial and the defense presented video evidence that she could in fact perform without problems all the limitations being claimed and the case was thrown out. She filed several times for disability and received benefits for the same thing that was deemed false in the workman's comp case. My question is can I submit this as fraud ? Can I submit video evidence ? How long would the investigation take as well as ruling ?

Wed, 02/24/2016 - 11:40 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Rod (not verified)

Hi Rod,

Hi Rod,
If you have video evidence showing that she does not have back pain and used it as an excuse to receive alimony, you should definitely do so. You can do so here: http://oig.ssa.gov/report
It is very unclear how long submitting a report will take! It could take months, however.

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 16:57 Permalink
Mary (not verified)

I know a person in Pa, That

I know a person in Pa, That is on SSI and she is married. Her husband make good moneyand she works two jobs One is 40 hours a week the other is 35 under the table. Isn't that fraud.

Wed, 02/24/2016 - 14:55 Permalink
Amanda (not verified)

If you know a parent is not

If you know a parent is not reporting their income and living situation accurately in their own effort to continue SSI benefits for a child with a mental disability, is this something that should be reported?

Mon, 02/29/2016 - 15:36 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Amanda (not verified)

Hi Amanda,

Hi Amanda,
If the parent was definitely not reporting income, then yes it would be. But keep in mind that SSI was designed to keep poor families poor, and there are VERY strict resource limits for families with disabled children. It may be a terrible thing to report if the parent is just trying to put food on the table. However, you can report it here: http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 16:59 Permalink
Susan (not verified)

What if my spouse collected

What if my spouse collected disability for years (while we were still married) but he was able to work and I have photos of him working? Am I going to get punished?

Fri, 03/04/2016 - 11:44 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Susan (not verified)

Hi Susan,

Hi Susan,
That is unlikely, but you actually can still work while on disability benefits. All that would matter was how much income he was earning while working.

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 16:59 Permalink
Jonathan (not verified)

In reply to by Susan (not verified)

Hi,

Hi,
How long after reporting does it take for soical security to investigate? How much effort does SS realy put into the investigations? A person recieving SSDI working wIth her spouse at thier business might not be that easy to collaorate. They might say she was passing through, she felt better and helped for a few days, etc.

Thu, 05/26/2016 - 07:56 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jonathan (not verified)

Hi Jonathan,

Hi Jonathan,
In the case you're describing, the person working with their spouse while receiving SSDI may have been found to not be in violation of the SSA's regulations, as it is possible to work in a limited capacity while receiving either SSDI or SSI.

Thu, 05/26/2016 - 10:48 Permalink
herb (not verified)

Are people collecting SSI

Are people collecting SSI allowed to get funds from other sources such as charitable contributions from family and most importantly "Go Fund Me" generated funds?
Does this jeopardize the SSI benefits?

Fri, 03/04/2016 - 23:07 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by herb (not verified)

Hi Herb,

Hi Herb,
Yes, that would affect SSI benefits. Something like a GoFundMe wouldn't have any effect on someone receiving SSDI benefits though.

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 17:00 Permalink
chula (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

What if someone is getting

What if someone is getting SSI benefits and he also getting VA benefits from there late husband. is that would that be fraud?

Tue, 05/31/2016 - 15:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by chula (not verified)

Hi Chula,

Hi Chula,
It's possible to receive VA benefits and benefits from the SSA at the same time, so this person may not be committing fraud.

Tue, 05/31/2016 - 16:11 Permalink
Carrie (not verified)

Hi, I suspect some one of

Hi, I suspect some one of fraud. I know they are making a claim, but at the same time performing activities such as white water rafting. We have pictures. However after reading this I am nervous to report. We are not on friendly terms with this person to ask about their claim. Do you have any suggestions, for research what we can do to protect ourselves.

Wed, 03/09/2016 - 05:37 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Carrie (not verified)

Hi Carrie,

Hi Carrie,
Do you know why this person is applying? If he or she is applying for a mental illness, something like white water rafting could be acceptable.
There is unfortunately no way to anonymously report disability fraud. You will actually need to give your own Social Security number to report the fraud. Keep in mind that the person will NOT know who reported them, so you do not need to worry about them finding out.

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 17:01 Permalink
Peter (not verified)

I have the exact same case as

I have the exact same case as the first person. There is someone who I am working with collecting disability for a bad back. He is working over 30 hours a week and lifts 80+ pounds. Getting paid under the table, while I am getting taxes taken out of my check. I am very upset about it. Collecting free money from the government and still making 300$ a week. How can I be certain this won't fall back on me? I don't want to lose my job, and I can't have anyone finding out that it was me who reported him. HELP.

Thu, 03/10/2016 - 13:29 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Peter (not verified)

Hi Peter,

Hi Peter,
So long as he is actually committing fraud, you do not need to worry. He'll never find out who reported him, he'll simply be investigated by the SSA.

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 17:02 Permalink
James (not verified)

I know a man who has 8+

I know a man who has 8+ stints in his heart, needs to tale loratab but sells them amd then takes full on handyman/construction work

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 08:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by James (not verified)

Hi James,

Hi James,
If that person is on disability, you may want to report him for defrauding the SSA. I'm not sure what loratab is, but if it's a controlled substance, that person may be committing another crime as well.

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 16:04 Permalink
Steven (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Hi my neighbor out on

Hi my neighbor out on disability for a broken foot and had surgery and is off and on at work because his foot injury and now has put a new injury claim to his work about his back so now he's out for both reasons isn't he not suppose to be doing yard work or cleaning up leaves and driving his own vehicle washing his cars if he out for those type of injuries

Tue, 05/10/2016 - 13:35 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Steven (not verified)

Hi Steven,

Hi Steven,
He may still be able to do these things despite the injuries. If you feel the need to report this, I would contact his place of work regarding his injury claim regarding his back, and you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if you feel that you should report him for his foot.

Tue, 05/10/2016 - 15:55 Permalink
Katherine (not verified)

What if it's someone

What if it's someone that is on disability but working and earning money from cash paying people?

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 12:05 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Katherine (not verified)

Hi Katherine,

Hi Katherine,
If they are on disability, they can work, but there are limits to it. Also, they would be committing fraud only if the SSA did not know about their other source of income.

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 15:55 Permalink
Michele (not verified)

I know someone who is

I know someone who is receiving disability benefits for a bad back and has been working for his neighbor who is a chiropractor by gutting a house the chiropractor bought and then restructuring the house by himself. He is working off the books. He has been confronted by the family and he said I will do what I want. The chiropractor said he would lie if we report the guy on disability. The guy is a caregiver for a family member and neglecting him by working. Should he be reported.

Wed, 03/16/2016 - 17:57 Permalink
Concerned grandma (not verified)

My daughter receives SSI

My daughter receives SSI benefits for a premature child. She does not use any of the money for her care since I have had the child living with me. She uses the money for herself and drug habit. What do I do?

Tue, 03/22/2016 - 16:15 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Concerned grandma (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You can go to your local SSA office and become the representative payee! This way you will be in charge of the funds, not the daughter.

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 17:04 Permalink
Kathy (not verified)

I know someone that her son

I know someone that her son receives ssi but she has a boyfriend that has lived with her for over 2 years now. He is a felon and uses some of the child's money on himself because he does not work. She has not reported her boyfriend as living with her. Is this a fraud?

Thu, 03/24/2016 - 05:39 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Kathy (not verified)

Hi Kathy,

Hi Kathy,
It might be fraud if the boyfriend is earning income AND supporting the family with this earned income. It is also fraudulent to spend the disabled child's money on a boyfriend!

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 17:03 Permalink
Lea (not verified)

My neighbor claims he's

My neighbor claims he's on physical disability due to a knee problem. Since I became his neighbor for about 12 years now, I've never seen him work although I've seen him work on his house exterior as well as bowling like a champ. Should he be reported?

Thu, 03/24/2016 - 16:15 Permalink
Wendy (not verified)

If my friend is applying for

If my friend is applying for mental disability, has disabilities, but can and has worked recently and is still looking for a job, can I report them if they do drugs? He is resorting to mental disability checks only because he can't find a job and doesn't want to work. I understand that you can't fully understand another person's disabilities but he has shared a lot with me about it and he knows that he can work. Is him doing drugs enough to warrant reporting him?

Fri, 03/25/2016 - 19:37 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Wendy (not verified)

Hi Wendy,

Hi Wendy,
It depends on the drugs and the reason I suppose. Many states allow medical marijuana to be used, and some even allow anyone to smoke recreationally. I hope that helps.

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 17:00 Permalink
Kyle (not verified)

My question is I know somone

My question is I know somone one who's claiming to be disabled and gets benefits through the va and SSD and SSI. But is conditions are back pain ptsd anxiety sever depression . Gets all this money and narcotics. But goes and lifts a 300 pound rug him self or a box tv scrap metal. Acts fine and only uses his back brace and came as told to do daily . Only time he uses them is for appointments for SSD and Va. As well as works under the table. Is this considered fraud???

Sun, 03/27/2016 - 03:32 Permalink
Kyle (not verified)

My question is I know somone

My question is I know somone one who's claiming to be disabled and gets benefits through the VA and SSD and SSI. But is conditions are back pain ptsd anxiety sever depression . Gets all this money and narcotics. But goes and lifts a 300 pound rug him self or a box tv scrap metal. Acts fine and only uses his back brace and cane as told to do daily . Only time he uses them is for appointments for SSD and Va. As well as works under the table. Is this considered fraud???

Sun, 03/27/2016 - 03:34 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Kyle (not verified)

Hi Kyle,

Hi Kyle,
You can actually get both VA benefits and SSI at the same time. But if he is working under the table and getting any form of disability benefits, that would be considered fraud.

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 16:59 Permalink
Tricia (not verified)

my daughters father was not

my daughters father was not paying child support and would not get a job so I took him to court. The court gave him 30 days to fill out so many applications and then we had to go back. Instead of coming back with applications, he came back with a doctors note saying that he has Agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house) and this keeps him from being able to work. However, since he was awarded disability, he has no problem leaving the house. He goes shopping with the new girlfriend, out to eat every night and Cardinal baseball games etc. Is this something I can report him for?

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 17:17 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Tricia (not verified)

Hi Tricia,

Hi Tricia,
I would not be able to say because he may have gotten the disability judgement based off another condition beyond his agoraphobia. If he has been given disability based off of his agoraphobia, it may be a good idea to contact the SSA.

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 13:58 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

I have a neighbor who has a

I have a neighbor who has a handicapped tag on his vehicle but I see him climbing trees, snow removal, washing his truck and other things. I think he is committing fraud when he has licensed handicapped tag and I have pictures of him doing these activities. What should I do? and How do I go about it that someone takes me seriously?

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 23:22 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

Hi Karen,

Hi Karen,
It's possible your neighbor has a handicap tag for one of his family members, or that he himself has a condition that qualifies for a handicap tag that is not visible to the naked eye. Disabilities come in many forms and having a handicap placard while doing yard work does not mean they are committing fraud.

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:05 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Its possible but when he is

Its possible but when he is driving there is no one else in his vehicle. I think if he can do all that requires to keep his yard, (including buying mulch in his truck) and unloading it into his yard that he does not need a handicapped license plate on his truck. How do I get someone to look into it? If he can do all that he does and does not need a handicapped license plate on his vehicle. thanks for the comments.

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 14:04 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

Hi Karen,

Hi Karen,
Your local DMV or RMV handles handicap placards, they may be able to investigate this for you.

Mon, 04/04/2016 - 17:02 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

I have a handicap tag for my

I have a handicap tag for my car and the reason for it cannot be seen by the naked eye. Not all disabilities are visible. I do not use my tag on good days. Only on the bad ones.

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 15:43 Permalink
katherine (not verified)

My dad gets it for his liver

My dad gets it for his liver but his an alcoholic and he goes to see a therapist but he does that all so he can get that check what do I do . He drinks everyday morning to night day after day.

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 16:28 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by katherine (not verified)

Hi Katherine,

Hi Katherine,
I'm sorry to hear that. You may want to contact the SSA and inform them of this, they may be able to find him unable to handle his money. After that, they would appoint someone else to handle his money.

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:11 Permalink
Joanna (not verified)

My child's father is on

My child's father is on ssi due to cancer 10years ago. I have messages of him stating that he only on it to get out of paying. I have pictures of him using drug and also using this money to go on vacation. Is this fraud?

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 22:30 Permalink
Thomas (not verified)

Hello, before submitting

Hello, before submitting anything I would like to see if I can get an answer.
I pay my ex-wife, mother for child care and so does my ex-wife. She is currently on SSI and I know she is not reporting the extra income, is that considered fraud?
I do not know her ssn number, just address and name. TIA

Wed, 03/30/2016 - 01:50 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Thomas (not verified)

Hi Thomas,

Hi Thomas,
I would contact the SSA about this, SSI recipients must report the income they get from sources other than SSI.

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:15 Permalink

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