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

Kayla (not verified)

There is someone that I work

There is someone that I work for through my cleaning/ CNA company. She gets disability I believe because she has either back or heart problems. Also the gov pays for her cleaning services through our company. She has her own cleaning business and every few days goes and cleans peoples houses and makes a few 100$ and gets her checks in the mail for unemployment. Is this fraud? If she can clean other peoples houses why can’t she clean her own? Why is the gov paying?

Wed, 03/14/2018 - 11:40 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Kayla (not verified)

Hi Kayla,

Hi Kayla,

You are able to collect SSDI benefits and work at the same time. That alone does not constitute fraud.

Wed, 03/14/2018 - 14:37 Permalink
Pandora Rackley (not verified)

What if the person who gets

What if the person who gets social security does recreational drugs?

Wed, 03/14/2018 - 17:32 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Pandora Rackley (not verified)

Hi There,

Hi There,

If they are spending their benefits on those recreational drugs, that would constitute fraud.

Thu, 03/15/2018 - 17:02 Permalink
Karen (not verified)

My brother died in January i

My brother died in January i think his gf has not reported his death And is still collecting his benefits what can we doo to stop

Wed, 03/14/2018 - 19:23 Permalink
Question Guy (not verified)

Is it fraud for a person on

Is it fraud for a person on SSD to receive benefits for a child that does not live with them? The child lives with his father and the mother on SSD does not pay child support to the father but receives SSD benefits for the child.

Wed, 03/14/2018 - 20:26 Permalink
Belle (not verified)

How do I report someone who

How do I report someone who is the payee of someone receiving disability and they use their money on themselves and live over $2000 miles away? And can I stay anonymous?

Sat, 03/17/2018 - 09:05 Permalink
Martha Jones (not verified)

I know of someone who has

I know of someone who has been getting checks for some years now. He had back surgery and has rods and screws etc so I am told. The thing is, he is supposed to be disabled and not allowed to lift weights over the weight of a gallon of milk. I have observed him lifting on his step grand daughter and it is as if she weighs less than a pound. He lifts her up and puts her in the car seat located in the center of the back seat without needing help or even a groan of pain... she weighs over 40 pounds... He also uses a cane, which he purchased for himself... and he often just carries it and can practically run.. he is only in his late 40's early 50's and has been on this supplement along with all his children and wife for years now. I don't like supporting people with my money when they don't work and I feel they are able to do so.. I am nearly 70 and retired and in bad health but not on any assistance what so ever... My SS check is less than $250 a month.. try living on that without any help! I am very angry right now!

Sat, 03/17/2018 - 12:56 Permalink
LaDonna (not verified)

Why aren't the SSDI

Why aren't the SSDI fraud department responding to my report? i reported my ex husband taking my SSDI money over 8 months?!

Mon, 03/19/2018 - 01:35 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by LaDonna (not verified)

Hi Ladonna,

Hi Ladonna,

I can't say for sure why they haven't! Hang in there, they have not forgotten about your claim. You could check in with your local SSA office and see what next steps to take.

Mon, 03/19/2018 - 16:15 Permalink
Cathy (not verified)

My mother in law receives

My mother in law receives disability for mental Illness, her daughter over sees her money and is supposed to check on her and manage her money but never does. She gives the money directly to her and my mother in law blows it on drugs and alcohol and doesn’t pay her bills. Is there anything that I can do?

Mon, 03/19/2018 - 06:36 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Cathy (not verified)

Hi Cathy,

Hi Cathy,

If she is using her Social Security benefits for illegal drugs that could constitute fraud. You can call the SSA fraud hotline and leave an anonymous report.

Mon, 03/19/2018 - 16:03 Permalink
Garrett (not verified)

I have a friend that draws

I have a friend that draws $900.00 a month,works undertable makes 1500.00 from that job,wife works part-time,and he cuts grass.how can he be disabled

Tue, 03/20/2018 - 09:30 Permalink
Maria (not verified)

What if a minor loses both

What if a minor loses both parents and the appointed guardians limit the child to $50 a month of the SSA money. Is it considered fraudulent if they used the money to purchase new cars and TVs instead of saving up for the child and then kicking the child out when he/she turns 18 without a dime?

Wed, 03/21/2018 - 10:49 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Maria (not verified)

Hi Maria,

Hi Maria,

That is tricky subject. That may not constitute fraud for spending that money on transportation for that child.

Wed, 03/21/2018 - 16:50 Permalink
Helena (not verified)

How do i go about reporting a

How do i go about reporting a unsanitary moldy, mildew, roach and bed bug infested home where my mom get SSI and she live with her great grandmother who is over her benifits and not using the check to fix the problem.

P.s the house smells and is a eye sore and a health risk.

Thu, 03/22/2018 - 14:58 Permalink
Melba (not verified)

I know someone who’s on

I know someone who’s on disability & receiving social security for many years. But he s able to do a lot of work at home, cooking, cleaning, taking care of baby, doing house repairs & many more. How would you determine if someone is disable?

Fri, 03/23/2018 - 09:18 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Melba (not verified)

Hi Melba,

Hi Melba,

To meet the SSA's definition of disability, you must not be able to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically-determinable physical or mental impairment(s): That is expected to result in death, or. That has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

Fri, 03/23/2018 - 13:44 Permalink
Jessica (not verified)

I know someone who is under

I know someone who is under review bc his benefits were supposed to stop jan 2016 yet here we are march 2018 and he is still getting 7-800 month while over working the 1100 they said he could. He brings in about 14-1600 in employment. Then SSI gives him 7-800 and then he gets the bridge program to pay his rent , his portion is 195$ month. Maybe he is allowed to make ALL this but s he allowed to spend it all on marijuana.bc of they drug test him. I know for a fact he spends 200 every 4 days on marijuana.

Fri, 03/23/2018 - 11:39 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I know someone that gets ssi

I know someone that gets ssi why i dont no he never work a job never had a car or job in his name and live off his grandma that stay in Atlanta but get a check here from Fortwayne ind she started geting from Indiana befor she moved and been down there for 2years how is that allowed

Sat, 03/24/2018 - 14:31 Permalink
Chuck (not verified)

How can a person receive

How can a person receive benefits when they work a full time job? To me thats not right just saying

Mon, 03/26/2018 - 16:15 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Chuck (not verified)

Hi Chuck,

Hi Chuck,

So that person is probably earning less than the SGA limit, which would still entitle him/her to SSDI/SSI benefits.

Mon, 03/26/2018 - 16:29 Permalink
m (not verified)

If my former employer was

If my former employer was working for a company and got sick , filed for disability and continued to work but had their checks made out to their wife, is that Fraud?

Tue, 03/27/2018 - 09:52 Permalink
Ellen (not verified)

I know a family member that

I know a family member that Is on Disability- this person only spends it on drugs -(lives with father that pays for everything) their behavior is getting worse & worse. They have stopped taking their medication & going to therapy & the psychiatrist. They make threats to other family and friends almost daily.They are squandering the SS. Is this a valid reason to report this person

Thu, 03/29/2018 - 07:13 Permalink
bella (not verified)

my cousin is claiming

my cousin is claiming disibilaty benefit when there is nothing wrong with him and he collect disibality benefit for him and 3 kids . he used to work cash while collecting benefit. if you check his facebook he is always on vacation and out and there is no disibality at all . he made all fake doctors notes to claim disibality. his wife also committing fraud by caliming she is taking care of her mom and getting home care when her mom is not in need to the benefit and her mom live with the husband. this family is commiting so many frauds from SSI benefit to food stamp , medicare , liheap please advise how to report the whole family?

Thu, 03/29/2018 - 17:56 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by bella (not verified)

Hi Bella,

Hi Bella,

You should begin by contacting the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Fri, 03/30/2018 - 13:35 Permalink
Patr (not verified)

I know two sisters that are

I know two sisters that are commiting SSI fraud. They are both young 23 and 25. They do Clinical studies for Money .they get like 9000 to 5000 for staying in these studies. Now u tell me if u can go do a study and go to the club every weekend why can't u get a job..

Fri, 03/30/2018 - 18:28 Permalink
Ex-husband (not verified)

I was married for 26 years...

I was married for 26 years... not only has my ex wife been able to attend college classes fulltime while disabled, she got a degree in English. She is still paying off her college loan She also received a Reike Master Certificate while being "disabled". Check out that career choice online. She also purchased a real estate house flipping program and was also at one point studying to get her teachers certificate. She has also spent countless hours writing books and typing on the computer. Now does all this sound like a person who can't work?

Sun, 04/01/2018 - 02:06 Permalink
lili (not verified)

I know someone who gets a

I know someone who gets a disability check every month and he works as an uber driver using one of his friends name instead of his. My question is this: If i tell you his information and you guys reveal my identity to him he might kill me as he has told me in the past. I just hope that every person who gets disability is investigated once in a while just to make sure they can't really work. Life is unfair

Sun, 04/01/2018 - 13:08 Permalink
mary (not verified)

can someone call and say

can someone call and say someone is working but have no proof in order to get their disabilty checks stopped?

Mon, 04/02/2018 - 15:25 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by mary (not verified)

Hi Mary,

Hi Mary,

You are always able to call, but the SSA does not have much to go off of if there is no evidence.

Mon, 04/02/2018 - 16:05 Permalink
Chy (not verified)

What if you know someone who

What if you know someone who is getting disability for back injury but is able to participate with trips into mountains four wheeling some very rough terrain??

Mon, 04/02/2018 - 16:30 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Chy (not verified)

Hi Chy,

Hi Chy,

While that may seem suspicious, if that is the only case then I am not sure if that could constitute fraud.

Mon, 04/02/2018 - 16:39 Permalink
Becky (not verified)

My son passed away leaving 3

My son passed away leaving 3 children. His wife remarried. Neither she or new husband works. They have 2 more children living off the ss for my grandchildren. My grand kids do without. I think she should be accountable for the money's use. How can this be addressed

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 13:14 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Becky (not verified)

Hi Becky,

Hi Becky,

I am so sorry for your loss. You might want to speak with a representative from your local SSA office to see what next steps to take. If she the representative payee for your grandchildren, it could be switched. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best.

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 16:00 Permalink
Mike (not verified)

My son is totally disabled

My son is totally disabled and gets full disability but the mother takes 90% for personal use and my son sees none of it? Hes 24 and totally dependent and lives with me 4-5 days a week. Tried to work something out with mother but that was a waste of time.

Wed, 04/04/2018 - 11:22 Permalink

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