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

Concerned parent (not verified)

What if you know for a fact

What if you know for a fact that someone is lying on their total income situation but collects a lot of money in disability for their child is that considered fraud? This woman even went as far as admitting to it on social media.

Mon, 10/17/2016 - 20:49 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Concerned parent (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
That may be fraud, however I do not have any of the particular details of this case so I would be unwilling to say conclusively. You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so here:
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 09:48 Permalink
andrea coviello (not verified)

A man that lived across the

A man that lived across the street from me, that I had a year court battle for sexual assault against, knewI was applying for disability. All his attorney did was intimidate me on the stand pre trail, was about my disability application. Not one word about the sexual assault, for 20+ minutes. He then made false addresses, sold my SS number to ny were I used to reside, and lied about my condition. And there's more. He to was also on ss . All the dates he did this coincide with the time frame of the court battle, with court docs.
I was denied, and knew it was him as the judge asked me specific questions only he would know.
4 years later I am still applying, and winning my case as I was born with physical defects and mental disorders.
I lost years of my disability. I also lost years of disability from a ss worker who botched my case. It is on file with the ss department. They even know about her inability to aid clients. Attorneys know of this woman.
What do I do? I am in tears debt, psychological broken down, depressed and suicidal, as I reported his name here, and no one has called or contacted me at all about my situation.
What in God's name...can one do

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 03:51 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by andrea coviello (not verified)

Hi Andrea,

Hi Andrea,
I'm sorry to hear about all that! The SSA takes tampering with the disability application process seriously, you may want to contact the SSA regarding this. You can make a report to them about this here:
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 09:52 Permalink
Dutch (not verified)

An ex-colleague of mine is on

An ex-colleague of mine is on disability for depression. She is now on her second out of state vacation in a hotel on the other side of the country this year. She claims she paid for this herself. Is this appropriate use of disability funds? She has no other income.

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 06:12 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Dutch (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I really could not say as different disability benefits have different restrictions placed on them. This person may not be doing anything wrong.

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 09:53 Permalink
rodriguez linda (not verified)

I have a sister that working

I have a sister that working under the table collecting

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 15:55 Permalink
Know someone (not verified)

I want to report someone who

I want to report someone who badly abuses the government so bad that they should be in jail. He takes vacations 3-5 a year, big vacations. Sells drugs in his house, and brags about how he keeps purposely having kids to receive more benefits. I really want to report it but I don't want the person to know I reported it because he's in my family. It's very serious.

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 11:58 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Know someone (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
you can send evidence anonymously to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 13:53 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

im bieng molested as a a

im bieng molested as a a disabled spouse of a fraudulent retired sex offender ...a predator who abandoned his family after lying claiming not only myself but also my two grown kids fulltyme college students yes retired vet nasty dog has been running 8000$ a month also child molester verifyable also he got 3lumpsums lied on taxes

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 18:43 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear that.
If you are being abused, please make arrangements to leave as quickly as possible. You may want to contact the local authorities as well, they can help prosecute this person. To report disability benefits fraud, you can go here:
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 09:57 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear that.
If you are being abused, please make arrangements to leave as quickly as possible. You may want to contact the local authorities as well, they can help prosecute this person. To report disability benefits fraud, you can go here:
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 09:57 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone that is on

I know someone that is on disability because of a bad back and he does carpentry work. He remodeled a local restaurant. I am pretty sure these people pay him cash, because he shows off all the $100 bills on his Facebook page with the comment.... a hard days work.

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 10:56 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
you can send evidence anonymously to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 11:25 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

It'd be nice if they had

It'd be nice if they had a link to this imaginary "online fraud report". All they have on this page is snail mail and a till free number.

Fri, 10/21/2016 - 07:56 Permalink
Ben (not verified)

Is there a reward for turning

Is there a reward for turning someone in?

Fri, 10/21/2016 - 13:27 Permalink
bama (not verified)

If a young single lady is on

If a young single lady is on disability and meets a guy, moves in together and has 2 children together, living together as husband and wife. But wont get married because it will drastically reduce her benefits. Isnt this fraud?

Mon, 10/24/2016 - 13:41 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by bama (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
It may not be fraud, however that person should contact the SSA and inform them of the change in their living situation.

Mon, 10/24/2016 - 14:14 Permalink
Need to know (not verified)

Leslie Vega a 35 year old

someone I know sells her meds and repos cars under the table for side cash.

Tue, 10/25/2016 - 02:49 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Need to know (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
you can send evidence anonymously to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Tue, 10/25/2016 - 09:28 Permalink
Betty (not verified)

I know somebody that has

I know somebody that has never worked a day in his life and he just turned 30 years old on Sept-17th and he also draws Ss And Ssi how is that

Tue, 10/25/2016 - 17:00 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Betty (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
They may be eligible as a disabled adult child, that means they are able to collect on their parent's work record if they are disabled before the age of 22.

Wed, 10/26/2016 - 09:23 Permalink
Dio (not verified)

Is it illegal to collect to

Is it illegal to collect to sums of $20k while incarcerated

Wed, 10/26/2016 - 12:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Dio (not verified)

Hi Dio,

Hi Dio,
If this person was determined to be entitled to the money prior to being incarcerated, it may not be illegal.

Wed, 10/26/2016 - 13:18 Permalink
REA (not verified)

Hi. I know someone, quite

Hi. I know someone, quite close to me, who is collecting SS for a supposed "disability," but is also working under the table. He tells me the SS knows he's working and he's allowed to make up to $25k/yr. without his SS being affected. Now, he's not on it because he's of retirment age, so what I want to know is, can he really work and make that much money, while still collecting SS for a "disability," or is he just calling my bluff and hoping I don't look into it?

Wed, 10/26/2016 - 16:58 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by REA (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Yes, it is possible to work while on disability, however there are income limits. I really could not say if this person is working while on disability legitimately, because we are not affiliated with the SSA and cannot determine such things.

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 09:29 Permalink
Concerned sister (not verified)

Girlfriend says she is

Girlfriend says she is waiting on her Disability for 2 years, never sees my brother. He sends her his disability money every month and he IS DISABLED due to illness. How can I find out if she is lying to him. I have seen her with other men in another town. She keeps promising to marry him. Help

Fri, 10/28/2016 - 09:21 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Concerned sister (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Whether she is lying about anything, if your brother has his girlfriend as a payee it may be a good idea to contact the SSA and have his payee changed to someone that he would be better able to rely on.

Fri, 10/28/2016 - 10:59 Permalink
christopher (not verified)

what do I do if I know

what do I do if I know someone that lied stating her husband wasn't living at home so she could get food stamps and money for disabilities for her kids?

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 06:53 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by christopher (not verified)

hi Christopher,

hi Christopher,
You may want to contact the SSA here:

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

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 09:17 Permalink
jackie (not verified)

Can i report someone who&#039

Can i report someone who's already been denied and is trying to appeal if I know they're committing fraud?

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 16:54 Permalink
Eric (not verified)

What if you know someone that

What if you know someone that collects SSI and still can dance parties it up and has even has rode a mechanical bull. And abusing her pills. Is this abuse? She has back issues

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 18:19 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Eric (not verified)

Hi Eric,

Hi Eric,
They may still have a disability, and disability benefits do not require a person to act in any particular way, even if they are being irresponsible.

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 09:10 Permalink
Dan (not verified)

my neighbor draws disability

my neighbor draws disability and run a junk yard at his home where he sell car parts and works on peoples cars he can out work a lot of people but he still draws da

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 20:25 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Dan (not verified)

Hi Dan,

Hi Dan,
You may want to contact the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 09:10 Permalink
Jen (not verified)

Can someone who is on total

Can someone who is on total disability and unable to work but is fully capabale of being a boy scout leader and attend camp outs, hikes, etc continue to draw their SS?

Tue, 11/01/2016 - 23:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jen (not verified)

Hi Jen,

Hi Jen,
I really could not say as I do not know why this person is disabled, it may not interfere with this duties as a Boy Scout leader but it may make him unable to work.

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 09:12 Permalink
Sadie cathrup (not verified)

is spend her

is spend her check on and boozeing it up and she is nothing wrong with her she tells ever she is getting free money why not she said

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 00:36 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sadie cathrup (not verified)

HI there,

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

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 09:13 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

My neighbor is on disability

My neighbor is on disability and claims he can't work but he buys and sells vehicles and pulls trannys and builds engines and doesn't seem to be unable to work at all. His rent is paid for by the government and he is earning cash on the side.

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 15:38 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
It's very hard to determine why this person is unable to work, even is someone is physically able, it can be very difficult for them to work mentally. However, he may need to inform the SSA that he is earning money doing this if he is doing so.

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 16:53 Permalink
Charlene (not verified)

There is a woman who keeps

There is a woman who keeps reporting me to SSA. I have done nothing wrong, no under the table anything, yet she continues and I keep getting letters to come in and review my social security and medicare. Can I find out if it is the woman I suspect or get the name of the person "blowing the whistle" and contact my lawyer for fraudulent reporting?

Thu, 11/03/2016 - 21:07 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Charlene (not verified)

Hi Charlene,

Hi Charlene,
I'm sorry to hear about that! You may want to contact the SSA if you believe someone is abusing their fraud reporting system, however they may not share details about fraud reports filed against you.

Fri, 11/04/2016 - 09:34 Permalink
Ross (not verified)

I bites that someone with 7

I bites that someone with 7 kids is receiving SSI benefits due to a frabacited condition. Is posting picture on FB of them smoking weed and you know there is nothing wrong with them because they are telling you how dumb you are for working a full 40 hour job. they tell you all you need to do is ????? and you get benefits. That is why i feel drug testing should be done. This system is broken and nobody cares.

Fri, 11/04/2016 - 12:30 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ross (not verified)

Hi Ross,

Hi Ross,
If you need to report abuse, you can do so here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Fri, 11/04/2016 - 13:13 Permalink
CRISTINA (not verified)

Hi, i wanted to ask about

Hi, i wanted to ask about reporting someone that is going to apply for the benefits social security disability, He takes medication, OK. But there yet he's able to work. He has been living a very good life until now that he sees the option that the government provides and he's going to apply. Now tell me if a person that just bought a house, has several cars that are worth more than 35k (one) and the other 350K; is he able to get this benefit and the people that really need it maybe won't get it because this person doesn't like to work !

Fri, 11/04/2016 - 15:24 Permalink

Add new comment

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!