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 Curious person (not verified)

HI there,

HI there,
Thanks for sharing your story! As far as investigations go, the SSA will investigate fraud for as long as they may need to do so.

Mon, 09/11/2017 - 14:28 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know a person that lives

I know a person that lives with her husband and told the ssa that she was living alone ,her husband makes 30 + dollars an hour and she still gets over 800 dollars a month . Can I report her? she claims to illiterate and cant write which has been prove wrong because she can count the money she gets at the 1st of every month

Mon, 09/11/2017 - 14:51 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I am sure this has been asked

I am sure this has been asked, but I need specific answers. I have spent the last couple of years with a friend who receives SSI and SSDI. He claims he has mental disabilities and some things messed up in his back. He has traded pain meds for crack. He drinks every day and smokes crack. Claims he has social anxiety, depression, and bi-polar disorder but has no issue being social to find crack or walk for miles to get it. He has had his SSI/SSDI card replaced at least 15 times in the last three years because he either trades it for crack or someone steals it while he is high. He also receives food stamps and often trades that for dope as well. He receives assistance for his rent, too. I've also witnessed him carrying furniture into his second story apartment. He knows he can get away with it and has truly learned how to scam the system. It's terrible, but how do you actually prove that kind of stuff ?

Tue, 09/12/2017 - 21:02 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to report this to the SSA, you can do so by contacting the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271

Wed, 09/13/2017 - 08:57 Permalink
Joe shmoe (not verified)

I have a mother who drinks

I have a mother who drinks days in a row(literally all day and night no sleep), does not take prescribed medication, babysits for cash under the table, gets disability, foodstamps, and fuel assistance......is capable of working but is lazy, over weight, and bad hygine....also has been to a few doctors getting different results each time until one finally said something was wrong?!?! Do i have a case if i can prove she is capable of working when she says it is not possible or too painful? Granted i dont know her "pain" if any (wrist/hand ) but lifts, holds children and does physical lifting that is equal to work enviornment?

Thu, 09/14/2017 - 11:28 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Joe shmoe (not verified)

Hi Joe,

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

Thu, 09/14/2017 - 15:39 Permalink
Honest (not verified)

An acquaintance is the

An acquaintance is the designated payee for her 20 yr old mentally disabled son who is currently incarcerated, and has been since 3/17. She continues to receive his payments and uses them for her needs etc. Recently she stated that, if found out to be using her son's benefits, she would not be liable for the misuse. He is unable to handle money appropriately and has received disability for a very long time. As the designated payee for him, isn't she responsible for repaying any funds she receives for him. She fills out the annual report for how his payments are handled.It is doubtful he even knows she is still receiving his payments.
Thank you.

Thu, 09/14/2017 - 15:57 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Honest (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
She may be held liable for misuse of funds, and you may want to contact the SSA about this, they can follow up regarding this.

Thu, 09/14/2017 - 16:15 Permalink
Chad (not verified)

Is it fraud for someone to

Is it fraud for someone to claim disability but to make their additional money to produce and sell online like ebay and etsy?

Fri, 09/15/2017 - 02:54 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Chad (not verified)

Hi Chad,

Hi Chad,

That alone isn't grounds for fraud. In certain cases, you can earn income from a job and still receive Social Security benefits at the same time.

Fri, 09/15/2017 - 09:08 Permalink
Lee myers (not verified)

I'm a victim of a 211pc

I'm a victim of a 211pc violentl crime for my entire monthly check and it gets worse but I am having a hard time having it replaced i have a police report and was airlifted on that date to a hospital, I now suffer injuerys and don't understand why there's not been any help at all for me , this is insane !

Fri, 09/15/2017 - 08:17 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Lee myers (not verified)

Hi Lee,

Hi Lee,

I am so sorry to hear that. I would recommend calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 regarding your matter. Wishing you nothing but the best.

Fri, 09/15/2017 - 09:10 Permalink
Franz (not verified)

Hi, what if I'm working

Hi, what if I'm working at a health care facility, and someone under disability, makes money under the table and teaching other people how to get into disability that are not same as him that can fully function and work. In the other hand, I don't want to violate HIPAA law.

Fri, 09/15/2017 - 14:57 Permalink
Leanne (not verified)

I know a person that has

I know a person that has collected disability for YEARS now and is perfectly able to work. The person attempted suicide years ago while in the military, was discharged and now receives about 40 k a year in disability! I've known the person and have been a roommate of the person for years now and there is nothing wrong with the person. The disability funds are used to enable the person to sit on their butt all day long, every day, and smoke cigarettes!!! This person also gets a healthy sum monthly for the child they don't even have living with them. As a working person, I'm appalled. This is exactly why the SS admin is running out of money!!!

Sun, 09/17/2017 - 06:16 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Leanne (not verified)

Hi Leanne,

Hi Leanne,

Sorry to hear that. Social Security fraud can happen from time to time unfortunately.

Mon, 09/18/2017 - 09:22 Permalink
SamuelC (not verified)

What if someone told you

What if someone told you straight to your face, person to person, that they have to keep the Jpn they're working a secret because they'll lose their benefits? And you have video evidence of them working.

Sun, 09/17/2017 - 16:49 Permalink
Robert (not verified)

How is that one person saved

How is that one person saved thousands of dollars in a different account and not tell social security. Plus, getting money that was to be for something else

Mon, 09/18/2017 - 21:25 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Robert (not verified)

Hi Robert,

Hi Robert,
You may want to report any suspected fraud to the SSA at the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Tue, 09/19/2017 - 09:45 Permalink
Ed (not verified)

I was in Mexico recently and

I was in Mexico recently and met a woman there that is collecting SSDI for Hashimoto's Disease and she owns two businesses. She is a masseuse and has a natural medicine/holistic business. She said she doesn't report her earnings in Mexico to SSDI. Is this legal?

Tue, 09/19/2017 - 20:21 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ed (not verified)

HI Ed,

HI Ed,
It may be legal if she is earning less that $1,170 combined monthly from each business and it's not work that would aggravate her condition, though she should report any earned income to the SSA. However, because we can't know the details, it may not be. If you suspect fraud, you may want to contact the SSA at the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 09:46 Permalink
Unknown (not verified)

What if someone is using

What if someone is using their mothers social security checks to live on while she is living in a nursing home for the rest of her life and he is an adult child of hers. The checks I thought were suppose to go to the nursing home not for him to use to live on. He is in his 60s

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 10:19 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Unknown (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

That alone may not be grounds for Social Security fraud. You would need more physical evidence of the alleged fraud.

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 16:05 Permalink
timothy (not verified)

my neighbor has been denied

my neighbor has been denied social security twice and now has a lawyer to help her get it. she was involved in an automobile accident a year ago. she walks perfectly fine with no assistance, until she goes to see her attorney or goes to ssi, then she loads a walker into her car and takes someone with her to make it look like she can no longer walk.. she recently received a 100,000 cash settlement. she has two different bank accounts, one showing no money and the other with the settlement that no one knows about. I know because I went with her to pick up the check. she also turned in the broke bank statements to section 8 and she qualified for 100 percent free housing (rent) for a year. she recently purchased a brand new car cash. my question is does she still qualify for social security with having all this cash?? doesn't seem fair!!

Fri, 09/22/2017 - 01:01 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by timothy (not verified)

HI there,

HI there,
You may want to report that to the SSA, you can do so by contacting the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Fri, 09/22/2017 - 09:29 Permalink
missy fine (not verified)

can you have your name on

can you have your name on land and a house it is family own? the person name is on the deed with the maiden name?

Fri, 09/22/2017 - 12:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by missy fine (not verified)

Hi Missy,

Hi Missy,
Yes, you can do so while receiving benefits. You may want to contact the SSA for specific information about your particular case.

Fri, 09/22/2017 - 15:07 Permalink
Nicole (not verified)

My ex mother in law collected

My ex mother in law collected social security for my daughter. She had my daughter lie to her pediatrician, and say she needed her adhd meds. My daughter hasn't taken her meds in over 5 yrs. But my ex mother in law has collected the whole time. This is fraud??

Sat, 09/23/2017 - 06:43 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

HI Nicole,

HI Nicole,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this you can reach out at the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271

Mon, 09/25/2017 - 15:01 Permalink
Lynn (not verified)

I know of someone who is a

I know of someone who is a "caregiver" ( her interpretation, not mine) for a 90 year old man. She is being paid $25/hour and is receiving checks made out to cash, has been using his credit cards, been given vehicles and more adding up in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. She is cat fishing this guy and is a very dangerous person.

How do I get that information out to ssa without him or her knowing it is me?

Sat, 09/23/2017 - 13:35 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Lynn (not verified)

Hi Lynn,

Hi Lynn,
You can contact the SSA without giving your contact info at the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Mon, 09/25/2017 - 14:57 Permalink
concerned huma… (not verified)

I have met someone who is

I have met someone who is collecting SSD and food stamps, and is young enough to work. I understand some individuals have behavioral challenges, but this person was able to drive a motorcycle while the hospital reports substance abuse which caused him to wreck. I do not understand how someone can be considered disabled and unable to work, but can purchase drugs and drive a motorcycle. The system needs to be changed. Who is reviewing these cases to determine real need? I would like to apply for that job.

Sat, 09/23/2017 - 21:15 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by concerned huma… (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so at the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Mon, 09/25/2017 - 15:02 Permalink
Brandon (not verified)

What do I do if the person

What do I do if the person receiving benefits is using the money to buy drugs, alcohol and other illegal things not only for themselves but for another drug addict who is homeless and taking advantage. Also they are living on the street together and nobody knows where to find them.

Mon, 09/25/2017 - 06:32 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Brandon (not verified)

Hi Brandon,

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

Mon, 09/25/2017 - 15:02 Permalink
April (not verified)

I know some one whose working

I know some one whose working a full time job and receiving ssi benefits also recently got married to some one whose also working full time he didn't report that he got married

Tue, 09/26/2017 - 00:26 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by April (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this, as those are changes that would affect someone's benefits.

Tue, 09/26/2017 - 12:42 Permalink
Tammy (not verified)

My neighbor retired on

My neighbor retired on disability for back problems ever since her disability SS ran out and now she is just collecting SS I have seen plus I have photos of her shoveling snow, chopping ice, using gas powered hedge trimmer & gas weed trimmer and bending over for hours sealing her driveway w a paint brush. Should I report her behavior?

Tue, 09/26/2017 - 14:23 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Tammy (not verified)

Hi Tammy,

Hi Tammy,
While your neighbor may be able to do these things, it may not indicate that she does not have a back problem. You may want to contact the SSA about suspected fraud.

Tue, 09/26/2017 - 16:58 Permalink
Gbadebo (not verified)

I used my friend's mail

I used my friend's mail address for my daughter's social security card. She received it and it's been difficult to get her to release it to me as she has been given excuses of inability to post to me for the past 9months. I am worried she could be fraudulent with my daughter's social security card. How can you help please?

Thu, 09/28/2017 - 16:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Gbadebo (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
I would contact the SSA immediately about this, if you believe your child's identity has been stolen, I would contact law enforcement as they may be able to investigate this.

Fri, 09/29/2017 - 09:25 Permalink
SHARON (not verified)

What if you know a grand

What if you know a grand manipulator who has faked their mental illness and inability to work over the death of their husband from 10 years ago and still receives benefits because she claims that she cant work because she is sooo distraught? Which is just a complete mistruth. The woman gets $11,000. a month

Thu, 09/28/2017 - 18:07 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by SHARON (not verified)

Hi Sharon,

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

Fri, 09/29/2017 - 09:12 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

Someone that works in the

Someone that works in the office space next to me told us that he was injured on his job and receives disability. Now I see him loading and unloading heavy wood and furniture into their shop on a daily basis.
Would this be considered grounds to report him?

Tue, 10/03/2017 - 10:04 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

Hi Karen,

Hi Karen,
I really could not say. Some disabilities are not apparent to the naked eye, and it is possible to work and receive disability, though there are limits to that.

Tue, 10/03/2017 - 15:04 Permalink
Leo (not verified)

What if someone has filed but

What if someone has filed but not yet received benefits, yet they are working for money under the table. How would a person report them?

Tue, 10/03/2017 - 11:51 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Leo (not verified)

Hi Leo,

Hi Leo,
You can report any suspected fraud to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Tue, 10/03/2017 - 15:04 Permalink
Janie (not verified)

wat if someone is out

wat if someone is out carrying a canoe every weekend but supposibly she cant walk on her feet is that fraud these are words from her mouth.

Wed, 10/04/2017 - 11:31 Permalink

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