- Document the alleged fraud. You will need evidence that the person claiming benefits has committed fraud to obtain them.
- Obey the law. As you gather evidence, be sure not to break the law. ...
- Choose a method of reporting. You can report to the federal SSA either online, by phone, or through the mail.
- Report to a state agency. The fraud reporting requirements for state agencies will differ by state, so be sure to contact your state disability insurance program for specific information.
- Answer follow-up questions. If the federal or state agency contacts you for further information, then provide any information or documents that they request promptly.
- Seek whistleblower protection if necessary. If you are an SSA employee and you report what you reasonably believe are violations of law or regulation, including gross mismanagement or abuse ...
How do I report someone with a disability?
Choose a method of reporting. You can report to the federal SSA either online, by phone, or through the mail. You will have to choose a reporting “status”: either anonymous, confidential, or neither. If you report anonymously, then SSA will not be able to contact you.
What happens if you don’t report a Social Security disability claim?
If you do not report a change to the SSA immediately, you can be penalized by losing money from your monthly payments. This amount can range from $25 to $100. If the SSA finds out that you purposefully provided the agency with false information, your benefits will be completely stopped for six months.
What to do if someone is claiming disability benefits fraudulently?
Document the alleged fraud. You will need evidence that the person claiming benefits has committed fraud to obtain them. Examples of fraud include wrongfully claiming a debilitating back injury but performing heavy-duty construction work, or failing to report workers’ compensation benefits while receiving disability benefits.
Should I tell the Social Security Administration about my disability expenses?
If you have to spend money because of your disability in order to go to work (for example, if you have to buy a wheelchair in order to perform your job or get to work), you should tell the SSA, because sometimes the SSA will pay those work-related expenses that you have incurred because of your disability.
What happens when you report a benefit cheat?
you may be prosecuted, resulting in a fine or prison sentence. you may be asked to pay a penalty as an alternative to prosecution. you may receive a formal caution. your benefit may be reduced or withdrawn.
Does Social Security investigate?
Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.
How do I report Social Security payee abuse?
Report fraud, waste, or abuse of Social Security Administration Programs such as Retirement, Survivors, Disability and Supplemental Security Income via the Internet. 1-800-229-6297.
Does Social Security call you to tell you your number is compromised?
SSA employees will never threaten you for information or promise benefits in exchange for information. In those cases, the call is fraudulent. Just hang up. If you suspect you've been contacted by an SSA scammer call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
What can cause you to lose your Social Security disability benefits?
What Can Cause SSDI Benefits to Stop?Returning to Work While on SSDI. ... Reaching Retirement Age While on SSDI. ... Being Incarcerated or Institutionalized While on SSDI. ... When Social Security Dependents Benefits May Stop. ... Going Above the Income or Asset Limits. ... Returning to Work. ... Turning the Age of 18. ... Changes in Living Situation.
Does Social Security watch your house?
THE SSA INVESTIGATION USUALLY STARTS WITH THE INTERNET Why? So they can come to your house, drive by hour house, or sit outside your house in a car and watch you. First, however, they will look at your social media accounts. For example, they will look at your accounts on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Can a payee go to jail?
Payees are required to spend the beneficiary's money only on the payee's medical needs and personal expenditures. If a representative is caught misusing a beneficiary's funds, he or she will not only have to repay the beneficiary, but also face fines and even imprisonment if found guilty.
What is considered misuse of Social Security benefits?
Misuse occurs when a representative payee converts Social Security and/or SSI payments for purposes other than the “use and benefit” of the beneficiary or for certain legal dependents of the beneficiary after the beneficiary's current and reasonably foreseeable needs are met as explained in 1617.2.
How do I file a representative payee report Online?
Representative payees can fill out the form and return it to Social Security by mail, or conveniently file it online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/rep-payee.html. Organizational representative payees are able to complete their Representative Payee Report online by using Business Services Online.
Will Social Security ever call your home?
They often demand payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or mailing cash. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. We may call you in some situations, but will never: Threaten you.
How do I report a suspicious phone call from Social Security?
You can contact the OIG's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or submit a report online at https://oig.ssa.gov/. If you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from our agency, hang up, and then report details of the call to the OIG at https://oig.ssa.gov/.
How to report disability fraud?
If you suspect someone of committing a fraudulent act, here are the steps to take to report disability fraud. First, contact the toll-free Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271. Explain in detail what type of fraudulent activity you suspect. Provide as much information as you can about the individual potentially committing ...
Where to mail SSA fraud report?
If you’re not comfortable calling the SSA Fraud Hotline, you can fill out a fraud report form online, or mail it to: Social Security Fraud Hotline. P.O. Box 17768.
Why do SSA overpayments happen?
In addition, the SSA reports that not all improper payments are fraudulent; oftentimes, overpayments happen because of administrative delays at the SSA in making adjustments to benefit amounts due to errors and paperwork snafus.
How much money did the SSA recover?
In 2018, the SSA reported just under $100 million in recoveries, fines, settlements/judgments, and restitution as a result of Social Security fraud investigations. They further report that the majority of recovered funds were from recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the program people pay into throughout their working life ...
How much is the penalty for false statements on Social Security?
Each false statement a person makes, while knowing full-well that they are not eligible, can result in misdemeanor fines of up to $5,000.
Is Social Security Disability a lifesaver?
Published on: February 18, 2020. Social Security Disability programs can be a literal lifesaver for people who truly need financial help because of a severe medical condition that prevents them from working for at least a year. Unfortunately, as with most things in life, there’s always someone looking to take advantage of the system.
Can you report disability fraud to the Social Security hotline?
No matter how you choose to report fraud to the social security disability hotline, you can request Confidentiality and Anonymity. You can also report disability fraud on behalf of yourself or a business.
How much of your disability is SSA?
If the total is more than 80% of what your average current earnings were before you became disabled, the SSA will deduct the extra amount from your SSDI payment each month.
What happens if you don't report an overpayment to the SSA?
Penalties. If you do not report a change to the SSA immediately, you can be penalized by losing money from your monthly payments. This amount can range from $25 to $100.
What to do if you don't pay Social Security taxes?
If you are not sure if your pension is from a job that did not pay Social Security taxes, you should contact the person in charge of your former employer's retirement plan.
How long does it take for SSI to change?
Changes in your income will generally affect your SSI payments in about two months. And if you are married, you should also tell the SSA about any changes in your spouse's income.
How much can I have to receive SSI?
In order to receive SSI, you can only have up to $2,000 in resources if you are single, and up to $3,000 in resources if you are married. (Resources include things like cash, checking and savings accounts, and stocks and bonds.) You must tell the SSA about assets that you receive and any new financial account that has your name on it, even if you never use the money or account. Depending on what the account is used for, the SSA may be able to help you set up the account so it will not affect your SSI.
How long can you work for SSA?
If you are still disabled, the SSA will let you work for a trial period and you can keep receiving benefits for up to nine months.
Do you have to tell the SSA if you are married?
If you get married, divorced, or separated (or get back together after a separation), you must tell the SSA, as those situations can affect your income, and thus your eligibility for SSI. For more information, read our article on disability benefits and getting married.
What happens after you report someone
The Department for Work and Pensions Fraud and Error Service will look at the information you give. They will not be able to tell you the outcome of their investigation.
Report fraud in Scotland
You can report fraud of the following benefits to Social Security Scotland:
How to report SSA fraud?
Here you will see that there are several ways to report fraud. There is an online form, a mailing address, a fraud hotline you can call (800-269-0271), and a FAX number (410-597-0118). When making the report, give as many details that you can , especially the name of the person committing fraud and his or her address, phone number, birthdate, and Social Security number. Explain how you think the person is committing fraud or falsely claiming benefits, a general timeline if you are aware of it, and include the names of other people who may also be aware of the fraud.
What is a false statement on a disability application?
False statements: Fraud can simply be making a false statement on the disability application, like saying you are married when you are not, or lying about a source of income.
What are some examples of disability fraud?
Social Security disability fraud is defined in several ways. Examples of disability fraud include: 1 False statements: Fraud can simply be making a false statement on the disability application, like saying you are married when you are not, or lying about a source of income. 2 Falsified documents: Fraud can also take the form of the use of a fraudulent document, like a Social Security card that has been altered or falsified. 3 Concealing information: Concealing information, like not reporting improvement in your medical condition to the SSA, is another form of fraud. Anything that may affect eligibility for benefits must be reported to the SSA. If the beneficiary dies, then that must be reported right away as well, since cashing checks of a deceased person is illegal and constitutes fraud. 4 Misuse of benefits by representative payee: A payee is appointed by the SSA to make sure that the funds are used for beneficiaries with disabilities. If the payee uses these funds for himself or others, then that is fraud.
What is the purpose of a payee appointed by the SSA?
Misuse of benefits by representative payee: A payee is appointed by the SSA to make sure that the funds are used for beneficiaries with disabilities. If the payee uses these funds for himself or others, then that is fraud.
What happens if you are a victim of SSDI fraud?
If you suspect SSDI fraud, you can take action to report it.
How much jail time is there for Social Security fraud?
There are severe penalties for Social Security card fraud and disability fraud. Felony criminal penalties can be up to $250,000 in fines and/or up to five years jail time. On top of the criminal penalties, there may be civil penalties as well.
Can the SSA contact you anonymously?
This report can by anonymous, but the SSA doe request your contact information. If you provide your contact information, the SSA can contact you for further information. The agency may need to contact you before completing the investigation.
Who can report VA disability fraud?
Anyone can commit U.S. Veterans Disability benefits fraud--a patient, VA employee, contractor, claimant or beneficiary. Any person who observes wrongdoing has the responsibility to report a benefits fraud situation to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) Hotline. The VAOIG Hotline offers complainants four ...
What to include in VA report?
Include all required information as well as any additional documentation or proof supporting your report of VA benefits fraud. Although the VAOIG will seek out any witnesses for supporting testimony or documentation under a confidential complaint, if you have signed and notarized witness statements, include them as well.
A message from Social Security
We are committed to preventing, detecting, and eliminating fraud in our programs.
What is Social Security fraud?
Fraud involves obtaining something of value through willful misrepresentation. In the context of our programs, fraud exists when a person with intent to defraud makes, or causes to be made, a false statement, or misrepresents, conceals, or fails to disclose a material fact for use in determining rights under the Social Security Act.
Scammers commit fraud
We use emails, text messages, and social media to provide information on our programs and services. However, we will not request personal or financial information through these methods. Sometimes, we send emails with information that are particular to your needs, usually after a discussion with you in person or over the phone.
Social Security combats fraud
Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud. We diligently work at the national, regional, and local level to combat fraud that undermines our mission to serve the American public.
Protect yourself from identity theft
Read OIG's Protecting Personal Information for their 10 Tips to Protect Personal Information and several actions to take if you suspect identity theft.
How to report fraud
Do you suspect someone of committing fraud, waste, or abuse against Social Security? You can contact the OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or submit a report online at https://oig.ssa.gov/.
