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

Bryan

In reply to by Theresa McCoy (not verified)

HI Theresa,

HI Theresa,
I'm sorry to hear that! You may want to make sure you have records relating to your condition and your financial records if the SSA will be investigating.

Wed, 03/15/2017 - 09:34 Permalink
mary crawford (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

I was married (divorce

I was married (divorce pending) and my husband receives money and it's because of his back. Yet he still goes out chops wood. Does work under house and lifts things that are very heavy. Not only that but raises dogs twice a year and sells them for $ cash and now puts it in his girlfriends name.

Sun, 06/18/2017 - 22:51 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by mary crawford (not verified)

Hi Mary,

Hi Mary,
You may want to contact the SSA with evidence of this, you can send any evidence here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 06/19/2017 - 09:15 Permalink
Cathy (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

so if it's not a falsely

so if it's not a falsely report then would it be confidential. I know someone who in fact is afrauding. I don't won't to report because her boyfriend is a mason. bad things or even would acure if they knew who reported her

Thu, 07/13/2017 - 19:20 Permalink
Another Cathy Asking (not verified)

In reply to by Eric

Eric - How do you report it

Eric - How do you report it confidentially? Have a relative by marriage abusing and would like an investigation. They have been already caught using the system to get section 8 housing (was a nicer house than mine I might add) and food stamps and SS Disability. Now they are using their oldest daughter with a mental Dis. - what they do (note her psycho dad is her POA and has been in jail a few times once was for 13 or 14 years) he is an abuser really bad (has almost killed his wife and younger kids 14 years of age at time (chocked one until she blacked out)) - him and his wife will use her money when she gets it on her card and when it runs out she is left on her own homeless maybe even without her meds. because of them. It's bad and I would think she would be safer and happier if she was a word of the state. He knows how to use the system and gets away with it. Been doing so for as long as I have known my husband over 20 years. Note wife is also on disability. They also ask for hand outs all the time and spend a lot of what they get on drugs not food and medical. The system is broken bad. I feel for my niece (by marriage) I just don't know what to do to help and I wouldn't want them to know I did it because I don't want him or his family mad at me for doing it. My other two nieces are in foster care now and he isn't aloud to have contact with them. They are doing great at the moment. I just don't know what to do about this issue and would like to know what and how to do it.
Thanks,
Another Cathy

Fri, 01/26/2018 - 08:32 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Another Cathy Asking (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

Thank you for sharing your story. When you call (1-800) 269-0271, you will speak with a SSA representative and you can disclose to them that you want your report to be anonymous. Best of luck.

Fri, 01/26/2018 - 08:59 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Another Cathy Asking (not verified)

Somwone is frauding my name

Somwone is frauding my name and you guys tell me that I need to check into it. I have seen on the computer that someone has been using my name in cities I have never lived. This disability place is the ones that are screwing up and letting this happen and you guys need to check into it not me. If I worked for SSI I would not allow someojne to fraud anyone. This goverment is so screwed up on how so many people are getting away with frauding people and there is nothing that we can do with peo[ple that fraud us. And it keeps the poeople that are wanting to do things in there life cause of frauders and there is really nothing the goverment will do.

Thu, 04/12/2018 - 14:17 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

We are not affiliated with the SSA or the federal government. If you need to speak with someone from the SSA about fraud you can call them at 1-800-772-1213.

Thu, 04/12/2018 - 16:16 Permalink
Vickie Bouzerrara (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

Someone I know

Someone I know Is selling pictures he takes to make m extra money. He has a Facebook page called wi ty h the prices clearly pisted.

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 16:12 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Vickie Bouzerrara (not verified)

Hi Vickie,

Hi Vickie,
That person may not be committing fraud, as you may be able to work while collecting disability, within certain limits. You may want to contact the SSA if you suspect fraud in this person's case.

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 16:49 Permalink
Kathy (not verified)

In reply to by Vickie Bouzerrara (not verified)

I know for a fact that

I know for a fact that someone is spending there disability check on drugs and none for there support what shall I do

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 09:34 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Kathy (not verified)

Hi Kathy,

Hi Kathy,
Is it possible that these drugs are legally used? Many people on Social Security disability benefits have licenses for medical marijuana.

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 14:37 Permalink
curious (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

If it turns out to be a bogus

If it turns out to be a bogus claim, then what are the consequences to the one that reported it? In most cases, they dont feel that its bogus.

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 17:22 Permalink
Roxann (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

My sister in law lives with

My sister in law lives with her boyfriend who makes 8,000 a mouth and is getting ssi for her son . Isn’t that illegal?

Thu, 09/28/2017 - 14:19 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Roxann (not verified)

HI Roxann,

HI Roxann,
It would depend on how much of that household's money goes to the son, though they may need to report that income to the SSA.

Thu, 09/28/2017 - 14:34 Permalink
Sharon martynuska (not verified)

In reply to by curious (not verified)

I know a man gets ssi works 7

I know a man gets ssi works 7 days a week under the table owns a home land vehicles brags about it his name is . Please stop him hes a criminal ripping people off hesgoed aftet seniors and women his house is orth about 300 thousand lots of land why ishe on ssi. Bye

Fri, 12/15/2017 - 07:38 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sharon martynuska (not verified)

Hi Sharon,

Hi Sharon,
You may want to get in touch with the SSA regarding this, but you may also want to contact your local authorities if this person is a con man.

Fri, 12/15/2017 - 11:05 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

Why would say need reporters

Why would say need reporters ssn. If they find it faulse

Tue, 08/29/2017 - 12:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You can report anonymously to the SSA, but it's good to leave your information if they need to contact you for further information.

Tue, 08/29/2017 - 13:36 Permalink
Barbara (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

I called the hot line number

I called the hot line number to report my x husband who claimed he was going blind but just got his motorcycle license. They asked me for my name and address. They also told me I may need to go to court I told them I'm not going to court. I told them why do I have to go to court all you need to do is call DPS and find out he got a licence. They lie and tell you its confidential. Im not going to court if my a husband finds out its me he'll come over to my house and start trouble with me. Now I'm sorry I said anything on the hotline. Now my life is going to be in danger because I make that called and they say I may have to go to court. Thanks for lying about it being confidential. If something happens to me its your fault

Fri, 01/19/2018 - 22:39 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Barbara (not verified)

Hi Barbara,

Hi Barbara,
I'm sorry to hear about that! You may want to contact your local police if you fear for your safety, and you may want to contact the SSA regarding testifying. They may not make you do it in open court and you may be able to have your testimony submitted without revealing your identity.

Mon, 01/22/2018 - 09:34 Permalink
Kesha (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

I agree with above. There&

I agree with above. There's so much fraud out there and never investigated. Married people living together but one uses a post office box, works under table uses his sons ss#. While his wife collects and uses house address. Pretty sad no one checks all this out. Neither one of them have ever worked a day but can collect SSI taxes us workers pay and will never collect because they give it to everyone who can't read, depression, rotator cuff surgery. I have all the above and work daily and in nursing school. Wake up government. Do investigations.

Wed, 02/24/2016 - 20:33 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

how can they -they don't

how can they -they don't answer the phone -on hold for an hour who is stupid enough to give them your ss number --that's why it goes unnoticed/////

Wed, 07/06/2016 - 14:29 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the SSA! It's a large organization, so they may have employees that do not handle every call properly. However, you can always send them this information online or through the mail, which may be a better way to reach them in some cases.

Wed, 07/06/2016 - 14:34 Permalink
Gov. Never do … (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

I agree, if investigations

I agree, if investigations were actually done correctly, there would not be people out there collecting money under a different name and married to a husband who work full time making good money. The reason the country/ Gov. is a joke is because the is so jacked up and no one cares to investigate. What a JOKE. DO YOUR JOB CORRECTLY MYRA.........

Mon, 08/08/2016 - 13:56 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Gov. Never do … (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry Myra isn't pulling her weight! We're not affiliated with the SSA, so it may be a better idea to contact them about her. However, it is possible to collect disability through your work record and have a husband working full time, making good money, as SSDI does not have income limits.

Mon, 08/08/2016 - 16:55 Permalink
Queen 19 (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

what action should a person

what action should a person take who's raising a child that receive' s ssi from his mother's death. His legal guardian has the money and I get the (scarecrow) . He is an awesome kid by the way. Don't know what who how to do for. us. Extremely resource challenged.

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 20:33 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Queen 19 (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
if the child is getting survivor's benefits, then you can contact the SSA, they can change the representative payee for the child to someone who is willing to use the benefits for the child.

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 09:43 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Can somebody that collects

Can somebody that collects social security disability take care of someone that is disabled and dying from brain cancer. This person can't work but can take care of another person and collect a large sum of money for doing it. Which comes from a different source...I'm sure it isn't being reported and sells products as well and posts items for sale on facebook

Thu, 04/13/2017 - 17:07 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Yes, they may be able to work without losing eligibility for benefits. You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can contact them at 1-800-772-1213.

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 13:16 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

That's not true ssa is

That's not true ssa is not doing anything, i reported someone everywhere i could even i gave my name ,proofs, pictures, addresses ,see him working every single day and guess what stiil working and laughing that he is able to beat the system ,so i gave up reporting

Mon, 08/08/2016 - 14:42 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
It's possible that the SSA determined that the person you reported was complying with any restrictions that he had due to his disability. It's possible to work while on either SSI or SSDI.

Mon, 08/08/2016 - 16:57 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

I aggre with you ,due to

I aggre with you ,due to his injury six years ago he can go to work make not more than$1200a month legal way and still collect ssd ,but working off the book and making thousand of dollars and not reporting to ssa and irs playing "Disable "i don't think so

Mon, 08/08/2016 - 19:17 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

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

Tue, 08/09/2016 - 09:43 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

I did send there first ,

I did send there first , 3years ego,and few other places I keep saying in the court no one cares, believe me it's a joke ,I don't believe in fair justice, sorry until he won't get caught no one can convince me that ssa is doing something it's just a website "report fraud if you see something " he's collecting $ 1300 from ssd and making $30000 on the side "poor disable "

Sat, 08/13/2016 - 15:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear that. However, it may be that the SSA has determined that he is not committing fraud. It is possible to work and receive disability benefits, and the SSA would be the people to asses if someone is breaking the rules that they put in place.

Mon, 08/15/2016 - 10:11 Permalink
John (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

THere is guy advertising that

THere is guy advertising that he's receiving SSI benefits and basically running an unlicensed business on a Facebook buy/sell site! He has been doing this for at least 8 months.(that I've seen) Wish there was a way to screens hot his add to you!

Wed, 08/31/2016 - 08:05 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by John (not verified)

Hi John,

Hi John,
Unless the person is not reporting the income and is making enough to make them ineligible for benefits, then they may not be committing fraud.

Wed, 08/31/2016 - 09:26 Permalink
TAMMY (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

Apparently you do not ,but I

Apparently you do not ,but I guess when it's everyone's else's money ,it doesn't really matter

Mon, 09/12/2016 - 20:55 Permalink
Martha (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

Couldn't prove it by me.

Couldn't prove it by me. I went through the complaint filing process nearly 6 months ago; it is a bit of a "no-brainer". Person on total disability working six days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. five of those days and from 9 am. - 6 p.m. one day. On top of that, doing much work "under the table" including collecting rent and a percentage from other stylists. So income tax fraud, disability fraud and gets off scott free. Oh did I forget to mention heroin addiction with door to door service to his place of business. What does a person have to do to get caught?

Mon, 09/19/2016 - 15:28 Permalink
mb (not verified)

In reply to by Kesha (not verified)

absolutely correct. Good

absolutely correct. Good people that need it cant get it, yet other lie cheat, steal, are getting it and never put a dime in.

Mon, 05/23/2016 - 22:24 Permalink
Tony (not verified)

In reply to by mb (not verified)

I just turned someone in who

I just turned someone in who was getting ssi and was married no children they never worked in their life .collected it for 9 years when their spouse made over 3,000 a month by their self .now the DA is getting involved .I did it anonymous but it did ask for my email , I really don't want this person finding out I did it .but if they do it is what it is .I'm tired of people getting what me and lots of other people work for our whole lives .and when I needed it I was turned down and told I could do a sit down job .guess what so can this person and if you mentally disabled (bipolar) not anything major .and your meds work .so can you. I see physically disabled and mentally disabled people working everyday .not popping pill and laying in bed as this person does 90 hydrocodone gone in a week and their spouse doesn't report it to their doctor , also this person is getting food stamps by lying .they been turned in but I guess food stamps don't care about fraud , and this person uses a ambulance as a taxi service when they own two cars ,their excuse is I don't want to sit in the er waiting room ..

Tue, 06/14/2016 - 11:26 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Tony (not verified)

Hi Tony,

Hi Tony,
The SSA may not make your information publicly available, and the person may not have any way to find out that you had reported them. So, no need to fear making a report!

Wed, 06/15/2016 - 09:29 Permalink
Ann williams (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Someone gets disability and

Someone gets disability and buys drugs with it! Her husband works at a paper mill and makes good money! His name. They also get food stamps and they say they don't live together when they do as husband and wife! They buy under aged kids alcohol and drugs! They slept naked in bed with their son naked as well until he was 10 years old! He doesn't work either because he doesn't want to stop using drugs and drinking and he's trying to get on disability! That's not right especially for people who really need it and have worked! I can't work at all yet I don't qualify!If you would watch their house you will see all the proof you need! She even stole checks from 2 elderly women to by drugs with her pregnant niece and helped kill that baby! He lived 2 hours! Investigate that! Her husband has messed will her young nephew sexually and she laughed it off and said he was just playing! Child molesters and drug addicts can get disability, but people with heart problems and so many other health issues can not get it! Wow great job!They lie their way out of everything while innocent people get hurt! I've been on hold for an hour while typing this! Watch their house and you tell me if her husband don't live there and have a good job! He even steals toilet paper and paper towels for her to trade or sell for drugs!

Fri, 07/15/2016 - 12:10 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ann williams (not verified)

Hi Ann,

Hi Ann,
If you suspect them of theft and sexual abuse, I would immediately contact the local police department as they may be a threat to the community. To report SSA fraud, I would go here:
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Mon, 07/18/2016 - 09:28 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Ha ha! I reported MAJOR

Ha ha! I reported MAJOR Judicial and Political corruption and had the evidence to prove it! Know what happened? The cops came after ME for exposing corruption! Think I am kidding, I am NOT ! The ENTIRE system is CORRUPT beyond imagination! And if you expose it then YOU are the criminal! WTF!

Tue, 12/06/2016 - 21:06 Permalink

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