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.
Blog comments
In reply to Hi There, by Eric
They don't work but
They don't work but there is nothing they cannot do and I see people far worse shape working than that. They mow. They use a string trimmer. They paint. They ride a motorcycle. They wash cars. All themselves for them selves and receive DISABILITY. Disability is for disabled people. Seems like fraud to me.
In reply to They don't work but by Marlin22 (not verified)
Hi There,
Hi There,
If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the SSA online or by calling their fraud hotline.
My aunt passed away in June
My aunt passed away in June and I believe that her husband is still collecting her check and hasn’t informed the social security Disability office
In reply to My aunt passed away in June by Crystal Cancio (not verified)
Hi,
Hi,
I am sorry to hear that. If you suspect fraud you are able to report anonymously on the SSA Website.
My nephew is a social
My nephew is a social security recipient because he suffers from a mental illness. His maternal grandmother receives his check and food stamps but he hasn't been living with her in over a month. She only gives him $100 a month to live off of in another relative's household. The only person trustworthy enough to make sure he gets what he needs lives in a another state. Can he have an out of state payee manage his finances for him?
In reply to My nephew is a social by E C (not verified)
Hi,
Hi,
You will have to call your local SSA office to go over the specifics of your case and they will be able to help you switch your payee.
https://www.ssa.gov/payee/bene.htm
This should provide you with some more information and their phone number.
I know some one collecting
I know some one collecting disability and she is able to work. She cleans out her garage and helps her daughter move with heavy boxes.
In reply to I know some one collecting by Kathy (not verified)
Hi Kathy,
Hi Kathy,
There are many ways to qualify for disability. Not all are visible. I would be careful reporting fraud, however if you think someone is being hurt by her actions you are able to report that on the SSA website.
I have a question and need
I have a question and need understanding: My ex today was parked in a handicap space and had a place card and I cant figure out how she is disabled walking in 4 inch heels. We have a child together and she self diagnosed him with Adhd without my consent or without getting my input. Now she is using family courts from having him evaluated again. Is this a possibility how she got disability in North Carolina? Using my child as a pawn for her benefit? Using his benefits without him in the car. If so I have legal joint custody and I do not receive any of these benefits for him. Nor do I want to. I am disabled and can not get disability. I know for fact my son is not disabled playing baseball, basketball and putting together a 1000 piece puzzle. I dont want to make accusations, but there are people out there that really need it! And this case is not one of them. How can I have this investigated without this biting me in the butt? I'm really concerned. I have all their information, ssn's, tag and place card number. Thank you for your help.
In reply to I have a question and need by Bill Moore (not verified)
Hi Bill,
Hi Bill,
If you suspect fraud then you can report it to the SSA. Online there is an option to stay anonymous if needed.
Do not ignore fraud. Speak up
Do not ignore fraud. Speak up.
On this blog, many people are venting about instances of suspected SSA disability fraud. With a considerable number of the posts, details are offered, but not the name of the suspected fraudster.
Fraud can include matters of concealed work (under-the-table or off-the-books earnings), the faking of an injury/illness, or the collecting of payments for a disabled child when they are living with someone other than the payee. Please understand that if you do not report the matter directly to SSA, it will NOT be investigated.
To report SSA disability fraud, please call 800-269-0271. Alternatively, you may complete a form online at https://oig.ssa.gov/. You can do so confidentially or anonymously. The more detail that is supplied, the better.
People from SSA may be looking to this blog for info. Because you can post things here without giving your real name, please feel free to provide the first and last name of the suspected fraudster, and his/her city and state.
If I turn someone in for
If I turn someone in for fraud will it affect me filling for SSD/SSI and getting approved
In reply to If I turn someone in for by panda_05 (not verified)
Hi,
Hi,
You are able to report fraud online anonymously and therefore it should have no affect on your benefits
What can be done about the
What can be done about the phone calls that are happening. I have received 3 just today, telling me that they are filling a lawsuit against my social security number.
In reply to What can be done about the by Lisa Miller (not verified)
Hi Lisa,
Hi Lisa,
The following link talks a little more about what to do if you suspect someone is impersonating a social security agent.
My niece is 6 and has
My niece is 6 and has disabilities and receives SSI. A couple weeks ago the mom lost custody of her and my parents now have temporary custody of her and paying everything for her out of their own pockets. The mom is still receiving my nieces ssi money. My mother is wondering how they would go about this?
In reply to My niece is 6 and has by Lilly (not verified)
Hi Lily,
Hi Lily,
To change your representative payee, you will have to make an appointment with your local SSA office. The process will be easier if all parties involved are able to attend the meeting.
I know someone who is on
I know someone who is on disabilities for a mental issue. He receives a check every month. He does unlicensed and uninsured tattooing and wood burning and makes at least one to two-thousand a week. I know this because he did my tattoos and charged me $500. I didn’t learn til after that he was on a fixed income or I would have went somewhere else. Is that reportable?
In reply to I know someone who is on by Ed (not verified)
Hi Ed,
Hi Ed,
If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the SSA! You can do it anonymously if you'd like as well.
My question is , if someone
My question is , if someone is trying to get disability - and posts all over face book they will be using it to start a rescue ... for that purpose only ... is that fraud ? This person posts daily on the fact of having several over the limit pets in home ...
In reply to My question is , if someone by Donna G. (not verified)
Hi Donna,
Hi Donna,
To qualify for benefits they will have to meet strict medical guidelines to prove that they are unable to work. Once they have been qualified, they are able to spend that money how they see fit assuming that they are not participating in anything illegal.
I was an in home caregiver
I was an in home caregiver for a woman who just played video games and told me to drive her to get food and clean for her, she would not let me take care of her hygiene or other needs. She told me she recieves ssi for a scoliosis surgery and that the doctor believes she cant bend or lift more than 5 pounds. She is well over 300lbs. I've seen her lift her 30lb dog for cuddling while sitting in a chair. She told me not to tell anyone, because she lied so she wouldnt have to work. I quit working as her caregiver.
In reply to I was an in home caregiver by Cherie (not verified)
Hi Cherie,
Hi Cherie,
You can report suspected fraud to the SSA online. You can also do it anonymously if you'd prefer.
What can be done when one
What can be done when one parent is collecting SDI for disabled child without other parent knowing
In reply to What can be done when one by Patty (not verified)
If the parent is the primary
If the parent is the primary caregiver of the child then this would most likely be legal. If the parent is not the primary caregiver of the child but is receiving the benefits then the other parent can schedule an appointment with the SSA to become the child's beneficiary.
My freind, shes been
My freind, shes been receiving social security for a couple years now, her aunt was the payee, up until this month we changed her, the aunt had told my freind her benefits stopped a year ago, but they did not, the aunt kept all the checks and bought a car, gambles out here in Vegas and tells my freind she could only drink sink water, doesn't buy her soap or clothes, and recently kicked her out to the streets and the aunt still kept the check for this month, the aunt has been stealing from my freind and the social security for so long now, its sad
In reply to My freind, shes been by Adam Johnson (not verified)
Hi Adam,
Hi Adam,
You can report suspected fraud to the SSA online. You can also do it anonymously if you'd prefer.
How do u report someone if
How do u report someone if they buying drugs with they disability check
In reply to How do u report someone if by Sara (not verified)
Hi,
Hi,
You are able to report them anonymously online on the SSA website.
A family member is receiving
A family member is receiving disability money. But has a job working under the table. Works for a liquor store. His disability is from his back injury of some sort. I'd like to report these actions. But would like to remain unknown. I know is living address. Also can point out the location where they work at. Just worried about giving my personal information.
In reply to A family member is receiving by Shawn (not verified)
Hi Shawn!
Hi Shawn!
You can report suspected fraud online on the SSA's site. You can do it anonymous there as well!
Hello! I have a problem ! and
Hello! I have a problem ! and I need help! if someone can please reply to my comment...
so I live in a trailer park and I have this neighbor he has been living here for about 5 to 6 months, ever since he moved here he's been bringing people here and making noise at 3:00 A.M. he's always doing drugs from 10:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. the police is constantly here arresting the people he brings in. I am pregnant and is so frustraiting living next to him. Just a month ago he hit one of the poles that holds my roof and when we ask him what was he going to do about It. he said one of his friends did it and he has no control of what they do and now he claims that he is on disability. so he is clearly abusing of the system but the only proof I have is a video I took when he said he cant control what his friends do and that he is not responsible for his actions. I want to know what can I do to report him or how much evidence do I need to report him. Please help! I am pregnant and I am having my baby this month and I don't feel safe living next to him!
In reply to Hello! I have a problem ! and by Jane (not verified)
Hi Jane,
Hi Jane,
You can report suspected fraud on the SSA's website. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can do so!
My mom receives my brother
My mom receives my brother benefits for him but doesn't spend any on him. Anything he needs/want I have to purchase it Is this a case where I can report fraud. Or will i be able to get someone esle over his ssi?
In reply to My mom receives my brother by Chantelle (not verified)
Hi,
Hi,
You are able to report fraud on the SSA website, but it sounds like you want to switch a representative payee. If you make an appointment with your local SSA office, you will be able to make that switch to someone else. It works best if all of the parties involved are present at the meeting.
Is there an asset limit while
Is there an asset limit while receiving soc sec disability? For instance, owning 2 homes.
In reply to Is there an asset limit while by Mary (not verified)
Hi Mary,
Hi Mary,
If you are receiving SSI, then there is. If you are receiving SSDI, then there is not.
Hello I am trying to find out
Hello I am trying to find out how to report fraud for children the mother is disabled and received additional money for taking care of her children but has abandoned them for almost 30 days and she has not shown signs of returning Is there a way to file a claim for these circumstances? I do not contest her disability I just don’t agree with her getting extra assistance that could go to someone who really needs it
In reply to Hello I am trying to find out by Loren (not verified)
Hi,
Hi,
This may fall outside of our area of expertise, however you are able to report benefits fraud anonymously on the ssa website.
My brother receives ssdi but
My brother receives ssdi but has stashed over $15k from when he was employed overseas and he uses his ssdi to go back overseas for vacation yearly. is that legal?
In reply to My brother receives ssdi but by Anonymous (not verified)
Hi,
Hi,
Disability is based on previous work history and not affected by assets or income. Therefore, based on the information provided, everything looks legal.
What can be done about an
What can be done about an elderly couple that live together but they claim the wife has dementia and lives with an adult child in order to get separate maximum benefits as to not affect the husband's benefits? When in fact they live together and have never lived apart. The wife's benefits are connected to the child's address.
In reply to What can be done about an by Donna (not verified)
Hi Donna,
Hi Donna,
Qualifying for benefits is not based on income, therefore household income would not have an effect. In addition, to receive disability, there is a very particular set of criteria that has to be met. It is very unlikely for someone to be receiving disability if there are not actually disabled. However, you are still able to report anonymously online at ssa.gov.
Please! Why do none of my
Please! Why do none of my comments make it online, I wait weeks, and only to see one random one dated well after mine.
I am begging for help!
I know this won't get posted, i just wanted you to read it. I've not said anything wrong, I'm not spamming up the place, I truly need your assistance/guidance, yet no help whatsoever.
It feels terrible to wait this long to see your post was ignored yet again. My post was on 12/03 I believe. I last one was in October some time, thought it may have been overlooked so I tried again, and I see I truly am getting ignored.
Just when I thought I had nobody to turn to, including the OIG, and find this place thinking you could have advice, something I could try, or at least kindly say that you do not know how to help. But you can't do that.
I'll try posting the social security issue in a couple of weeks again, in hopes you'll have read this. I have been desperate for too long in search of answers.
In reply to Please! Why do none of my by J (not verified)
Hi J,
Hi J,
I apologize for that. We manually approve each comment that comes through our site because of the sensitive nature of some of the material and sometimes things do slip through. If you would like to send an email to our team directly, please email help@ssd-help.org and someone will be able to assist.
I have a family member who
I have a family member who has been drawing disability for at least 12 years if not more. Disability was provided due to Psoriatic Arthritis that is treated and under control. During entirety of receiving these benefits he has been receiving hundreds of dollars in unreported income every month as he sells and works on junk/scrap metal which he receives from dumpster diving and individuals providing with scrap metal. None of his additional income has ever been reported and can be substiantiated at the recycling center he scraps at..has even cashed the checks in his fathers name at times to avoid detection. He’s fully capable of work beings as the hundreds of hours he dedicates per month to working on and selling scrap metal while also living with another individual who receives multiple benefits of her own but he still uses parents address as he always has. Should this be reported
In reply to I have a family member who by Brendan Davidson (not verified)
Hi Brendan,
Hi Brendan,
If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the SSA! You can even do it anonymously if you'd like!
How do you report someone who
How do you report someone who uses there ssi check to buy drugs and how come the ones on ssi are not drug tested
In reply to How do you report someone who by Josh (not verified)
Hi Josh,
Hi Josh,
You can report fraud online on the SSA's website.
if you know someone who is on
if you know someone who is on SSI, and living with some one as husband and wife and does not report the income. And this will the second person she has had living with her since getting SSI. Both men made over 5000 a month.
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