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

Crystal Manning (not verified)

An individual I know recently

An individual I know recently told me that she only attends school for speech therapy once a week for the sole sake of receiving disability income. According to this person, her condition/speech was projected to remain the same and never improve. However, she knowingly continues to attend her once a week program indefinitely in order to receive a disability check with no intent of stopping. These were the statements made to me personally. Can this be reported? Thank you.

Fri, 08/11/2017 - 23:40 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Crystal Manning (not verified)

Hi Crystal,

Hi Crystal,
If you suspect someone of defrauding the SSA, then yes, you may want to report it.

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 09:18 Permalink
vicky (not verified)

i no some that is remolding

i no some that is remolding apparments and get total disablity but dont want to give my name and have that person come after me for repoting him were he lives everybody is a fraid ofhim look him up he is a totale fruaid spends his money allon weed then works to get more money for it

Sun, 08/13/2017 - 14:37 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by vicky (not verified)

Hi Vicky,

Hi Vicky,
You can report anonymously to the SSA, you may want to contact them regarding this.

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 09:13 Permalink
G (not verified)

is it considered SS fraud if

is it considered SS fraud if someone is receiving benefits, for taking care of someone who is disabled, in their child's name (who does not live with them) because they cannot receive the benefits in their name as they have a felony on their record?

Sun, 08/13/2017 - 15:24 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by G (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
if that person is using those benefits for the child in an appropriate way, it may not be fraud.

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 09:15 Permalink
Angel (not verified)

If you are disabled and you

If you are disabled and you are claiming that ou can't do anything but lay there in bed and still can't do that and you try to get benifits and have your doc write scrips and statements for you to confirm that's all you can do....can you get fraud for taking care of a disabled child who can't walk and has a lot wrong with him since your disability is you can't do anything not even cook or clean??...and the child can't walk need some info before I start reporting

Sun, 08/13/2017 - 19:06 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Angel (not verified)

Hi Angel,

Hi Angel,
Childcare may not be considered work by the SSA, so this may not be considered fraud. You may want to contact the SSA regarding this if you suspect fraud.

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 09:16 Permalink
May (not verified)

Is this fraud I know someone

Is this fraud I know someone who has a boyfriend living with her for almost 2 years along with 2 other people all work full time jobs and gives her money under the table she hasn't reported any new household remember to ssi is this something worth reporting ?

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 12:31 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by May (not verified)

Hi May,

Hi May,
I couldn't say if that would be considered fraud, however if you suspect fraud then you can contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 13:20 Permalink
May (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Would i have to give my name?

Would i have to give my name?

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 14:52 Permalink
May (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

I read up on some of your

I read up on some of your rules about nobody can stay more then 30days total a year I have proof of this person living with them for well over a year mail gos there whloe 9 yards they got sent a paper in the mail asking if income changed anyone moved in ect they filled out the paper and signed it with someone else's name to cover it up i have pictures and proof of all this do i just fill it all out and send in

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 16:56 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by May (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
We are not affiliated with the SSA or the federal government. IF you'd like to report suspected fraud, you can contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 16:57 Permalink
Cassie (not verified)

My husband has been cheated

My husband has been cheated and robbed by a man on SSI....his daughters step father has her as a dependent on SSI. There wouldn't be an issue if Child Support was breathing down out necks and taking from us too. Then....the mother just abandoned my step daughter and the step dad still collects the benefits for her. It's a freak show situation and I'm done seeing my husband looking like a fool. The system has his tail between his legs while a con artist has stolen his role as a father and collects a check for it. Where can I start.

Tue, 08/15/2017 - 12:41 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Cassie (not verified)

Hi Cassie,

Hi Cassie,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this as they can re-assign the child's representative payee.

Tue, 08/15/2017 - 15:56 Permalink
Beth (not verified)

I have a question about fraud

I have a question about fraud. I know a woman who is collecting SSI on her 16yr old son- who is not and has not been living in her home since April 2017. She won't give him money for food or clothing and if she does it's $20 here n there. Not enough to live on for sure. He has been living with family and friends and she spends the money on her boyfriend and his children. I am very concerned for him and his situation.

Tue, 08/15/2017 - 22:27 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Beth (not verified)

Hi Beth,

Hi Beth,

That could be considered fraud. The more physical evidence you have of this the better.

-Eric

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 09:31 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

If you know a person

If you know a person receiving benefits and they are mismanaging their funds by not paying their rental obligations, yet using the funds for alcohol , cigarettes, and shopping. Will social security assign them a payee?

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 09:03 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

If you leave them a report they could.

-Eric

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 09:30 Permalink
Kelly (not verified)

So what if you know somebody

So what if you know somebody that get ssi from one state and lives in another. Owns there place in the state they are receiving the benefits from but resides in the other state. Travels back to the state to go to doctor appointments every month. Wife cliams hers in a diffeent state. I know these people personally and know thier tricks and how they get around the system..

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 13:31 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Kelly (not verified)

Hi Kelly,

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

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 16:19 Permalink
Confused In Ro… (not verified)

My ex boyfriend has been

My ex boyfriend has been committing fraud since day one. Not only does he receive disability (for mental health reasons which he played the system with that excuse) but also gets Shelter Plus from the Rochester Housing Authority, which it is against their rules to have someone live with him which he has been doing for almost 5 years. This has been reported a number of times yet they have done absolutely nothing about it. This man owns a truck, brand new motor cycle and has money t blow. He sells his prescription drugs and works under the table,. He is very capable of working and does when ever he gets a chance. It pisses me off that I being a single parent cannot get assistance for rent or qualify for shelter Plus, I work my but off to pay my bills, keep a roof over my head and food in my fridge, while this well able MAN sits on his butt getting paid to do nothing, and milking the system. That is why people like me have to pay high taxes.

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 13:54 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Confused In Ro… (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You can report suspected fraud to the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 16:20 Permalink
Gail Black (not verified)

I know someone who is on

I know someone who is on Disability, but sells their pills. Who would I report this to?

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 16:09 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Gail Black (not verified)

Hi Gail,

Hi Gail,
If they are selling controlled substances, you may want to contact your local authorities regarding this.

Wed, 08/16/2017 - 16:19 Permalink
Amanda (not verified)

Where do I fill

Where do I fill
Out an online fraud report?

Thu, 08/17/2017 - 12:32 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Amanda (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to go to the SSA's main website to do so.

Thu, 08/17/2017 - 12:46 Permalink
Liz (not verified)

What if the person doing the

What if the person doing the fraud is the parent of a child receiving social security? My niece has autism and her mother is in charge of her benifts yet again she spends her monthly checks on marijuana, getting her hair and nails done and buying new vehicles every year. This is unfair and someone should do something about it. I just don't wanna provide my info because I don't want to have problems with my family later on for speaking up.

Fri, 08/18/2017 - 01:38 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Liz (not verified)

Hi Liz,

Hi Liz,

Using Social Security benefits for drugs is definitely grounds for fraud. The more physical evidence you have of this fraud the better.

Best Wishes
Eric

Fri, 08/18/2017 - 09:03 Permalink
Ash (not verified)

I don't want to make any

I don't want to make any false accusations but I have a friend who receives disability for sleep apnea and he is able to work in his family's business and goes out to buy new shoes, game systems, drugs, travel to party, etc. He has told me that he had purposely acted even more handicapped to earn more money and has laughed about it. Well that ruffled my feathers because someone like my mother who's physically handicapped and cannot work was denied but yet this individual along with almost his whole family receives benefits.

Fri, 08/18/2017 - 13:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ash (not verified)

Hi Ash,

Hi Ash,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can get in touch with the Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Fri, 08/18/2017 - 13:39 Permalink
OUTRAGED (not verified)

Know 2 people (neighbors) who

Know 2 people (neighbors) who are on "ss disability" because they are physically unable to "work". Funny thing is that both seem to do plenty of work on their own projects. I have seen them roofing, building decks, garages, fences, cutting trees down, major-major landscaping projects one even BRAGS about working for cash in addition to his monthly income from the Govt. Both own homes, Harleys, boats, new trucks, four wheelers, go on vacations the list goes on and on. They both laugh about their good "fortune". This naturally is very upsetting as I go to work everyday. I would report them but do not want to give my information as I am certain this would be revealed because this is what happens. Government agencies struggle keeping secrets, just look at the White House leaks. Those leaks are being done by our security services who are sworn to keep secrets! What can be done, this is a disgrace. I am tempted to do my own investigation on this issue as these are not the only people I know who participate in this behavior. But these 2 sicken me most because I see their fraud daily and they are both young work aged men. Bottom line is that this program while necessary for many is very rife with fraud. I also believe the SS agency is not inclined to do much about it for a variety of reasons.

Fri, 08/18/2017 - 13:56 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by OUTRAGED (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

The more physical evidence you have of this fraud the better the chance the SSA has of proving that these people are committing fraud.

-Eric

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 08:58 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

So my MIL receives SSI but

So my MIL receives SSI but she's hasn't notified that my husband and I have been living with her so she Cash's in on an extra $500 a month. Since November 2016. She still however doesn't have money for her own food and takes the food we buy for our children away. Turns out she's using the extra cash for her meth and alcohol abuse. How can I report her without her knowing, for my safety? She's already threatened to hit me because I was doing laundry.

Fri, 08/18/2017 - 16:15 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271 and leave an anonymous tip.

-Eric

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 09:08 Permalink
Elaine (not verified)

Seems like the people doing

Seems like the people doing the responsible things are the ones who suffer. I know a meth head working as a wrangler for western trails in norco that is no easy task saddling 20 plus horses to make more money to by meth. Western trails in norco pays food stamp and ssi people so they dont have to worry bout them turning them in for animal cruelity cause they allow the workers to fraud the system. And then they get tips on top.

Sun, 08/20/2017 - 19:24 Permalink
Unknown (not verified)

My daughter had brain damage

My daughter had brain damage and is drawing social security from my benefits,the problem is since she has this disability she does not have a apt to stay in she's not homeless but she has a son and she goes from house to house her child goes from school to school and I have called child CPS and nothing is being done and I've tried to tell the SS office that she just spend her benefits on any thing so what is it that I can do?

Sun, 08/20/2017 - 22:19 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Unknown (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If you believe your daughter is unable to care for herself or her child, you may want to contact the SSA regarding this, they can assign someone as her payee.

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 10:16 Permalink
Unknown again (not verified)

I think my daughter that has

I think my daughter that has the brain damage needs a payee for her check because she is not stable enough so how would I go about telling that to the social security office

Sun, 08/20/2017 - 22:25 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Unknown again (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

You can call them 1-800-772-1213 or schedule an appointment at your local SSA office.

-Eric

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 09:13 Permalink
Jo Jo (not verified)

Hi, my ex husband filed for

Hi, my ex husband filed for SSDI. However, he had been working as a K9 trainer, bite suits, being jumped on by the dogs etc, claims lower back pain but has no problem doing training or other things like building and working on the farm. He also had a side business making steal roses which was all day work. He received 100% from VA for PTSD, but he stopped going to his dr and stopped his meds and started self medicating with weed. He just recently got approved for his SSDI. How is that possible if he had worked this whole time, and quit his treatments for his PTSD? He currently still works with K9 training (under the table) and does home improvements, works on his steal roses (which he makes by hand pounding out steal). Wouldn't this be in a violation of his benefits?

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 09:35 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jo Jo (not verified)

HI Jo Jo,

HI Jo Jo,
You may want to contact the SSA at the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271 if you suspect fraud.

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 10:16 Permalink
Jo Jo (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Bryan, that's why I

Bryan, that's why I asked on here before calling. Is this fraud? I do not want to call or be accused of false reporting if it is not.

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 10:42 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jo Jo (not verified)

Hi Jo Jo,

Hi Jo Jo,
We really could not say if it is as we are not the SSA and cannot make those determinations. You won't be penalized for reporting suspected fraud in good faith.

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 10:56 Permalink
Kathy (not verified)

If a foster child collects

If a foster child collects ssi (due to a disabled biological father) where does that payment go once the child is in foster care? The biological mother was collecting the ssi but since child was placed in foster care does the mother still receive the benefits or should the foster parents get it?

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 18:14 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Kathy (not verified)

Hi Kathy,

Hi Kathy,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this so they can re-assign the child's payee.

Tue, 08/22/2017 - 10:52 Permalink
dawn (not verified)

I think they should start

I think they should start looking on peoples facebook profiles as i know someone that is on disability benefits and her partner gets carers allowance, plus he sells drugs too..which he then gets that extra money too.. extra money... which theres nothing even wrong with her which makes me feel sick. as i work and dont get bugger all. and i cant afford 5 weeks holidays a year like Her makes me very angry

Tue, 08/22/2017 - 09:58 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by dawn (not verified)

Hi Dawn,

Hi Dawn,
Using Facebook as a way to find out if someone is disabled or not is really unreliable, as someone can have a disability but may not want to be open about it on Facebook.

Tue, 08/22/2017 - 10:53 Permalink
Cindy Doyle (not verified)

Parents of an 11 year old

Parents of an 11 year old girl born with Down's syndrome have been illegally collecting payments for her although she's never been in their care or financially supported by them for more than half of her life. She's been in the full time care if her paternal grandparents since a very small child when her parents moved out of the grandparents house taking her social security payments with them. They put their address on all applications and school forms. They are both unemployed and do not receive social security for themselves. They use all their daughters ssi to pay their rent and utilities gas and cigarettes. The grandparents are too afraid to report because they have been threatened with never seeing the kids again! They also receive foodstamp benefits for their daughter and son which they don't spend on the children. Is this legal

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 09:41 Permalink

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