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

rsg

In reply to by BOB (not verified)

Hi Bob,

Hi Bob,

If you suspect fraud you should report it to the SSA.

Thu, 07/19/2018 - 17:04 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

how can i report someone

how can i report someone using thier money for drugs and getting paid under the table

Thu, 07/19/2018 - 18:25 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can leave an anonymous report on the SSA's fraud hotline.

Fri, 07/20/2018 - 14:52 Permalink
Vicky (not verified)

Okay what if some one lied

Okay what if some one lied they have mental disorder and are fully functional the person is a drug user who doesn’t want to work so they sent them selfs to a mental hospital once so they can get out of going to work by the way they don’t take there meds they just take crack and weed I’m so fed up with this person getting away with this

Mon, 07/23/2018 - 00:46 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Vicky (not verified)

Hi Vicky,

Hi Vicky,
If you suspect fraud you should report it to the SSA. Their number is 1-800-772-1213 or you can report it online.

Mon, 07/23/2018 - 16:53 Permalink
SSI Fraud - De… (not verified)

What if someone is using

What if someone is using/receiving a deceased persons SSI disability benefits?

Mon, 07/23/2018 - 15:14 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by SSI Fraud - De… (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

If they are posing as that deceased person in order to get their SSDI benefits then yes.

However, if this person is receiving auxiliary benefits off of someone who has passed away (such as a parent) that does not constitute as fraud.

Mon, 07/23/2018 - 17:00 Permalink
Nicholas (not verified)

I would like to report

I would like to report someone who has been working under the table at a bar and has a grass cutting business who claims to be on disability and foodstamps

Wed, 07/25/2018 - 11:35 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Nicholas (not verified)

Hi Nicholas,

Hi Nicholas,

You'll need to contact the SSA to report fraud. Their number is 1-800-772-1213 or you can report fraud online.

Thu, 07/26/2018 - 17:01 Permalink
Leleai Feagiai (not verified)

My grandson has a SSI

My grandson has a SSI Disability check,and the mom received it,but the grandson is stayed with me and I took care of him and and the rest of the siblings and I don’t know where she’s at..What can I do?????

Wed, 07/25/2018 - 22:25 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Leleai Feagiai (not verified)

Hi Leleai,

Hi Leleai,

I would contact the SSA about that. Their number is 10800-772-1213. Or you can visit your local office.

Thu, 07/26/2018 - 16:55 Permalink
Shy (not verified)

I know someone who gets ssi

I know someone who gets ssi and she uses someone else's address. And lives in another state.

Mon, 07/30/2018 - 22:39 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Shy (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

That doesn't constitute fraud. While you should always give your most up to date contact information to the SSA, but since the Social Security benefits is a federal program and not a state one.

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 16:26 Permalink
Donna (not verified)

I was wondering if someone

I was wondering if someone who is receiving SSD for their health condition be allowed to use illegal drugs and still collect?

Thu, 08/02/2018 - 10:00 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Donna (not verified)

Hi Donna,

Hi Donna,

If they are using their Social Security money to pay for illegal drugs then that could constitute fraud.

Mon, 08/06/2018 - 15:58 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I have recently started

I have recently started helping my fiance file for disability,while filling out paperwork we came across a record for a job my fiance supposedly had in 2011. He kept saying he never worked there and didnt understand why it was on his record. He was talking to his dad about it one day and how upset he was with it being on there,his dad spoke up and informed us that he had worked at that place in 2011 and used his sons social security number because he himself gets disability and didnt want to lose it for working. Told my fiance to lie and just say he dont remember working there or tell them its a mistake on there part. My fiance is having trouble getting his disability due to this and knows it be much easier for him to just tell truth,but his dad keeps guilt tripping him saying if we tell truth he will lose his check and might go to jail and how would we feel if he went to jail and lost everything bc of us. I cant the man hes used everyone of his kids to get what he wants with no regaurd for how it will hurt them. I want to report him but dont know how with out them knowing it was me. Any advice????? We are talking about a man who got probation for busting someones ear drum instead of jail time he thinks hes above the law. Has convinced his doctor to give him weed pills so he can smoke weed while on probation and get away w it. Says all the time that it must suck to be anyone eles on probation bc he has it made. Sits home collects a check,sells his meds only pays 200.00 a mth for rent w everything included and still says its to much to pay. Uses his childrens names and social to get cable phones,cars what ever he wants while other struggle to just be approved for disability kust to survive. This man disgust me to no end. He dont deserve any of what he has.

Wed, 08/15/2018 - 08:37 Permalink
John (not verified)

Can someone receive SSI

Can someone receive SSI benefits of deceased parent if alleged father was not on birth certificate, don’t have his last name, nor was he ever legally established to be the parent? I know someone that is receiving SSI because their alleged father passed away but it wasn’t until 4 years after his death that they got a DNA test done and they have been receiving SSI since the time he passed away.

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 01:44 Permalink
Natalie (not verified)

I’m a hair stylist and I have

I’m a hair stylist and I have a client who told me, more than once, that she “is on disability for back problems”. But she also tells me about how often her and her new husband go country dancing. She does tell tall tales too, I’ve heard some crazy stuff. So IDK if it’s true that she collects disability, I do know that she goes dancing quite often, she posts frequently on her facebook with photos, so that would be easy to see. It’s not my job to put two and two together and determine if she’s committing fraud, I do feel I have a responsibility to report possible fraud since I’m a tax payer. I’m really not concerned about remaining anonymous, I probably should since it would be her nature to post false negative claims about me and try to ruin my business. What’s the best way to go about reporting her. All that’s left to provide in addition to what I’ve said here is her name, ph#, address, and facebook page.

Sun, 08/26/2018 - 17:41 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Natalie (not verified)

Hi Natalie,

Hi Natalie,

If you suspect fraud you should report it to the SSA. You can do so online where you can remain anonymous if you choose to.

Mon, 08/27/2018 - 16:20 Permalink
gridiron (not verified)

Someone is collecting

Someone is collecting disability and is working under the table. But this person has a plate in her neck so she says is cant work but she sits in a bar some 6-7 hrs a day and spends money and also paints houses. I think sitting on a bar stool for all thoes hours would would kill your back and painting. But she still collects. Something wrong with this

Tue, 08/28/2018 - 14:20 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by gridiron (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

That alone may not be able to constitute fraud because one is able to collect SSDI benefits and still work.

However, if she is not reporting income to the SSA that could constitute as fraud.

Tue, 08/28/2018 - 16:53 Permalink
Georgette (not verified)

what if someone is getting

what if someone is getting Disability, and they are renting out there garage and rooms in their house and not reporting it..Is that fraud?

Wed, 08/29/2018 - 14:52 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Georgette (not verified)

Hi Georgette,

Hi Georgette,

If they are not reporting income to the SSA, that could constitute fraud.

Wed, 08/29/2018 - 15:20 Permalink
Billie (not verified)

I live with someone that is

I live with someone that is committing Disability Fraud. I don't want him to find out who's turning him in till I leave. How can I do that?

Mon, 09/03/2018 - 22:52 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Billie (not verified)

Hi Billie,

Hi Billie,

You can anonymously report fraud to the SSA online or can call at 1-80-772-1213.

Tue, 09/04/2018 - 15:40 Permalink
Jeb (not verified)

What if I know for a fact

What if I know for a fact that a person is collecting $5500/monthly for an alleged "bad back" but is able to go on cruises, go to water parks,visit Disney World and ride the water rides, attend College football games and hold small children in her arms but is incapable of working and is also benefiting from the passing of her husband. This is also masked by a home based business named Pink Zebra Home as a consultant. She is a prime candidate to be investigated.

Sat, 09/08/2018 - 10:04 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Jeb (not verified)

Hi Jeb,

Hi Jeb,

If you suspect fraud you should report it to the SSA. Their number is 1-800-772-1213 or you can report it online.

Mon, 09/10/2018 - 15:41 Permalink
Cheyenne (not verified)

What if I know w someone who

What if I know w someone who uses drugs and pays for it with most of her check . and has lied about her living and marital status .

Tue, 09/11/2018 - 23:49 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Cheyenne (not verified)

Hi Cheyenne,

Hi Cheyenne,

If you suspect fraud, you should report it to the SSA. The number is 1-800-772-1213.

Wed, 09/12/2018 - 16:44 Permalink
Lori Bond (not verified)

Just was not sure nut if you

Just was not sure nut if you make extra income a month like 300.00 dollars if you are responsible to report it

Wed, 09/12/2018 - 12:19 Permalink
Unknown (not verified)

My sister receives a ssi

My sister receives a ssi check for my nephew who lives with my dad. She doesn't spend any of the money on my nephew. I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to help my dad get that money instead of her. He struggles to make ends meet but she just spends the check on drugs. She doesn't work and it's like he is a free ride for her. What can be done?

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 21:22 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Unknown (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can contact the SSA and see if it is possible to change the payee.

Fri, 09/14/2018 - 14:48 Permalink
Felix (not verified)

How to report a fraud

How to report a fraud

Fri, 09/14/2018 - 05:01 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Felix (not verified)

Hi Felix,

Hi Felix,

You can report fraud online to the SSA or call 1-800-772-1213.

Fri, 09/14/2018 - 14:44 Permalink
Tpain (not verified)

Can you report someone who&

Can you report someone who's trying to get SSI and still work I have resumes and pics of work they do. Can them type of ppl be reported?????

Fri, 09/14/2018 - 14:41 Permalink
SARAI (not verified)

SOMEONE WORKED UNDER MY

SOMEONE WORKED UNDER MY SOCIAL SECURITY.

Tue, 09/18/2018 - 10:38 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by SARAI (not verified)

Hi Sarai,

Hi Sarai,

We are not affiliated with the SSA or the federal government. You may want to contact the SSA and the police about this.

Tue, 09/18/2018 - 17:13 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I want to report someone who

I want to report someone who played pro football and has lied about his abilities to receive social security and disability benefits. He runs several successful companies and should not be receiving any additional government aid. Is this the right place to file a report?

Sat, 09/22/2018 - 21:13 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can the SSA's fraud hotline at 1(800) 269-0271 and leave an anonymous report. Just make sure to provide as much evidence as you can as possible.

Mon, 09/24/2018 - 15:43 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I wish we could remain

I wish we could remain anonymous. I have a family member that fraudulently worked the Workers Comp system for 16 years. Now she's doing the same with Disability. She's coming in to almost 1//2 million dollar inheritance, that she has all her money going to her daughter, just so she can keep collecting. She drives a brand new car and travels the world on the tax payers money. She laughs about it often. I know this because I'm the Executor and there's nothing I can do about it. She will laugh all the way to the bank.

Wed, 09/26/2018 - 19:22 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can anonymously report to the SSA. There is an option to remain anonymous when you report online.

Thu, 09/27/2018 - 16:35 Permalink
Wayde Holmes (not verified)

If someone filed a report of

If someone filed a report of fraud on another individual, is it possible to withdraw that report?

Thu, 09/27/2018 - 15:05 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Wayde Holmes (not verified)

Hi Wayde,

Hi Wayde,

You may want to contact the SSA's fraud hotline and speak with a representative regarding that matter.

Thu, 09/27/2018 - 16:42 Permalink
Jamie R Gonzales (not verified)

I know a guy that is

I know a guy that is receiving benefits from the state of NM but running a business that is not even registered in the state of NM yet he is operating it by training students to get there CDL for cash.

Mon, 10/15/2018 - 11:26 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Jamie R Gonzales (not verified)

Hi Jamie,

Hi Jamie,

If you wish to report SSA fraud you can contact the SSA fraud hotline and leave an anonymous account. Just make sure to provide plenty of physical evidence.

Mon, 10/15/2018 - 16:48 Permalink
Sherry (not verified)

What if someone is on social

What if someone is on social security and is still workung on cars, tearing down sheds scraping and loading and unloading washing machines and iceboxes by him self on trucks?? He suffered from a stroke but does not act like it

Wed, 10/31/2018 - 14:13 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Sherry (not verified)

Hi Sherry,

Hi Sherry,

If you suspect fraud you should contact the SSA. You can anonymously report online or call the fraud hotline toll free at (800) 269-0271.

Wed, 10/31/2018 - 16:39 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What is the email address to

What is the email address to report disability fraud?

Sat, 11/03/2018 - 07:37 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

I am unsure the email address. But the fraud hotline is (800) 269-0271, the address is:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Or you can report it anonymously on the SSA's website.

Mon, 11/05/2018 - 16:49 Permalink

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