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

Anonymous (not verified)

I have proof that someone is

I have proof that someone is collecting disability, along with working 2 part time jobs, 1 of which she is being paid under the table and not claiming taxes on. Is this a case of fraud?

Mon, 11/05/2018 - 21:19 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

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

Fri, 11/09/2018 - 15:11 Permalink
Lilly (not verified)

whats the website to file

whats the website to file online

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 15:30 Permalink
Mimi (not verified)

What if a husband is the

What if a husband is the payee for his disabled wife and fraudulently spends her check, such as bills not getting paid & gambling ?

Wed, 11/07/2018 - 12:04 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Mimi (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

That could constitute fraud. The SSA needs physical proof of this though. You can leave an anonymous report to the SSA.

Fri, 11/09/2018 - 15:08 Permalink
Christopher (not verified)

I have a roommate that was

I have a roommate that was being paid under the table as a receiptionist during the process of being approved, is there anything I can do?

Tue, 11/20/2018 - 18:22 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Christopher (not verified)

Hi Christopher,

Hi Christopher,

You are able to report if you believe he is committing fraud. Just make sure you have as much physical evidence as possible.

Wed, 11/21/2018 - 12:20 Permalink
Nancy (not verified)

What if he gets disability

What if he gets disability but still works & his wife is the one they issue his pay to bi- wkly. I know she doesn’t work there.

Wed, 11/28/2018 - 06:18 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Nancy (not verified)

Hi Nancy,

Hi Nancy,

Mhm that's interesting. You are able to work while on SSDI benefits, though it is recommended to not work for a family member.

Fri, 11/30/2018 - 16:46 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Someone I know very well is

Someone I know very well is collecting SSI benefits to support a drug habit. He is faking hearing voices and other symptoms of schizophrenia and even laughed and joked about it; bragging about knowing how to "work the system". He admits himself into a short term inpatient rehabilitation facility every few months in order to get prescriptions for antipsychotics to sell or trade on the street between his binges on the first week of every month when he gets his SSI, which is his primary source for funding his cocaine habit.
What can I do about this?

Tue, 12/04/2018 - 02:06 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

If you suspect fraud, you can report it online to the SSA. You can even do it anonymously if you'd like.

Tue, 12/04/2018 - 15:34 Permalink
Queen (not verified)

My neighbor take care of his

My neighbor take care of his wife under the table by getting check in someone name but also as maintenance in apartments while selling his pain pills

Sun, 12/09/2018 - 20:49 Permalink
Blink (not verified)

My friend wants to report her

My friend wants to report her ex because he abuses her refuses to let her leave the house and has an addict on top of all his horrible behavior she still takes care of his kids.

Wed, 12/12/2018 - 14:52 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What if a Person wanting to

What if a Person wanting to apply and pretend they are crazy, but just an act to collect benefits. When trueth is they are drug addicted. And they have someone helping them to put on the act just so they can get a check. And has done this so many times with others and claim have got away with it.
Would this be considered fraud.

Thu, 12/13/2018 - 11:04 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

It's possible, but you would

It's possible, but you would need a lot of physical evidence to prove this alleged fraud.

Fri, 12/14/2018 - 12:08 Permalink
Cheryl (not verified)

What if someone lies about

What if someone lies about living with someone and forges there signature on the SSi forms. Saying they live with them and pay rent only. Then go to court get the judge to say they are married and strike all that out of court. So they can take you for everything you own!! Isn’t that illegal to forge someone’s signature and lie! Then even say it under oath and the judge say it is ok! This person in the past has defrauded SSI by cashing her dead grandmothers checks. She is disabled but is lying to the courts and everything and getting away with it! What can you do in that situation! It isn’t fair!!!

Thu, 12/13/2018 - 13:00 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Cheryl (not verified)

Hi Cheryl,

Hi Cheryl,

That could constitute SSA fraud, however you would need physical evidence of this. The SSA has a fraud hotline to leave an anonymous report.

Fri, 12/14/2018 - 12:00 Permalink
Coco (not verified)

My sister gets Diability and

My sister gets Diability and she has a job paying 15 and hour is this legal

Wed, 12/19/2018 - 20:13 Permalink
Vince (not verified)

If someone is on disability

If someone is on disability because they get anxiety being around people,and they go to play in 2 pool leagues a week and go to a large casino 2 times a week where there are thousands of people is that reportable?Also if their boyfriend also goes and wins $7000.00 and other large amounts and doesnt report his winnings is that reportable?

Fri, 12/21/2018 - 06:35 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Vince (not verified)

Hi Vince,

Hi Vince,

Not reporting additional income with on SSI benefits could constitute fraud since SSI is based on income.

Fri, 12/28/2018 - 12:01 Permalink
Shelia (not verified)

I know someone in Texas who

I know someone in Texas who receives SSDI, but he has been in jail since September 2nd and his girlfriend never reported that he is in jail and she is continuing to receive his benefits.

Wed, 12/26/2018 - 18:48 Permalink
Izzy (not verified)

I have information about many

I have information about many couple who fake inquiries and now used disability benefits please advise

Fri, 01/04/2019 - 09:57 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Izzy (not verified)

Hi Izzy,

Hi Izzy,

If you suspect fraud you can report it to the SSA, either online or over the phone.

Fri, 01/04/2019 - 12:08 Permalink
Sarah (not verified)

What if the person is

What if the person is collecting social security from Wisconsin but living in Florida?

Fri, 01/11/2019 - 13:23 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Sarah (not verified)

Hi Sarah,

Hi Sarah,

That isn't illegal since Social Security is a federal program and not a state program.

Fri, 01/11/2019 - 16:31 Permalink
Grant (not verified)

Someone i know is claiming to

Someone i know is claiming to be married to me and is not plus lives another state and is collecting california benefits how do i deal with this?

Sun, 01/13/2019 - 11:41 Permalink
Anne H (not verified)

I know someone who said they

I know someone who said they couldn't work because they had voice problems and couldn't talk on the phone (they worked in Call Center), yet they were out singing karaoke, couldn't type because their hands swelled up, yet knit and use computer all day at home. Made many comments they could not drive yet got on a plane rented a car and drove up and down several states.. This person is finally approved and is going to get a big fat back pay check. It is not over a mental illness claim. It is for RA. If SS investigates do they tell the claimant they are under investigation?

Sun, 01/20/2019 - 20:19 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Anne H (not verified)

Hi Anne,

Hi Anne,

I'm actually not sure if the SSA will tell someone if they are being investigated for fraud. If you are worried the person will find out that you reported them for fraud, you have the option of reporting it anonymously and will not have to give any of your own personal information.

Mon, 01/21/2019 - 15:07 Permalink
Mrs. Young (not verified)

So what if your landlord asks

So what if your landlord asks you to stop making rent payments directly to the bank cause they do not want SSI to know they have that income coming in while applying for SSI!? Thats fraud correct!? A form of!? I am not comfortable with this and need to know what to do!

Wed, 01/23/2019 - 11:06 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Mrs. Young (not verified)

Hi Mrs. Young,

Hi Mrs. Young,

If you suspect fraud, you should report it to the SSA. You can even report it anonymously online.

Wed, 01/23/2019 - 15:35 Permalink
Nancy Glover (not verified)

My ex husband is committing

My ex husband is committing ssa fraud. Diagnosed with ptsd. He is also frauding the VA for benefits. All the things he reported he can no longer do he does. I recently found this out. He also faked a hospitalization at VA in order to obtain benefits through them. He lied to his psych.
He doesn't take his prescribed meds but medicates with weed instead as his ptsd is not disabling.

Fri, 01/25/2019 - 09:55 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Nancy Glover (not verified)

Hi Nancy,

Hi Nancy,

If you suspect SSA fraud then you can leave an anonymous report on the SSA's fraud hotline.

Fri, 01/25/2019 - 14:52 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone who uses his

I know someone who uses his SSI money to buy beer and drugs I don't want him to know I reported him

Mon, 01/28/2019 - 09:45 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can report suspected fraud anonymously to the SSA online as well as over the phone!

Mon, 01/28/2019 - 14:41 Permalink
Lisa (not verified)

I know there is a person who

I know there is a person who has $500,000 in assets per the county's tax records. I believe his disability is related to depression. He also has 5 rental houses which he collects cash only rental. Is this allowed under the rules of eligibility? If not, how is this reported and investigated?

Fri, 02/01/2019 - 17:39 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Lisa (not verified)

Hi Lisa,

Hi Lisa,

If he is not reporting his income that could be cause for SSA fraud.You can call the SSA fraud hotline and leave an anonymous
report, they will ask you for physical evidence of this.

Fri, 02/01/2019 - 19:03 Permalink
Moana (not verified)

Can you report somebody for

Can you report somebody for doing drugs while on SSI I mean hard drugs like heroin or Methamphetamine

Wed, 02/13/2019 - 13:51 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Moana (not verified)

Hi Moana,

Hi Moana,

If you knew for a fact they were using their SSI benefits to buy those illegal drugs, that could constitute as fraud.

Fri, 02/15/2019 - 15:23 Permalink
K f (not verified)

My sister is using her social

My sister is using her social security checks for marijuana and to go to the casino at least 6 times a month would that be considered fraud

Thu, 02/14/2019 - 16:52 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone who runs 3

I know someone who runs 3 buisness of his own have all the proof in the world to prove it but can't report him because not giving my name

Tue, 02/19/2019 - 12:57 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can report suspected fraud anonymously on the SSA's site.

Tue, 02/19/2019 - 17:00 Permalink
Bagel (not verified)

I have lived with this person

I have lived with this person for almost a year and she has four kids and one nephew who are on disability, three of them get the full benefits and two get little of the benefits, she uses their money after she pays the bills for her own pleasure of shopping at thrift stores and whatever she wanted, some of it can be proven because she uses the credit card through the bank she has them all go through. But at times she uses cash for her self as well, plus she uses their money for others as well....when two of her younger kids want something she tells them no....but she tells her kids and nephew to lie for her because they are all mentally disabled and don't understand a lot, so something's are hard to prove because of her lien and having them lie for her.....what can be done about her usen their money like that? And plus she gives her daughter her own card to spend what money she does have, i thought that people with the learning disability can't be able to have the money because they don't know what to do? And her daughter is very capable of working! Her daughter plays dumb and she is not and is just lazy, how can i report that as well? Its unfair to the people who really needs the disability and can't get it because of people like her....

Wed, 02/20/2019 - 08:40 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Bagel (not verified)

Hi Bagel,

Hi Bagel,

You can report suspected fraud by calling (800) 269-0271 or by filling out an online form here: ssa.gov/fraudreport/oig/public_fraud_reporting/form.htm

Thu, 02/21/2019 - 15:37 Permalink
Sandi (not verified)

I just got a robo call and it

I just got a robo call and it said there is some problem with my SS# here is the # they called me from. 1-888-801-4590 I know it's a scam I just want to report it.

Wed, 02/20/2019 - 17:57 Permalink
Deborah Allen (not verified)

My ex boyfriend of 16 years

My ex boyfriend of 16 years has been receiving disability checks for over 10 years due to hepatitis C and cirrhosis. He was prescribed Harvoni and is Hepatitis free. During all of the years of the disability monthly income, he has earned more cash doing construction in homes and businesses, playing music at clubs as well as private parties and sells thousands of dollars in firewood. He has never reported any of it and always has stacks of $100.00 dollar bills in his safe and wallet. He also never reported anything about his household and has 2 additional people living in his house. One receives disability payments and food stamps, the other collects SSI as well as a nice retirement check. Between them, they pay out approx $150.00 each for monthly bills and use the ebt card to purchase the monthly groceries that they all eat. So unfair for those who get denied with real disabilities but still struggle to work and take care of themselves

Wed, 02/27/2019 - 16:45 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Deborah Allen (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

If you suspect fraud, you can anonymously report them to the SSA online.

Thu, 02/28/2019 - 12:47 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

How do you report if someone

How do you report if someone receiving social security benefits and someone is taking their card and is in control of it leaving the person homeless living in a field.
ALL mail going to that address where the person is a loan shark
He needs help.....

Sat, 03/16/2019 - 22:51 Permalink

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