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.

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Blog comments

Bryan

In reply to by CRISTINA (not verified)

Hi Cristina,

Hi Cristina,
It's really hard to tell if someone is disabled, and yes, you may be eligible for disability benefits even if you're not poor.

Mon, 11/07/2016 - 09:22 Permalink
Meeeesh M (not verified)

What if I believe someone is

What if I believe someone is committing fraud but I'm not 100% positive?

Sat, 11/05/2016 - 11:17 Permalink
noname (not verified)

I have done volunteer work

I have done volunteer work with someone who does heavy physical work as a volunteer, but collects disability. She also works off the books for someone. Now that I have read this, I won't report it. I do not want to be penalized for reporting someone who I think is unlawfully collecting benefits. It seems to me that reporting something anonymous would uncover more fraud. But clearly this isn't encouraged.

Sun, 11/06/2016 - 11:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by noname (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Don't worry, the SSA takes fraud seriously- you can send a report of fraud, without a return address or identifying information, here:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 11/07/2016 - 09:28 Permalink
Kat (not verified)

I have reported a married

I have reported a married couple a couple of times and nothing. This couple both collect cause they are too lazy to work. The husband will work for cash money and they both seem to do well at working at their own home. Building digging painting and they even bowl 4 times a week. I also know that they collect money from people for a house they rent out. They sell their drugs that is supposed to help with the pain that they dont suffer from. But does anyone do anything about it no...they keep collecting my money and all the working peoples money and get to be lazy!!! Worthless people and SSI is just as worthless....

Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:13 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Kat (not verified)

Hi Kat,

Hi Kat,
You may want to contact the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 11/07/2016 - 16:24 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone who is

I know someone who is collecting SSA and monthly food stamps claiming they cannot work due to physical reasons. She currently is a bartendar (works under the table), drinks and gambles her way thru it all. She sells her food stamps to get cash for alcohol. I will not report her, as I will only do it anonymously. If investigations were down, who is this continuing?

Tue, 11/08/2016 - 20:13 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Wed, 11/09/2016 - 09:42 Permalink
Jack (not verified)

What if I know someone who&

What if I know someone who's getting disability because they have a bad liver & they claim that they can't work but they turn around & buy an lawnmower to cut people grass to get extra money! Can I report them then? Is that consider fraud?

Wed, 11/09/2016 - 14:31 Permalink
lady (not verified)

my problem is that i KNOW my

my problem is that i KNOW my neighbor is committing fraud, but...well he's doing maintenance for the small trailer park i live in. The owners are retired lawyers so i'm afraid if i turn him in they will find a way to kick me out of the park and i cannot afford to move my trailer at the moment..he (my neighbor) even told me he was getting disability for this blown disc and yet he can crawl under trailers, mow yards, trim hedges and tear down buildings and planting sod etc. it sucks some of us work so hard, i work 2 jobs while i'm going to school, and i'm suppose to get 3 discs fused myself and then you get people like him taking advantage of the sysem and i have to be afraid i'll get thrown out of my home so to speak.....crap...maybe something can be done at some time but in the meantime..guess ill just fricken stew in my juices

Fri, 11/11/2016 - 17:24 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by lady (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You can report to the SSA completely anonymously by sending any evidence to the SSA here:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 11/14/2016 - 09:27 Permalink
Vin M. (not verified)

I have a neighbor that stated

I have a neighbor that stated she is on disability. She has multiple family members living with her that are also on disability. If they are all combining their earned disability, is that considered fraud? Additionally, I have seen her moving large objects, such as couches and other furniture into the front yard; She drives her neighbor to the store in the neighbors vehicle; she doesn't seem too disabled to me.

Sat, 11/12/2016 - 21:18 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Vin M. (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
No, it may not be fraud for multiple people receiving disability to live together, and it's very hard to tell what kind of disability someone has when they otherwise look like they do not have a disability.

Mon, 11/14/2016 - 09:28 Permalink
Lisa M Ludwig (not verified)

Someone I know has did

Someone I know has did social security fraud used me and another and four others benefits to spend on now wee are afraid hurting our benefit and used her bank seven bank account that is legal to seven banks account her name

Mon, 11/14/2016 - 01:34 Permalink
Jill (not verified)

This is bull,I know someone

This is bull,I know someone that is on disability and still hunts,climbs tree stands,goes out west on hunting trips,mows yards,so if you want us to report but have to give out our information, think not.......so I guess the fraud will continue and we all pay for it!!!! Ridiculous!!!!!

Tue, 11/15/2016 - 11:36 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jill (not verified)

You can report to the SSA

Hi There,
You can report to the SSA completely anonymously by sending any evidence to the SSA here:

Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Tue, 11/15/2016 - 11:57 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Im kinda in desperate need of

Im kinda in desperate need of cleaning jobs. I have jobs on Thursdays and Sundays already, but am free other days or evenings.

This was said from someone who gets benifits. It's people like this who need to be looked at. This person will and can work just refuses because they can get a free ride on us tax payers.

Thu, 11/17/2016 - 09:53 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear about that! However, it is possible to work while receiving disability benefits, and sometimes, those benefits aren't enough to make ends meet.

Thu, 11/17/2016 - 13:29 Permalink
Rosa (not verified)

my housbents ex wife get ssd

my housbents ex wife get ssd and stills works dont take care of her kid

Sat, 11/19/2016 - 16:26 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Rosa (not verified)

Hi Rosa,

Hi Rosa,
It is possible to work while still being eligible for disability benefits, but if she is neglecting the child, please call social services with all the information that you have.

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 16:14 Permalink
John doe (not verified)

I no some one I want to

I no some one I want to report getting ssi child support an making a lot of money working under her daughter's name.

Sun, 11/20/2016 - 12:15 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by John doe (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to send any evidence that you have to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 16:15 Permalink
Mitch (not verified)

What if you know some one who

What if you know some one who has social security disability using it to buy drugs?

Tue, 11/22/2016 - 04:53 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Mitch (not verified)

Hi Mitch,

Hi Mitch,
You may want to contact the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Tue, 11/22/2016 - 11:13 Permalink
john (not verified)

I have a neighbor who

I have a neighbor who collects SSDI he does have fibromyalgia so I'm told but it doesn't seem to stop him from working all day in his yard doing heavy stuff he has collected for as long as I have known him and in the past 2 years he has bought the property next to me built a house and garage has 3 trucks one brand new this year bought a brand new john deer bucket loader and home generator all this past year something isn't right.... how much can you own and pay for on disability???

Tue, 11/22/2016 - 22:33 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by john (not verified)

Hi John,

Hi John,
If you are on SSDI, there are no resource limits or unearned income limits, so it is possible to have extensive savings or sources of unearned income while receiving SSDI.

Wed, 11/23/2016 - 09:23 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

A person was unemployed, went

A person was unemployed, went to dr, and approved for disability benefits due to copd. The individual regularly takes hikes for miles at a time, goes to gym, and now moved in with elderly person that requires him to do housework, transport, lift a walker in and out of vehicle daily, etc..... Can the individual lose their disability benefits ?

Wed, 11/23/2016 - 10:46 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
It's possible, but it depends on the criteria for which he was applied. For example, some people might be able to exercise on some days, but but completely bedridden on other days. If you still believe this is fraud, you can always report it on the SSA's website.

Mon, 11/28/2016 - 12:16 Permalink
Melissa Aoki (not verified)

So if a person with a blood

So if a person with a blood disorder whom needs treatments occasional can't work, how can this person be strong enough or have enough time between treatments to physically attack me several times a day? Police documentation would show this person physically attack and run after me 3 times in one day. She's not disabled enough to attack me. A blood disorder poor thing, must be bad. She goes to work under the table 5 times a week doing construction. I think this is abusimg the system.

Mon, 12/05/2016 - 19:16 Permalink
jmfmcm (not verified)

my boyfriend finally started

my boyfriend finally started receiving his benefits almost a year ago, however, slowly but surely i have come to realize more and more that he is less and less disabled. we have been together 6 years, we live together full time, nearly 24/7 togetherness. ok here is the issue. his benefits come on the 3rd give or take weekend date etc etc. now,....by the 6th, at the LATEST. he is broke, waiting on the 3rd again. he receives $1821.00 monthly, no real bills, no rent, no water, no electric, no car payment, no outstanding bills or past dues, he pays insurance on vehicle, everything else is what he incurrs as he goes. he spends the rest on his "current" set of friends doing drugs. gone for up to a week comes back broke. if he is well enough to do that he should be well enough to work.

Tue, 12/06/2016 - 20:22 Permalink
mandy (not verified)

what if you know someone that

what if you know someone that is collecting social security, due to liver failure because they drink to much. and was told to stop drinking would be the only way they can collect. But till to this day they drink on the daily? isn't that consider SSDB fraud?? I'm just asking because I was told different stories

Thu, 12/08/2016 - 07:59 Permalink
natalie (not verified)

I work in the criminal court

I work in the criminal court system, so I have access to a lot of confidential information. What if a Defendant claimed to receive $2,159.00 a month in Social Security Disability for work related injuries, however, in their health and medical history report, prior to sentencing, they did not report any disabling injuries, and claimed their health was "fair." I would like to report this, but would not want my employer to discover I did. If I use my SSN, would my work have to be notified how I obtained the information?

Mon, 12/12/2016 - 16:39 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by natalie (not verified)

Hi Natalie,

Hi Natalie,
if this is confidential information, the SSA may not be required to inform your work. However, It can be very hard to know if someone is disabled just by looking at them, and someone with a disability can reasonably claim their health is "fair", especially if they have their disability under control. Additionally, It may be a crime for you to disclose confidential information such as this.

Tue, 12/13/2016 - 09:48 Permalink
Mandy (not verified)

My mother had a surgery on

My mother had a surgery on her back, and applied over and over again for disability and was denied, so her and her psychiatrist came up with a plan to pretend she has agoraphobia, and she has been receiving disability for this for years now. She has never had a problem with going out of her house and frequently visits bars and is out of her house quite often. She uses a cane whenever she goes to the doctor but all other times she walks and runs with no difficulty whatsoever. Is this something I can report as fraud, if to my knowledge everything I have stated is true?

Fri, 12/16/2016 - 20:52 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What if someone asked u to

What if someone asked u to get their money for them so they don't spend it because they get high on drugs. You do it and then they say you stole their card

Sun, 12/18/2016 - 15:12 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so at 1-800-772-1213.

Mon, 12/19/2016 - 10:03 Permalink
Suzy (not verified)

I have an anonymous group of

I have an anonymous group of trolls on Twitter harassing me. They are publicly accusing me of Disability Fraud with zero proof. They're taunting me saying publicly that I'm under review. What recourse do I have?

Sun, 12/18/2016 - 19:16 Permalink
tiara (not verified)

i know someone who collects

i know someone who collects disability and subs full time has a side job and collects from having foster children that they use to pay their bills or buy themselves personal things. how is that possible when they make well over 1200 a month

Wed, 12/21/2016 - 05:18 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by tiara (not verified)

Hi Tiara,

Hi Tiara,
you may want to contact the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Wed, 12/21/2016 - 09:27 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone who is working

I know someone who is working for cash in hand doing physical work but is getting benifits for a bad back. I know the address and name but that's it. Can I report them?

Fri, 12/23/2016 - 03:50 Permalink
Brian (not verified)

I think it should be required

I think it should be required to give the name of people that reported you for fraud so the accused can go back on the person that filed a false fraud report and sue them in the court of law..

If you don't know the persons disability, you should
mind your own business and not file a false report of fraud.

Fri, 12/23/2016 - 19:37 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Brian (not verified)

Hi Brian,

Hi Brian,
Thank you for sharing! However, the SSA may not do that because it may stop people from filing reports due to fear of retaliation.

Tue, 12/27/2016 - 11:39 Permalink

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