Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud

Submitted by Dan 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.

Comments

Anonymous replied on

whether or not they are qualified to collect ssdi is not the biggest problem, it is the people working cash under the table that are the problem, ssdi allows a small amount of extra income, but when you are talking thousands of hiddnn income, they should not be collecting no matter what physical.mental state they are in

Kelly Fegley replied on

I would like to know how someone on S.S. can pick up and go to Canida every month for 2 to 3 weeks at a time and people who work can't even take a vacation.Should you want any more information on who this individuale is, please feel free to contact me and I will gladly tell you.

Anonymous replied on

Yes, its more bothersome when they are from another country and are married to an American and decide to open their own cleaning business. The wife receives SSDI, as well as her children because of a kidney issue she has, which is legit???, however, she is the only employee in their company and though they are registered with the state (all in his name) all the money is not claimed. If you hurt that bad how can you work F/T for your business cleaning at that, while your husband has a complete other job 40+ hours a week. Extra income galore but sucks it right from the system to ruin it for others. Definitely some b.s.!

Anonymous replied on

I know someone that is collecting disability for PTS because he kids were killed 4 years ago and his review is in the next month. He has not seen any kind of doctor since approved or taken any meds. He is self medicating with lots of beer and meth and I hope they take it away from him so he can deal with real life like the rest of us. Need more info on this person feel free to contact me.

Anonymous replied on

There was a guy that lived out from me.He was younger than me he is around 30. I couldn't figure out how he was able to support his self seeing how he wasn't working.He would later tell us he was on SSI. He went on to say at first it was his back,then later he said it was his nerves. So not real sure why he is getting it.But what amazed me,was the parties,drugs that went on at his apt. He would later tell how he was making runs from here in Tennessee to Florida and getting pills down there and pills here.Later on his girl friend dies in her sleep.She was on drugs and threw up in her sleep and drowned to death.Ever day that you seen him,he was always messed up on pills.He would later brag to us all, Telling us if we wanted to get on checks,that all we had to do was be committed to the local nut house *what he called*.He said to go in there act like your depressed and suicidal.He said when they let you go home,Go right back up there again.Keep doing it .He said to get a lawyer and get him to help you sign up on SSI. What got me was he laughed about it.He thought it was so funny how he said * he is screwing the system*.He said he has been on SSI for years. Here he is young more than able to work. Has tenncare and is able to abuse it too .I'm not expecting much to anything to really happen to him on this.It seems people like him can abuse the system and get by with it. Here I am with diabetes high blood pressure neuropathy in my feet and hands panic disorder depression * and I have a councilor that comes to my house twice a month plus go see a psychiatrist once a month *threw a type of system they see me for free thank god*..I do with out my medicine no insulin no blood pressure pills no ..Nothing...But he can get nerve pills, he can get his pain pills.To me there is something way wrong with this picture...The insulin that I need a month cost around three hundred dollars.. So why I sit here and wait for my liver and kidneys to get bad.. This guy is accepting checks for sitting on his tail end and for his pills. And yes I have applied for SSI. I have no shame in saying I have. But without having money to go to see the doctors, I am to sit here and watch people like this guy get away with this. It's sickening. I can give you the guy name , I can give you the link to his profile on facebook. He does not hide how he parties,you can see for yourself in his pictures he post...

Anonymous replied on

My niece receive ss for her son she lied to her apartments and stated she doesn't have any income also to get the ss she stated to the social administration that she helps my mom party bills and that she lives with my mom so she could get the full amount but that was lie too.she live on her and gets child support over 500 per month is this fraud?

Anonymous replied on

My niece receive ss for her son she lied to the social security office telling them that she lives with my mom and her child support she gets she helps he own bills which she doesn't give my mother a dollar nor does she live with my mother she has her own apartment and she told her apartments that she doesn't get ss so they wouldNT raise her rent is this fraud

mike replied on

there are 2 peoeple in alabama trying to apply for disability!! these 2 are a married couple in which he will not get a job he will do odd jobs just to get by , jamie his wife chooses to sit on her hind end and not try to work either its frustrating to see so many actually trying to make effort and these 2 that i know are no more disabled ...... i do believe they have applied for disability ssi or something like this !!! please keep this between us and private thanks !they do not need this they are well and able bodied to work !!!

Clarke replied on

Mike,

I understand your frustration. Fortunately, the screening process for disability benefits is rather stringent. So if this couple is trying to "scam the system", there is a good chance they won't be approved for benefits.

It is important to keep in mind that there are many types of disabilities that aren't apparent to outsiders. Perhaps he or she may be suffering from a condition that you aren't aware of.

Either way, I appreciate your concern!

Sharman Hart replied on

This site is not really wanting to track abusers of our system. They do not have a method by which you can supply information to check out possible abusers. I had a woman apply to my shop and told me that for the last 7-8 years she had worked for a competitor for cash as she receives disability. Trying to report this woman has been virtually impossible. No wonder there is so much abuse. They get away with it and have no qwalms!!

Clarke replied on

It's unfortunate that there are people that abuse the Social Security Disability program, however, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has ways to report fraud. You can visit their website or call your local Social Security Office.

Anonymous replied on

I know 2 people who get diablility every month. She collects disability for her 2 girls and herself, she says that she can't eat, but I have seen her sit down and eat cookies, candy, ice cream and milk shakes with no problem, but to eat a real meal, she eats a tiny bit and then throws it all up, but only when someone is watching her. He collects disability for him and the same 2 girls becasue he weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 pounds. So he can't walk or work, he sits all day long in a chair. Between the 2 of them they make almost 2400.00 a month. My problem is this, they own a horse, which cost money to keep, the vet bill, the boarding, the food, plus they own a horse trailer. Now with that being said, they also own rabbits, guinea pigs and cats. They get food stamps every month, which we help pay for. She is able to help at the fair for a week at a time with no problems. Becasue they are on social security disablility it allowes them to have a maid at 300.00 a month and to spend 10 days in disney land at christmas. I am so glad we work our tails off in order for people like this to have this type of lifestyle on our money and our hard work. How is this acceptable? There ae so many people out there who need the help, but struggle to get it. When I say they need the help, they are dealing with one arm or one leg and are in wheelchairs. I know a man who has one arm and works where I work, he isn't asking for handouts, but we see this couple who asks for every hand out they can get.

Clarke replied on

Unfortunately there will always be individuals who try to take advantage of the Social Security Disability program. While it is unfair to those who struggle to get the benefits they truly need, it is important to keep in mind that you may not know all of this couple's story. Many times, a disability is not always apparent to outsiders. The Social Security Disability application process is extremely stringent. It is designed to weed out the individuals who are not disabled or who are trying to "scam the system". If you believe that these people are committing fraud, it would be best to report them to the SSA.

Terri replied on

someone we know gets ssdi because he is legally blind,but he rides a scooter every day also works at a saw mill and operates a chains saw cut wood and sells it .Is this fraud?

Molly Clarke replied on

This person may not be committing fraud. In some circumstances, it is completely legal to work while receiving benefits. As long as this person does not earn more than the stated limit of income, he is not committing fraud.

heather replied on

my neighbor and his wife both receive socal security diasability...him because of his back and her because of migraines....however, the husband built a deck last summer and redid his front porch and both of them babysit their godchildren 5 days a week who are 3,2, and 1 years old...is this fraud??

Molly Clarke replied on

This may not necessarily be fraud. The SSA looks at a person's ability to perform the work they were once able to do and also their ability to adapt to other types of work. Sometimes it may seem as if a person is able to work when in reality, they may not be. Your neighbors may not be earning money from babysitting and there's a chance that the husband was only making necessary repairs. If you feel strongly that these people are committing fraud, you should report it to the SSA so that they can check it out.

robert beil replied on

Sir: with all do respect your replies sound like your an apologist for these people. maybe the social security people should take these reports seriously and realize that the screening process is flawed.

Molly Clarke replied on

I appreciate your concern. The point I was trying to make is that not all disabilities are apparent to outsiders. People may feel embarrassed or ashamed to tell the whole the story to a neighbor or acquaintance. It is important to remember, that while fraud does occur, there are individuals who are truly disabled. I encourage anyone who suspects fraud to report it to the SSA, but I try to remind them that not everyone is scamming the system. Thanks for your comment.

Molly Clarke

Jerry Sullivan replied on

I reported that a family member had stolen my mothers benifits after she had a stroke and was completly incapacitated. They still have done nothing about it even after Adult Protective Serv did all of the investigation and had ATM pics and everything. I guess it is ok to steal a couple thousand dollars and they just write it off rather than do their job. This is a heinous crime and this predator gets to walk like nothing happened and enjoy their big screen TV, new theater seats and new tires for their car. If it would have been any of us they would put us under the jail. How about somebody get off their butts and do their job.

Molly Clarke replied on

Jerry, I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your mother, no one should have to deal with something like that-- especially after having a stroke. We are not the Social Security Administration or the adult protective services so I'm not sure what has been done to help you and your mother. I suggest you continue to check in with the representatives handling your case and see what next steps you can take to make sure your mother is being taken care of.

Anonymous replied on

I have a family member is receiving benefits. He SAYS he has back issues and PTS. He has had 3 hip replacements and nermous other surgeries. He's had a couple of repeated surgeries because he didn't follow doctors instructions! EXP: Going to Fl 2 weeks after having hip replacement surgery, falling, and mesding his hip up again!! He hunts, rides 4wheelers, has a motorcycle, and goes to Fl AT LEAST 4 timesa year!!! Owns 2 houses, buys a new truck every 2 years and I could go on! Oh yeah, built his own shop and house!! How is this possible???

kay replied on

My neighbor is collecting SSI saying that he has epileptic seizures i have knowen this guy for 5 yrs and i have seen him drink hard booze partys all the time and does not take any meds for his socalled condistion,I asked him does he ever have a update SSI review and he says no,Now he has a girlfriend and her 4 spicial needs kids that are all on SSI and shes recieving child surport plus now 2 more guys have moved in on SSI to,Chris has 8 people plus gets paid cash for watching his nephews he doesnt claim any of his extra cash flow and thinks its ok not to report this to the SSI office.I want him turned in for SSI and Foodstamp fraud

dennis shearn replied on

I have a friend who receives around $800. a month for a disability of "depression". He works as a landscaper and charges $40. per hour. He goes to Europe every year for at least a month. He earns enough to support himself comfortably. He is single and has no children. I ask him why he needs to receive a govt. handout and he tells me that "it's not that much money". He goes on to say. "It only pays for my rent, my health insurance and my truck insurance". Most people would be glad to have one of those three items paid for, much less all of them. I know of many others who spend their entire disability on alcohol, pot, and tobacco. The system as it exists now is a joke. A total failure. I realize there are people who truly need a disability check, but let there be some sort of debit card that would not allow alcohol and tobacco purchases. Why would anyone voluntarily get off this income for doing absolutely nothing every month. Widespread fraud is rampant.