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

Olivia (not verified)

In reply to by betty johmson (not verified)

Finishing my comment from

Finishing my comment from earlier... this individual goes camping, hunting, fishing, travels all over the country in vehicles and motorcycles and does everything and everything they want and is not limited in any form or fashion whatsoever. This infuriates me

Fri, 04/27/2018 - 11:41 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Olivia (not verified)

Hi Olivia,

Hi Olivia,

You suspect fraud you can report it to the SSA. Their number is 1-800-772-1213.

Fri, 04/27/2018 - 13:48 Permalink
Robin causey (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

Scared to report this person

Scared to report this person he thinks he got but he will report people in a heart beat

Mon, 04/25/2016 - 15:50 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Robin causey (not verified)

Hi Robin,

Hi Robin,
You can report completely anonymously, all you need to do is mail a letter without a return address or personal information to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 04/25/2016 - 16:40 Permalink
Stone (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

This is bs there r alot of

This is bs there r alot of people taking advantage of the system and u can't get leads to people without Givin up ur name

Sat, 07/09/2016 - 23:35 Permalink
Plaz (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Lol. Not when reporting

Lol. Not when reporting fraudulent activity. I was never even given that option. But thats fine im telling the truth. Whats the problem with people, why are ppl scared of honesty?

Not like any of 3 reports made over 9 months have even mattered.
They're still hard at it.
I wish I was 'their kind of disabled'

In the meantine Disabled ppl SUFFER, LIKE I HAVE BEEN, WHILE seeing this pos spend the GOVERNMENTS DISABILITY BENEFIT... ON THREE THINGS:
1.Booze. 24/7. Made my life a new and not improved HELL on earth.
2. Broads (hookers okay "escorts") they knock on my door looking for his sorry ass. Wrong rathole ladies. Take about 5-7 steps BINGO. YOURE ON ASSHOLES Porch.
3. Betting. Thats right. Casinos. Gambling.

Is this real life?! It just cannot be. This pos has the nerve to tell me- get a life, get out and do smthn... Etc etc. how?? Costs money to HAVE A LIFE. it takes a car, gas, etc etc.
none of whichi can afford. All bc of a damn drunk 15 yo in a stolen car.
One yr into a career after getting a degree 7 years spent earning that. And guess whos accountable for that dui accident?? NO ONE. HE WAS ONLY 15. In a stolen car. So apparently its NOW MY FAULT THAT MY FUTURE WENT BYE BYE ON THAT FATEFUL NIGHT THAT I DIDNT ..... DIE. INSTEAD I BECAME HANDICAPPED /DISABLED. IN LESS THAN A BLINK. And i wish i would've DIED. DEATH would surely be more less unpleasant than this---- existence. It isnt living. Not even close.
I give up.
I QUIT
IM TIRED OF EXISTING

Mon, 10/03/2016 - 21:34 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Plaz (not verified)

Hi Plaz,

Hi Plaz,
I'm sorry to hear about that!
Generally, if that person is on SSDI benefits, they have lots of leeway as to how they spend their benefit. Someone on SSDI could use their funds for drinking and gambling if they saw fit to do so, even if it's not the best thing to do.

Tue, 10/04/2016 - 09:32 Permalink
jerome ray corbett (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

well the thing is that my

well the thing is that my sister and her girlfriend has got a suntrust bank card its was ordered as soon as my sister was turn over to be my payee. she was pressured by her girlfriend to get the card in my sister name all for hergirls habbit of pill abuse and poroity wise my sister and her friend had took the advantage to talk about getting rid of me so i can be on my own while they can do an overdraft with the suntrust credit card that was order during the transfered income providance of tamika lashea corbett. so if its any way that i can be my own provider . think that would be the best option to because i am of age 32 i can help manage my own bills on my own as well as utilitie supplies clothing, a roof over my head because now i have no one else to trust

Thu, 09/15/2016 - 17:15 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by jerome ray corbett (not verified)

Hi Jerome,

Hi Jerome,
It may be a good idea to contact the SSA in this case, their number is 1-800-772-1213, they may be able to help you either change payees or have you get your money directly.

Fri, 09/16/2016 - 09:09 Permalink
Randy h newell (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

My ex-wife Cyretha lynn

My ex-wife we are separated getting a divorce she Tota very big bad lie she moved out because she got caught cheating and moved in with another man that is having a relationship with on her application she's lied and said that she lives there and pay some rent the truth is he has a monthly benefit SSI and he does work on the side and so does she and get paid cash and sometimes it yet and your reports anything where she live at he had ffi benefits plus he does work on one side and like putting in Transmissions and clean houses does yard work MCM to repair own homes there is nothing physically or mentally all wrong with she is a chronic liar and she think she knows how to manipulate the system Asian right now currently being investigated for food stamp fraud just another good reason for are we all good people to look into this if she will commit food stamp fraud if she will do the same thing with SSI and she has a case on her child abuse please do people really eat things that she needs to be rewarded any kind of SSI she's never worked a day in her life I'll pay her way for 33 years was called committing adultery for almost a year now she's with another man all that does not matter to me what really matters to me as I've had to work all my life and people like her steel tea in LA and manipulate the system because she thinks all of your people include me or nothing but dumb butts her phone is

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 13:23 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

a resident at

a resident at the motel is working as acting manager and is responsible for this issue at hand he says he can't work do to neck injury.but has no problem doing hevy lifting .Drinking himself silly 28 days out the month. He is living in motel he has been using transportation to go back for Back and forth to the pain doctor then selling his pills to anyone so HD can keep working and

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 22:48 Permalink
John (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

So if someone is reporting

So if someone is reporting another person why does the person who is reporting giving out his ss # he or she is not commiting the crime

Sun, 03/19/2017 - 12:54 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by John (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
They ask for that information in the event they would want to contact you, and to also verify your identity.

Mon, 03/20/2017 - 09:50 Permalink
Kim (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

I know some one who is get

I know some one who is get disability. And told the social security place that her and her husband we're separated and they are not. And he is getting ready to receive a large amount of money from the VA. What do I do?

Sun, 04/30/2017 - 01:25 Permalink
Ricky Wayman (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

A person I know is getting

A person I know is getting benefits for having eyesight problems and neck problems but just bought a new truck and car,how can someone be able to drive when their eyesight is bad and they can't turn their neck?????

Sun, 07/02/2017 - 18:17 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ricky Wayman (not verified)

Hi Ricky,

Hi Ricky,
While their conditions may make them unable to work, they may still be able to meet your state's standards for a driver's license, or your state has not revoked their driver's license.

Wed, 07/05/2017 - 09:30 Permalink
Brandon (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

How do i report some one that

How do i report some one that didnt work all year an still getting tax i dont think thats fare

Wed, 01/17/2018 - 09:07 Permalink
Gloria Martinez (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

mother's maiden name

mother's maiden name is currently working heresince about 4 months ago. She is receiving supplemental benefits living in out of the country she receives her mail in the country.l I dont remember her married name. In the other country she has her own house. She took her furniture from
where she used to live. She recently sold some property about 4 months ago. She sold her house and owes to the RIS that's why she came back to work to pay that money.

Thu, 01/25/2018 - 15:54 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Gloria Martinez (not verified)

Hi Gloria,

Hi Gloria,
You may want to contact the SSA regarding this if you suspect fraud, you can contact them at (800) 269-0271.

Thu, 01/25/2018 - 16:42 Permalink
Me (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

There is a lot of people out

There is a lot of people out there working under the table so they still get the states benefits also. And a lot will not report this because we have to provide our social security number? Why? It’s crap.

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 15:27 Permalink
Jay (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

good evening, I know a person

good evening, I know a person who has been full-time for 7 years, retired from the army and has a disability through the United States postal service. And is getting paid under the table, and, is also collecting disability from the United States postal service! And, he is not a nice human being. What do you recommend I pay for my taxes I paid taxes, I paid for social security, I pay for everything this guy gets 100% cash.

Wed, 03/27/2019 - 18:56 Permalink
Greg (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

I know someone who is on

I know someone who is on disability and plays golf 3 times a week

Wed, 03/16/2016 - 09:50 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Greg (not verified)

Hi Greg,

Hi Greg,
It's understandable that seeing someone who is 'disabled' play golf may be upsetting, but it may be that the person who is receiving disability benefits is getting them for a problem that may not be physical in nature.

Wed, 03/16/2016 - 15:54 Permalink
Shannon Snider (not verified)

In reply to by Greg (not verified)

I know someone who rides a

I know someone who rides a motorcycle everyday n gets disability

Mon, 04/11/2016 - 18:08 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Shannon Snider (not verified)

Hi Shannon,

Hi Shannon,
It is possible to ride a motorcycle and still get disability, may disabilities are not apparent to the naked eye and as such it may be hard to tell if this person is committing fraud.

Tue, 04/12/2016 - 10:37 Permalink
Mary (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

I know a guy who goes deep

I know a guy who goes deep sea diving ,he claims to have PTSD, and other mental problems , if his meds work good enough for him to dive around sharks then they should work good enough for working .

Tue, 06/14/2016 - 11:15 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Mary (not verified)

Hi Mary,

Hi Mary,
Not every disability is the same, it's very possible that this person derives therapeutic value out out diving and it helps his PTSD and his other mental disorders. Additionally, it's very hard to tell if someone with any type of mental condition is able to work unless you are qualified to conduct psychological tests.

Tue, 06/14/2016 - 11:54 Permalink
Brian (not verified)

In reply to by Mary (not verified)

Okay. what does PTSD and deep

Okay. what does PTSD and deep sea diving have to do with each other? His PTSD might be military related, bombs going off in his head, people getting shot. heck I have PTSD from the 3 wars I was in and I am disabled but I still make 6 figures at work. Stop complaining about everyone elses issues.

Thu, 06/23/2016 - 20:21 Permalink
R (not verified)

In reply to by Shannon Snider (not verified)

I know someone is getting

I know someone is getting disability for a back problem but yet Moses yard by hand which is almost an acre and rides a Harley Davidson but he has neck whiplash disabilities and Loback disabilities, so he says he never works

Tue, 07/12/2016 - 20:12 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by R (not verified)

Hi R,

Hi R,
This may not be fraud, as someone's condition can still let them be able to do maintenance work on their house, but not allow them to work full time.

Wed, 07/13/2016 - 09:16 Permalink
Bob (not verified)

In reply to by Greg (not verified)

I am applying for disability,

I am applying for disability, at age 27, due to a neurological condition causing seizures. My doctor forced me to fax a document to my employer stating that I was not allowed to work, until neurology cleared me. My neurologist does not feel comfortable releasing me back to work until at least 2 years seizure free. Those with neurological conditions do not always appear to be disabled, and alot of siezures are caused by stress. Perhaps this is his way of relieving this stress, in an environment where a seizure will not cause him to fall down an elevator shaft, or off the side of a building. I have been getting alot of people complaining of my recent lifestyle changes, and hearing allllll about how I "look" just fine. After becoming unemployed, I was forced to move back in with my Dad. He got mad about the grass getting too high, so I cut it. The neighbors think i'm perfectly fine ifI can cut the grass, little do they know when I finally got inside the house I suffered a seizure the moment I laid down for a nap. So next time you see a disabled person going golfing, or fishing, keep in mind that they could be great ways to reduce stress/depression. Disabled persons do not have to sit in their home all day wallowing in pity.

Sun, 07/24/2016 - 07:40 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Bob (not verified)

Hi Bob!

Hi Bob!
That's right! If you've got a disabling condition, that doesn't mean your life should stop! Thanks for sharing!

Mon, 07/25/2016 - 11:08 Permalink
Jamie Bell (not verified)

In reply to by Leann (not verified)

I know someone who is

I know someone who is applying for Disability and is working right now making 550.00 a day just got a check for 3970.00 the check went directly into his checking account.

Fri, 03/25/2016 - 17:08 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jamie Bell (not verified)

Hi Jamie,

Hi Jamie,
Working while applying for disability does not mean that the person is committing fraud.

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:59 Permalink
M (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

If someone makes over $500 a

If someone makes over $500 a day than apparently their "disability" doesn't affect their employment opportunities, and so they shouldn't be ripping off the taxpayers with such bogus SSI claims. I'm healthy, not disabled, and I'm making way below $500 a day. This is ridiculous.

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 17:57 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by M (not verified)

Only less than 1% of those

Only less than 1% of those who claim disability are false! Please don't be ignorant. Gain some compassion and do your research.

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 11:39 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Thank you for sharing! It's true, the majority of people on SSI and SSDI are not committing fraud.

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 11:05 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

However Bryan, if you are

However Bryan, if you are receiving SSDI you have maximums on what you can earn and of course if you are earning that money under the table you are also cheating on you income tax!! First of all generally speaking, you can't start doing "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. I am pretty sure you know this but in a nutshell, SGA means you are working and making more than $1,130 per month in 2016 (or $1,820 if you're blind). There are exceptions to this rule, however. For SSDI recipients, there is a trial work period during which you can make more than the SGA amount without losing your benefits. Therefore the $3,000++ check or Direct Deposit exceeds that person's allowable amount if they are not in their trial period. If your SSDI payments have stopped because your income is substantial, the SSA gives you five years during which your benefits can be reinstated if you stop work because of your disability. During the five-year period, the SSA will not require you to file a new disability application to get benefits. This is called expedited reinstatement.

You can begin to work and continue to receive SSI benefits as long as your wages and other resources do not exceed the SSA’s income limit for SSI; however, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced in proportion to your income. If your only income is from your job, the SSA does not include the first $85 you earn toward your countable income for your SSI benefit. After the $85 adjustment, the SSA will deduct 50 cents for every dollar you earn from your monthly benefits. Again, if your SSI payments stop because you earn too much money, but you are subsequently forced to quit work because of your disability, the SSA will reinstate your benefits without the need for a new application for a period of five years.

The difference between SSDI and SSI is that you have worked and paid into the SS for a minimum of 5 years, whereas SSI is straight up the Federal welfare program. Each state has the ability to augment this payment and you would have to check with the state to see what those benefits are.

There are people who have paid into the system but haven't worked within the last 5 years before filing for SSDI and therefore are not qualified, however they may qualify for SSI. I only state this because IF you THINK you have a qualifying even file ASAP because the clock starts ticking. I once had to deny a woman for this very reason :(

No matter which benefit you are receiving IF you have a month with earnings in excess of $3000 you will lose benefits for that month or you will be billed to pay benefits back so keep SSA apprised of your earnings while on any benefit program they oversee.

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 17:22 Permalink
rhonda (not verified)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

i am on another persons

i am on another persons facebook but was reading yur comments an i feel i have to post i worked evryday of my life startin in 11th grade of high school thru the work educatiion program i was in a bad car wreck an lay in a coma for 30 days with my head crushed. i also had mental disabilities before the wreck that i had under control with meds ..after the car wreck not so much so ii get my ssi because now i have 3 or more severe migraines a week add to that i now have seizures have had 2 knee surgerys get weekly high potent back shots from three crack vertabre go to a mental health dr every week because meds r no longer helpin my conditions since now i have brain damage. AND I TAKE GREAT OFFENSE AT YU CALLING WHAT I AM ON SSI AS WELFARE!!!! and it hurts deeply to know yu are also someone who is obvisiosly from yur statement someone who WORKS FOR THE SSA.

Fri, 07/01/2016 - 03:26 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by rhonda (not verified)

Hi Rhonda,

Hi Rhonda,
I sincerely apologize if we offended you. However, we are not affiliated with the SSA. We understand that SSI is not welfare. It's a needed social safety net for people who are unable to work due to their conditions.

Fri, 07/01/2016 - 09:42 Permalink

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