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

Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear that! You may want to contact a news outlet with this information.

Wed, 12/07/2016 - 14:16 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Tony (not verified)

I don't under stand how

I don't under stand how bipolar makes you not be able to work? Also if you can't work, because of being bipolar how are you expected to be able to care for a child? This lady gets disability, she's perfectly able to work just too lazy to, she can't care for her child but gets custody instead of the hard working dad, and her husband worked under the table for a little while last year while she is still receiving benefits. if she is "sick" enough to be on disability and collect money for it then she shouldn't be fit enough to be a parent. This whole system is bogus. She needs to stop collecting benefits so she has to go get a job instead of laying around all day with her so called "service dog" who she takes better care of than her own son. She needs to have her disability check taken away. this is such fraud its insane.

Tue, 09/20/2016 - 11:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
We are not affiliated with the SSA and as such cannot investigate allegations of fraud.
If you would like to report this information to the SSA, you can do so by sending a letter here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Tue, 09/20/2016 - 13:39 Permalink
Angie (not verified)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone who is

I know someone who is applying for SSD for an Asberger syndrome. He is high functioning and has held jobs in the past . Currently quit his job because he couldn't get along with his boss. He started a new business of his own, has rental properties that give him an income which he does not report on income tax. How can this guy live with himself! SSD is for people who can not support themselves who have severe disabilities. This is why the system goes broke! This is a very high functioning individual who's very smart about money and how to make it! He's never without money, buying things and taking expensive trips. And no he is not into drugs.

Mon, 04/03/2017 - 14:28 Permalink
Queen 19 (not verified)

In reply to by Tony (not verified)

It really is unfair to see

It really is unfair to see the abuse and then be turned down. yourself. Please remember that bi polar disorder is debilitating. So is disassociative disorder.Medicine can often be wrong. Have to leave it to the doctors these days. Please don't judge. Good luck in your re-educational adventures

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 20:46 Permalink
Black balloon (not verified)

In reply to by Tony (not verified)

Omg, i did the exact same

Omg, i did the exact same thing! And i couldnt agree with you more! I know a girl who is on ssi and is lying about her conditions. She goes out to bars/ clubs all the time when shes not suppose to. She even lied about taking meds, when she isnt and never did! She also gets food and cash assistance but uses it on her family and herself instead of her daughter. I reported her a handful of times, and really wish i knew if they were doing something about it! Oh well, guess ill just have to keep it up, till justice is served.

Thu, 04/27/2017 - 18:40 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Black balloon (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to include any evidence you can find in your reporting, you can send a letter with this information to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Thu, 05/04/2017 - 14:07 Permalink
clfchatt (not verified)

In reply to by mb (not verified)

you are so right. I have two

you are so right. I have two friends collecting ssi and both could work, they travel and vacation all year long. brag about how they pulled it off. whoever is answering these emails sounds like they are just making excuses for the fraud. it only pays in the country if you are sorry lazy and dishonest.

Fri, 09/02/2016 - 16:13 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by clfchatt (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
To report SSA fraud, you can send a letter here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Tue, 09/06/2016 - 10:53 Permalink
auburngirl1 (not verified)

In reply to by mb (not verified)

so true. i have struggled to

so true. i have struggled to get my hubbies and they want to know all vehicles you own and homes and such but I have neighbors and both them running businesses in other folks name and both drawing checks and food stamps and they just bought a new 4 door truck and car and already have a truck and van and 2 trailers . they live together and use different names and address with po boxes. it just not far to all the honest folks trying to draw and when you report them nothing is never done. if ssdi and ssa would pop up unexpected they would see the truth but guess they not care .. I am tired of folks being treated so unfairly...

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 20:31 Permalink
Deon Grace (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Look into some people I know.

Look into some people I know case. They been working the system very long time. This must end.

Sat, 02/03/2018 - 17:55 Permalink
tim (not verified)

In reply to by mb (not verified)

i also no about ten people on

i also no about ten people on disability that there is nothing wrong with them and get child support dropped, sell there perscription drugs and sell there food card plus protected by the law. they dont have to pay nothing . its totle bull if you ask me

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 20:08 Permalink
Mary boley (not verified)

In reply to by Kesha (not verified)

My husband has a sister who

My husband has a sister who is 50 years old hasn't held a job for more than 2 months in over 15 years, she can't get a job because she's so strung out she can't pass a drug test, she is now receiving full disability because she told them she has mental trama and panic attacks!! Well she does but that's what being on drugs 24/7 will do to ya plus she was withdrawing and shaken and thrown up, told them that's why she can't hold a job. So of course she passed drug test the one time, but I thought the law made it mandatory for ex drug attics to take a suprise drug test ever so often. She has moved 4 times because she can't pay her bills, now is living in her mom's storage shed for the 10th time in 2 years!! I lost my entire family all from cancer within 9 months and because my husband has good job they won't just give me mental disability. She's from name lives in shed of no bills just spends it all on dope alcohol and pills. I was told get eid of our assets and get attorney, file then it would be a year wait and may or may not receive help. TEST PEOPLE THAT RECEIVE THIS BENEFIT FOR DRUGS LIKE BLOOD TEST LAST TIME SHE USED HER GRANDDAUGHTERS URINE. SHE ATLEAST HAS A FEW MEDICAL ISSUES NOT ENOUGH TO GET THE DISABILITY CHECK THAT I MYSELF PAID INTO FOR OVER 30 YEARS WORKING 2 JOBS 3 OR 4 YEARS OF THAT. COME ON GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OPEN UR EYES.

Fri, 07/15/2016 - 19:09 Permalink
Annette (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

I am so pissed, I know

I am so pissed, I know someone on ssdi "that can't work because she is in so much pain, yet she IS PHYSICALLY WORKING, running a business, has employees, all under the table. She's getting ssdi and Medicare," BUT SHE CAN'T WORK" But is making over $5000.00 a month under the table. I have reported her several times to ssdi, and they do NOTHING!! SOOOOO PISSED!!! SHE CAN WORK!!!!! BUT SSDI TURNS A BLIND EYE WHILE MY TAXES LET'S HER LIVE THE GOOD LIFE. YOU KNOW WHAT EVERY FLIPPING BONE IN MY BODY HURTS!!!!!!!!!

Fri, 12/29/2017 - 17:40 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Annette (not verified)

Hi Annette,

Hi Annette,
You may want to contact the SSA about suspected fraud, however SSDI benefits do allow for someone receiving them to own their own business ( They may not be able to do work at this business under many circumstances)

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 13:47 Permalink
al12631 (not verified)

In reply to by Kesha (not verified)

I know 2 individuals in my

I know 2 individuals in my neighborhood who are receiving benefits, and work under the table, (when they need extra cash) they both told me when I had a serious injury, that I should see a doctor who specializes in determining disability issues, and do side jobs like them, what should I do to report this doctor, and the individuals involved??

Mon, 09/19/2016 - 10:34 Permalink
Deb (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I so agree with you. I

I so agree with you. I believe my ex is doing just that as I've got photos and info from others but he's bipolar and I'm fearful of what he would do to me. Yet it angers me he's able to lay low under the radar It's ridiculous.

Tue, 05/03/2016 - 13:05 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Deb (not verified)

Hi Deb,

Hi Deb,
You can send that information entirely anonymously, you can send that info as a letter to the SSA here:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

If you don't include a return address or any personal information in the letter, there would be no information that would say you submitted the letter.

Tue, 05/03/2016 - 13:59 Permalink
Sue. (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I too, know someone who is

I too, know someone who is working making about $ 300 just for the weekends, thats more than her SS check each month.. Im not giving info on this person if I need to give any on myself..

Thu, 07/28/2016 - 18:43 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sue. (not verified)

Hi Sue,

Hi Sue,
You don't have to! You can send the SSA this information totally anonymously, just send a letter without a return address to:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 08/01/2016 - 15:07 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I have the same issue!

I have the same issue! Someone working under table, swimming, going on vacations. Needs to be reported.

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 09:01 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You can report this information to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 09:37 Permalink
Martha (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Reported it, included my

Reported it, included my information, situation remains the same. This is an easy one. It is a barber shop, they guy brags about his work hours, rents spaces, collects as much cash as possible but uses square.com for debit credit and these go right into his checking account. There is a limit on what a person can make, but also you must not be able to work the same level/hours as another person in the same industry.

Mon, 09/19/2016 - 15:32 Permalink
Plaz (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I will! Im not worried The

I will! Im not worried The truth is on my side! I got the proof too! I know BELIEVE ME I GOT more than anyone would ever need to prove FRAUD. IVE SENDING IN REPORTS WITH ALL MY INFORMATION TOO.
9, 6, 3 months ago.
But stilllll..... NOTHING.

WHY??

Mon, 10/03/2016 - 21:20 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Plaz (not verified)

Hi Plaz,

Hi Plaz,
I really could not say if the SSA did or did not investigate this situation, however they may have done preliminary investigations and found nothing indicating that further investigations were needed.

Tue, 10/04/2016 - 09:29 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

This is the problem with the

This is the problem with the system...the don't know...there are people refused to work here. ...faking accident...collaborate with the doctors...to go overseas collecting...a lot of money....and they talk bad about america..this and that...so...they need to send an investigator mostly in haiti..to see how theyliving large with us tax payer money...
they need to bring them back over here to payback that money....no matter is a dollar or 1000000.000
that's fraud....america wake up....
all ya have to do is to check who's not calling they're taxes every here...than..how many times they been enter the country to see that doctor...and how long they stay...from there..when they expect to go back where ever country they returned...have some agents in place to stop them....i no a guy..that always bragging bow he mess up the system
and is not even a US citizens....is in haiti....driving in some dangerous road in his coun5while he said the judge took his drivers license...wish he don't need to drive in Haiti...so you think is fare...no..no...
he calls himself...jean Thomas or pierre...if any ones know him...repot it....
he took money from people here in miami...
especially elderly....

Mon, 10/10/2016 - 16:00 Permalink
Someone (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I know some one working under

I know some one working under the table rides atvs and snorts cruched pills and on meth and gets a check every month

Fri, 01/13/2017 - 03:35 Permalink
lovelife (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

you are so rite. who wants

you are so rite. who wants to give there name. if u know someone is doing collecting ssi frault. i know a lady collecting for her disability son. and shes hook and spending his money on crack. its damn shame. but if I have to give my name im not going to report it

Sun, 07/09/2017 - 17:03 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by lovelife (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may not need to provide information to give the SSA evidence of fraud, you can send a letter without a return address to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 07/10/2017 - 09:21 Permalink
Summer (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I also know 2 or 3.and one in

I also know 2 or 3.and one in jail for 3 years still getting it.and fixing to get a big back time back ..this is sad

Fri, 08/04/2017 - 12:39 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Summer (not verified)

HI there,

HI there,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so by calling their main line at 1-800-772-1213.

Mon, 08/07/2017 - 09:33 Permalink
smith (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I know some that has been

I know some that has been work for a year and makes 40 a hour and collects SSI his name is works for construction in pacific northwest

Sun, 08/20/2017 - 21:59 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by smith (not verified)

HI Smith,

HI Smith,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so by sending them a letter here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 10:15 Permalink
Bob (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

What if someone has section 8

What if someone has section 8, receives disability and moves in with there boyfriend and they both claim, recurrence tons of state and but neither report about having the other ones income?

Thu, 11/02/2017 - 16:20 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Bob (not verified)

Hi Bob,

Hi Bob,
Both claimants can receive SSDI benefits at the same time, and the two payments will not affect one another. The SSA will have records of where the couple lives so it's unlikely that this is fraud, even if they're receiving SSI.

Mon, 11/06/2017 - 10:51 Permalink
Sharon martynu… (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

They are breaking the law

They are breaking the law welfare is wrong people are lying to the government not paying taxes working under the table its criminal ssd is a farce when mrn are golfing on ssd when will it end

Sat, 01/13/2018 - 15:22 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sharon martynu… (not verified)

Hi Sharon,

Hi Sharon,
I'm sorry to hear about that! Unfortunately, the SSA has no rules on people golfing while receiving disability benefits.

Mon, 01/15/2018 - 14:39 Permalink
Not applicable (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

My thought exactly. I know

My thought exactly. I know someone going on European vacations on gov.'s dime and works under the table but they should be investigated, not me.

Sun, 02/18/2018 - 12:07 Permalink
Olivia (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

Finishing my comment from

Finishing my comment from earlier... this individual goes camping, hunting, fishing, travels all over the country in vehicles and motorcycles and does everything and everything they want and is not limited in any form or fashion whatsoever. This infuriates me

Fri, 04/27/2018 - 11:41 Permalink
Olivia (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

Finishing my comment from

Finishing my comment from earlier... this individual goes camping, hunting, fishing, travels all over the country in vehicles and motorcycles and does everything and everything they want and is not limited in any form or fashion whatsoever. This infuriates me

Fri, 04/27/2018 - 11:41 Permalink

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