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 Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 08:58 Permalink
??? (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

I know this person is

I know this person is collecting Social Security funds because he announces it and also mentions how he works under the table..he has worked at this location for more than 5 year's now..he has also announced that he suffers from back pain and is the reason why he collects Social Security Disability. But, I see him lifting , moving, caring and doing other job related activities that he shouldn't be doing according to his complain about his back. It's in act of fraud and lot's of people get away with it. it's time to report these acts and the city needs to take action now.

Thu, 09/21/2017 - 10:43 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by ??? (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to send a letter with evidence of this to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Thu, 09/21/2017 - 14:30 Permalink
Lisa (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

If someone is drawing

If someone is drawing dissability and collecting rent and don't turn that money in is this considered fraud?

Tue, 09/26/2017 - 11:45 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Lisa (not verified)

Hi Lisa,

Hi Lisa,
If they are receiving SSDI benefits based on their work record, that may not be considered fraud as rent may be considered unearned income.

Tue, 09/26/2017 - 12:43 Permalink
Larry (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

Want. To. Report ssl. Fraud

Want. To. Report ssl. Fraud anonymous

Mon, 10/02/2017 - 21:29 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Larry (not verified)

Hi Larry,

Hi Larry,
You may want to send a letter to report fraud, you can do so without including your info. You can send it here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Tue, 10/03/2017 - 09:31 Permalink
mike (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

well I know two people who

well I know two people who have been working for years under the table but I do not want to say who I am so I guess they will just keep working that's why no one says annything

Thu, 10/05/2017 - 16:37 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by mike (not verified)

Hi Mike,

Hi Mike,
You can write a letter to the SSA without leaving any identifying information about yourself, you can do so by sending it here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 10/09/2017 - 09:22 Permalink
reffa (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

98% people in Scarborough

98% people in Scarborough really taking disability insurance without any medical problem.

Thu, 10/19/2017 - 01:14 Permalink
Patricia (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

The person that works at this

The person that works at this residents is making 2600.00 a month getting paid privately by personal check as a care provider an has been accepting social security for awhile. she has been working for employer at somewhere for a yr and half her work days are from sometime Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday , an also works Thursday night. this is social security abuse an she is earning alot of money from her boss She gets paid every an hr. wont you do something about this. her name is somebody also known as somebody else
her phone number is cell number also other cell number her address is she just inherited her mothers property an sold it an received a substantial amount of money from selling her moms property also owns her house at this residents an is in the process of purchasing other homes throughout California.her vehicle

Sun, 12/24/2017 - 12:19 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Patricia (not verified)

Hi Patricia,

Hi Patricia,
If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the SSA by contacting the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271

Wed, 12/27/2017 - 09:40 Permalink
Victoria mckinnon (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

the client is working and

the client is working and collecting as benefits

Tue, 01/09/2018 - 22:42 Permalink
Jon bush (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

the individual has multiple

the individual has multiple back problems and surgery but still can continue to work on cars and pull Motors in his own backyard

Fri, 01/19/2018 - 12:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jon bush (not verified)

Hi Jon,

Hi Jon,
I'm sorry to hear about that! You may want to contact the SSA regarding fraud.

Mon, 01/22/2018 - 09:20 Permalink
Dee (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

My husband has been on

My husband has been on disability for years now but has continued to work throughout for cash money under the table $1,000 a week and sometimes more have wanted to say something but in fear of what he may do to me if he finds out I'm the one who reported him

Tue, 01/23/2018 - 06:59 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Dee (not verified)

Hi Dee,

Hi Dee,

You can leave an anonymous report with the SSA. The SSA will not disclose that information during the investigation.

Tue, 01/23/2018 - 09:44 Permalink
Josep (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

I know someone get ssi

I know someone get ssi benefits each month and working full time job with cash money paid

Tue, 03/06/2018 - 23:08 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Good to hear! Those are great

Good to hear! Those are great pieces of evidence to have.

Fri, 03/09/2018 - 14:03 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

How can I tell if the fraud,

How can I tell if the fraud, where I remain anomous

Thu, 04/05/2018 - 12:10 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

I know someone who is Under

I know someone who is Under Disability and is working her name is Rosa Garza she is working under someone else's name as a home care provider she leaves every day at 8 in the morning for her job her address is 247 West palfrey San Antonio Texas 78223. I believe the name that she is working under her name is Cynthia or Cindy I'm not quite sure what the last name is but she is Rosa Garza niece. The company's name is armis health care provider. The company is also aware of the fraud. And she also has a provider his name is Danny suniga. I hope this information will be enough information for thank you.

Mon, 05/21/2018 - 22:48 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

Hi Karen,

Hi Karen,

If you suspect fraud, you should contact the SSA! You can report it online.

Tue, 05/22/2018 - 16:14 Permalink
George (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

I know a few people that are

I know a few people that are either going to get SSDI or are getting it that are working on their cars on doing yard work
How do you turn them in without leaving your name and contact information

Fri, 12/07/2018 - 09:53 Permalink
sherri darty (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

i am informing you of my ex

i am informing you of my ex-husband working a full time job under the table while accepting disability every month. i can give you at least 5 houses that he has worked on and painted, at least 2 jobs where he has renovated homes for his landlord.

Tue, 01/08/2019 - 14:31 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by sherri darty (not verified)

Hi Sherri,

Hi Sherri,

We are not affiliated with the SSA or the federal government. You can report suspected fraud to the SSA online or over the phone.

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 14:51 Permalink
Andrew Schwartz (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

I feel that my neighbor Jamie

I feel that my neighbor Jamie wheeler is getting disability pay off from Florida and he still has a full-time job and he’s getting money under the table he leaves at like 7 o’clock in the morning he doesn’t come home until five and I feel like he’s abusing the system so I would like him investigative is on the other side of the street for me

Thu, 06/27/2019 - 17:46 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Andrew Schwartz (not verified)

Hi Andrew,

Hi Andrew,

You can report fraud to the SSA. If you'd like to be anonymous, you can do so online.

Fri, 06/28/2019 - 14:53 Permalink
Andrea (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

What will happen if I kn

What will happen if I kn someone who's getting disability and also working?

Sat, 06/06/2020 - 10:40 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Andrea (not verified)

Hi Andrea,

Hi Andrea,

The SSA does have some programs to help recipients get back to work. If you suspect it is fraud, you can report it to the SSA.

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 17:58 Permalink
Adilene (not verified)

What if my social got stolen

What if my social got stolen and their claiming disability but the check got sent to my house ?HELP!!

Mon, 01/04/2016 - 06:43 Permalink
Jake (not verified)

Will I be paid for reporting

Will I be paid for reporting someone committing disability fraud? If not, then why? I know someone living in one state and receiving benefits in another state because that state pays more money. Isn't that considered fraud? Thanks

Wed, 01/27/2016 - 16:44 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Jake (not verified)

Hi Jake,

Hi Jake,

No, the SSA will not pay you for reporting fraud. This is because the SSA already receives too many false accusations. Incentivizing it would make even more people try to call in and report false accusations. You can always report someone for fraud! And the situation you just explained does sound like SSI fraud. Just don't expect to receive cash for it.

Fri, 02/05/2016 - 14:06 Permalink
Roxy (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

What I'd you know

What I'd you know someone who is about to receive payment after filing in Texas they have worked on and off and under the table. They bounce around because they oww child support. But regardless they have been working in Texas which is where the applied but now have moved to Virginia.

Thu, 03/03/2016 - 22:18 Permalink
samjenk8208 (not verified)

My sister passed away in 2010

My sister passed away in 2010 her boyfriend, and father of her daughter, has been receiving my nieces ssdi benefits since then. The problem comes when he dropped my niece off at my elderly parent's house two years ago because he was evicted. He takes my niece to school and brings her home, but other than that he doesn't see her except on her birthday or Christmas. He pays for nothing. My parents pay for her school, supplies, clothes, food...everything. What should we do because we do not want her used as a check! We love her and are afraid to lose her, but this situation seems completely unfair.

Sun, 02/14/2016 - 12:12 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by samjenk8208 (not verified)

Hi Sam,

Hi Sam,
I am so sorry to hear that! You should schedule an appointment at your local SSA office to become her representative payee. If you just fill out the paperwork, you should be in charge of her benefits.

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 16:55 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

If someone is considered

If someone is considered mentally disabled but does not take their medication and also make hospital visits just to have a record is that considered fraud? This individual also sells other prescribed medication for pain.

Sun, 02/21/2016 - 01:24 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
This is a really difficult case to say. Sometimes, people do not take medication because of their mental illness, and it creates a vicious cycle. Selling medication is definitely not an OK practice, but he or she may still qualify for disability benefits.

Tue, 03/15/2016 - 16:55 Permalink
Dee (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

Hi my sister is doing the

Hi my sister is doing the same thing she receives Social Security disability because she is classified as mental something butt my mom was in the hospital and she was dying and my sister was the caregiver my sister was driving my mother all over the place to and from doctors to the stores for years still collecting Social Security because she was disabled to go to work because she couldn't function all day long she goes to a psychiatrist and she lies to the psychiatrist all the time the dr. Thinks that she's nuts but how could a person that's nuts control on the state a bank account paying bills taking my mom to and from doctors all the time giving my mother her medication all the time and this is what the state gives her social security disability something's wrong with that

Sun, 05/29/2016 - 23:28 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Dee (not verified)

Hi Dee,

Hi Dee,
Just because your sister is able to care for your mother does not mean that she is able to work. Additionally, having a mental condition may not prevent someone from handling money. I wouldn't be able to say that she's lying to the SSA or committing fraud just based off this information.

Tue, 05/31/2016 - 09:40 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

I have a sister living off

I have a sister living off her sons disability check .my nephew does have a joint condition but in his 23 yrs of life had adapted fine .my sister went to court saying he can't work do to the fact he is unable to wipe his own ass.so this would be difficult to hold a job.yet he has been living alone for past 3 yrs with no help I really think he is capable of cleaning himself .they granted him 7 yrs of back disability which she took half of and travels all over to hawaii and other places collecting caregiver checks yet the son is no where near her,as for the boy he hang glides and four wheeling and parties hard on all kinds of drugs seems to me he can hold a job .I have not reported them do to fact I would only cause my mother pain over reporting but in my heart right is right

Mon, 06/06/2016 - 12:30 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If you need to report this anonymously, you can do so by mailing a letter, with this information, but without a return address, here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 10:28 Permalink
Katie (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Is it fraud if someone I am

Is it fraud if someone I am very familiar with gets ssi for physical pain (their wrist and neck) and they spend all of their day outside cleaning. Wether it be mowing the yard, carrying heavy buckets all around, weed-eating, and all this cleaning around the house for most of their day besides bed time. She says she's in pain, and tells me if anyone were to ask that she doesn't stay at home and clean all day. I don't know if I should report this or not.

Sun, 06/26/2016 - 05:23 Permalink
Gina (not verified)

What if they collect

What if they collect disability from CA (higher payment)but have been living in NV?

Tue, 02/23/2016 - 10:35 Permalink

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