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

Mack (not verified)

What would occur if someone

What would occur if someone was reported who has collected disability for almost 10 years, yet has a home based car restoration shop. Paid in cash to avoid attention. Hasn't paid taxes in years and brags about it. He tells his clients to pay in cash so he want loose his disability. He knows it's wrong. Will this be investigated if reported? There are court records showing a restoration shop.

Thu, 04/14/2016 - 22:21 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Mack (not verified)

Hi Mack,

Hi Mack,
I don't know the whole story, so I would not be able to say that this person is committing fraud with any certainty. It is possible to work while receiving SSI or SSDI benefits, but there are limits to that. Since we are not affiliated with the SSA I would not be able to say what they would investigate, but if you need to report fraud you can use this form here:
https://oig.ssa.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/fraud-waste-and-abuse

Fri, 04/15/2016 - 10:34 Permalink
Nathaniel (not verified)

Well, I know someone who

Well, I know someone who receives disability because they had to have their bladder partially replaced with a man-made bladder and, due to that surgery it was determined that this individual would be unable to 'control their need to relieve their bladder due to the body's inability to detect that the replacement bladder was full'; and 'would suffer from severe bladder leaks' and that their daily life would be 'severely compromised as they would need to be near a restroom at all times'; and that 'strenuous and repetitive activity would likely cause the repair to be damaged'. Yet this person drinks large amounts of alcohol EVERY day. Participates in motorcycle events and, most recently, rode their motorcycle all the way to Daytona for Daytona' bike week and then rode that same bike all the way back. It took this person no more time to get there and back than it would have for someone driving a car. So much for having to be near a facility at all times....so much for their inability to live a normal, full, and active life. Oh...and this person also works under the table several days a week doing fairly strenuous activity. Funny thing is...ALL of this is put up over social media so it's not like it's a secret that this is being done. Yet those checks just keep rolling in.

Fri, 04/15/2016 - 13:09 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Nathaniel (not verified)

Hi Nathaniel,

Hi Nathaniel,
Because alcohol is perfectly legal to have, it is unlikely that this person is abusing his disability benefits. But working under the table is indeed illegal unless you can prove that he does not report the income. Are you sure that this income is not reported? If so, you can likely report this as fraud here: https://oig.ssa.gov/report

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 12:31 Permalink
Nathaniel (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

I am absolutely positive that

I am absolutely positive that this person does not report the income from the garage - because the person that SHE is working for does not want to have to any employees to report on HIS end - so he pays her cash. In addition, she provides daycare for her grandchildren and does not report the money she makes doing that. Her daughter claims what she pays for child care as a deduction on her taxes....but the SSD recipient does NOT report the income. Further, she lists her lot rent as one of HER expenses and stated on her paperwork that SHE pays that fee, when, in point of fact, her children pay THAT fee for her. She's got money coming in all over the place. To the point that, for someone that supposedly does not work and has to live off of disability, HAS PURCHASED 2 MOTORCYCLES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS! And as for the alcohol...considering that the reason she had to have the surgery was BECAUSE of her severe alcohol use, she was told by the surgeon to NOT drink anymore, and if she did, to only drink 1 alcoholic beverage.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 15:24 Permalink
ivy cook (not verified)

I know of someone who is

I know of someone who is trying to get on disability, but is perfectly capable of working. I have pictures of her tossing a keg at a biker party, and know a doctor who says nothing is wrong with her, but she has moved to Indiana and is now seeing a doctor that is famous for getting people on disability. She is not mentally unstable in any way, and is in good physical condition. How do i report her before she sneaks under the radar?

Fri, 04/15/2016 - 14:12 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by ivy cook (not verified)

Hi Ivy,

Hi Ivy,
I would not be able to say with certainty that this person is not disabled because disabilities come in many forms, but you can send a report to the SSA at
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 12:51 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What if your brother in law

What if your brother in law was on mental disability sells his pain meds and is not supposed to work but does under the table and also passes out business cards. And his kids get a check too because he's not working. And their on welfare ? He makes more then me as a full time union worker and then makes more selling his meds

Fri, 04/15/2016 - 23:34 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If your brother in law is reporting this income, then it is not fraud. If you're sure that he is not reporting any income, then that is definitely fraud.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 12:32 Permalink
Frances (not verified)

A person who receives ssd

A person who receives ssd benefits but works with his wife at there business. I do not know what disability the person has to receive ss. The person drives, talks well, I did not imagine he received ssd. Should I report it ? The person in no way seems to be disable and I know he reports to the gov he is not working and is receiving ssd for the last 10 years. He is 50 years old.

Sat, 04/16/2016 - 12:30 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Frances (not verified)

Hi Frances,

Hi Frances,
Disabilities come in many forms and may not be apparent at first glance. Also, it is possible to work while receiving disability benefits (though there are restrictions.) I would not be able to say if you should report it because I do not know all the details.

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 12:54 Permalink
sue (not verified)

I KNOW SOMEONE WHO GOT

I KNOW SOMEONE WHO GOT MARRIED 1/2/2016 IN ANOTHER COUNTRY BUT SAYS HE DOESNT HAVE TO REPORT IT. PLUS HE LEAVES THE COUNTRY AND STAYS OUT MOST OF THE TIME TWO TO THREE MONTHS AT A TIME. ALSO IS STARTING A BUSINESS IN ANOTHER COUNTRY AND IS PLAN ON MOVING TO THAT COUNTRY BUT WILL NOT LET SSD KNOW SO HE CAN CONTINUE COLLECTING HIS MONEY. THIS MAN CAN WORK JUST DOESNT LIKE THE IDEAL OF GETTING UP EARLY AND GOING TO WORK. THAT IS WHAT HE TELLS ME ALL THE TIME. THAT WORK IS FOR SUCKERS THIS ANY OF THIS CONSIDERED FAURD

Sun, 04/17/2016 - 11:22 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by sue (not verified)

Hi Sue,

Hi Sue,
You may want to let the SSA know about this, you can either send a letter to them here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235
or you can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 09:42 Permalink
Joseph (not verified)

My ex's father has been

My ex's father has been on disability for more than 20 years(Prior to moving to Louisiana from New York i believe). He had major surgery done on his back some years ago and has claimed SSDI ever since. He works under the table for a rather wealthy individual. He makes 2,000$ a week under the table or more. Can I report this?

Sun, 04/17/2016 - 12:56 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Joseph (not verified)

Hi Joseph,

Hi Joseph,
If they are earning that much and are still receiving SSDI, they may be committing fraud. However, if this person is retired and is receiving SSA retirement benefits, there is no cap on their earnings.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 09:40 Permalink
Joseph (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

No there is no retirement. I

No there is no retirement. I want to make a claim, but I fear any repercussions because I don't have 100% of the information and them finding out.

Wed, 04/27/2016 - 17:46 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Joseph (not verified)

Hi Joseph,

Hi Joseph,
The SSA will not give your information to the person they would be investigating. Additionally, you have the option of filing a report anonymously. You can do so here:
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Thu, 04/28/2016 - 13:02 Permalink
James70 (not verified)

If you report someone for

If you report someone for fraud is there anyway they will know who reported them.the person has a sister who works in the local SSA office.I am afraid to report this. I know that she is helping him commit fraud,I have proof but I am afraid of retribution from them!what do I need to do!

Mon, 04/18/2016 - 16:05 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by James70 (not verified)

Hi James,

Hi James,
You can report without giving any personal information. I'm not sure what information that the sister at the SSA office would have access to, but you can report anonymously here:
http://oig.ssa.gov/report

Mon, 04/18/2016 - 17:02 Permalink
cristine (not verified)

i know this lady used to take

i know this lady used to take care of my kids. i paid her 500 every two weeks. i found out she is getting ssi because she not supposed to be working. can she get in trouble for that even though this happened one year ago. and until now she is still getting the benefits

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

In reply to by cristine (not verified)

Hi Cristine,

Hi Cristine,
It is possible to work while on SSI or SSDI within the limits set by the SSA, the person that was watching your kids may have been working within those limits.

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 12:48 Permalink
cristine (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

she is not supposed to be

she is not supposed to be working at all. and shes not supposed to have any income.. she ask me to pay her cash and no wonder because she said she can get trouble and since then i never let her baby sit my kids

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 13:15 Permalink
I'm gonna get you (not verified)

What if I know someone who is

What if I know someone who is on disability and claim they can't work but they can go hunting they ride quads and they can also cut grass under the table and do a bunch of other physical activity

Mon, 04/18/2016 - 19:24 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by I'm gonna get you (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Disabilities come in many forms and the disability that keeps this person from working may not be one that stops them from physical activity. Additionally, it is possible to earn an income while on disability, within the SSA's limits.

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 12:45 Permalink
G (not verified)

If someone has social anxiety

If someone has social anxiety but goes to the nail salon, hair salon, tanning beds, eye lash salon, and does "modeling shoots" would you consider them social anxiety? If you can go get all that done on disability then I think you can work... Would you consider that fraud? She claims to have back problem but take OOTD (outfits of the day) with 5" heels on. Should I report her for fraud?

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 11:18 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by G (not verified)

Hi G,

Hi G,
Being able to do all that does not necessarily mean they do not have social anxiety. Disabilities come in many forms and doing fashion related things may be something that they still are able to do with their disability.

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 12:23 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

My sister has been on ssd

My sister has been on ssd for at least 5yrs. She was a nurse. Her lungs are shot from smoking and she says she's unable to work, yet consistently helps operate her husbands winery. She does all the book work, makes tasty offerings to sell to accompany wine tastings, and helps out with customers when her husband is busy with off site wine tastings. She works behind the scenes in the kitchen trying to keep a low profile, but nevertheless she's working. She also gets long term disability payments. Do you think that's enough info to report her?

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 11:21 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi,

Hi,
It is possible to work while on SSDI or SSI within the limits set by the SSA, your sister may be working within these limits so I would not be able to say if she is committing fraud.

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 12:24 Permalink
BettySue (not verified)

There is a lady who received

There is a lady who received disability for medical reasons but is part owner of a franchise and spends at least 30 hours a week there working. Is this fraud?

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 16:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by BettySue (not verified)

Hi Betty Sue,

Hi Betty Sue,
I could not say for sure as it is possible to work while receiving disability benefits. If they're getting SSDI and earning less than $1,130 a month,
it may not be fraud.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 09:53 Permalink
Brad Foree (not verified)

I am in the same boat as many

I am in the same boat as many of the people below. I "KNOW FOR FACT" of 2 individuals who are WORKING FULLTIME JOBS and being PAID UNDER THE TABLE all while on Full 100% SSI Disability. I can even provide pictures, Facebook pages and other information SHOWING these individuals WORKING... yet the fact that "I" would be forced to disclose MY personal identity and information discourages me from doing so. I mean SSI tells us "the people will NOT be told who is informing on them"...but c'mon!! I'm sorry, but I "just can't trust that the Government would keep my identity private. Would you?

The WANT us to help them catch these crooks...but at the same time they want to put US in danger. No one but the dang Government would be THAT stupid!! It enrages me everytime I see one of these guys working...because I KNOW it's MY TAX DOLLARS being stolen. But of course the Government makes it virtually IMPOSSIBLE to stop the abuse!

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 20:52 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Brad Foree (not verified)

Hi Brad,

Hi Brad,
You absolutely can report entirely anonymously, you can send a letter with the information to the SSA here:

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

You do not need to put any personal information in this letter, you don't even need a return address.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 09:38 Permalink
Dana (not verified)

My mother had ovarian cancer

My mother had ovarian cancer in 1977, went through radiation and chemo, and had a complete hysterectomy. The cancer was wiped out and has never come back. She went on disability in 1977 for this cancer and has been on it ever since. How is that possible? She is not disabled at all. Please explain to me how this is legal or is she breaking the law somehow?

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 10:54 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Dana (not verified)

Hi Dana,

Hi Dana,
So this can actually be legal. It depends on what stage of cancer she was diagnosed at. Some people are diagnosed at stage 4 cancer and are not expected to live for more than a year or so. So if your mother was diagnosed at an advanced stage, it's unlikely that the SSA would review her case because they assume her to be gravely ill.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 12:33 Permalink
kiesha (not verified)

I want to report some one who

I want to report some one who receives disability but not doing right with the money. He sells drugs with it and currently in and out of court for drug charges and will be doing time soon.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 13:46 Permalink
Elias (not verified)

I know some one who was

I know some one who was working under the table and in one year checks were writen to her for at least 12,000 dollars just in one year. I have pictures of this person working I know her social security number and full name and where all those checks where cashed and which person wrote the checks to her. I have everything you need to open a fraud case on this person. As far as I know she was supposed to report any other income but she never did. And the type a job she was performing was a really hard work and according to her dissability she has fibromyalgia but this person digging a hole, lifting heavy stuff, climbing on latters up to 32 feet up in the air. I have all pictures. I reported it couple times but no one hasnt contacted me. If you like to contact me for further information email me thank you

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 16:58 Permalink
Lorraine (not verified)

Hi my stepdaughter went to

Hi my stepdaughter went to live back with her mom. She is suffering from mental illness. She isn't going to school, taking medicine or even staying at home most of the week. She gets full SSI and she's only 15. Does social security do reviews? I guess I'm not sure why she is even getting benefits now because she isn't taking and mess or going to see any doctors. Not to mention she smokes Marijuana daily. What should I do?

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 16:59 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What if you truly know

What if you truly know someone is not disabled, just lazy and collecting ssid?

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 20:59 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If you truly know this person is not disabled, and have information supporting that, I would contact the SSA to report it. You can do so by visiting their website at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 09:33 Permalink
Miriam (not verified)

What if the person lost

What if the person lost hearing in one ear as a baby due to meningitis but is able to hear in the other ear with the aid of a hearing aid. This person did work full-time for over 10 years but was laid off and immediately went on SSDI. They are capable of working and just spend the day drinking alcohol and smoking pot while living off the system. I know of a woman who is completely deaf and she works full-time at the post office. The person that I am referring to who is on SSDI does not take any medication and is fully capable of working. I have a small claims court case against them and they were ordered to pay me in installments but have defied the order and not paid me anything. There is a payment review in court soon, but I now see that the court cannot apparently order them to pay from their SSDI payments. Why then can they spend this SSDI money on alcohol and drugs? This makes absolutely no sense to me. Any advice on how I should proceed? I really don't know what to do at this point and I do not want to go to the payment review with incorrect information.

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 00:17 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Miriam (not verified)

Hi Miriam,

Hi Miriam,
If the drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor to their disability, it may affect their case with the SSA, however I would not be able to say if it was or would be a factor in this particular case. I wish I was more able to give you advice about how to proceed, but I wouldn't be able to as I am not a lawyer and could not give you accurate legal advice with any confidence.

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 09:24 Permalink
Judith (not verified)

Is it a fraud if someone is

Is it a fraud if someone is breeding horses and sales them? Or if they getting childsupport? Or getting money from their boyfriend from ilegal activities? Boyfriend s in jail for that right now.

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 05:59 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Judith (not verified)

Hi Judith,

Hi Judith,
You can earn money from working while on SSI or SSDI within the SSA's set limits for each, so they may not be committing fraud. However, receiving support ( like money, food, or housing) from someone else while on SSI may be fraud if they did not report that support to the SSA.

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 09:26 Permalink
Reno (not verified)

Two brothers worked on my

Two brothers worked on my home in texas I paid them $1600 to do the work (which was not completed). I was told during this time that he had been waiting for a year to get on SSI anD and that his brother and his wife were already on it. They continue to do work i and I have a feeling that they are doing the same shoddy craftsmanship everywhere they go. The worst part is that I'm 72, I stand on my feet day after day with arthritis and one artificial knee and partial bones replaced then they charge me for work and leave wires hanging and valves leaking and are now trying to cause me problems where I work "because they don't like the view".

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 15:45 Permalink
Chuck (not verified)

So, i've been living

So, i've been living next to this guy for about 2 years now. i don't know what to do, i was thinking of reporting him for disability fraud, if someone could tell me if i have some sort of a case. Pretty much this guy has been getting disability and is on pain killers but i see him sell his pain killers constantly. he has a neck injury but is able to make trailers for trucks and sells them under the table, is always working on something, whether it be cutting wood. making something out of wood, repairing peoples cars under the table, and is even up on his roof with big metal sheets to make sure it doesn't leak. is this a case at all or could i just be the one being penalized for making a report?

Fri, 04/22/2016 - 16:28 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Chuck (not verified)

Hi Chuck,

Hi Chuck,
You can send an anonymous report with any information you have about the case to the SSA here:
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Mon, 04/25/2016 - 14:20 Permalink

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