Social Security Takes Fraud Seriously
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
One out of five Americans receives benefits from Social Security, including elderly retirees, people with severe illnesses, and widows and children of deceased wage earners.
With so many of our country’s most vulnerable citizens depending on us, we take our responsibility of providing them with a measure of financial security seriously.
One way we do that is by making a priority our many efforts to pursue those who would cheat the system and take money away from those who need it most.
The agency’s benefit programs are far-reaching and complex, which means that preventing, detecting, and combatting fraud, waste, and abuse is an ongoing challenge. Although we can’t prevent every instance of fraud any more than law enforcement can prevent all crimes, we aggressively investigate potential instances of fraud and pursue prosecution of those who commit it.
Our Office of Anti-Fraud Programs (OAFP) uses many tools to help predict where fraud may occur so we can identify it as quickly as possible. OAFP works alongside the Office of the Inspector General, and Disability Determination Services in the Cooperative Disability Investigation (CDI) program. CDI units investigate and resolve questions of fraud in our programs. There are stiff penalties: We seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law to restore money stolen from the American people. As a result, fraud affects only a very small percentage of our overall payments.
You can help protect your investment in Social Security. Take time to learn all the facts on how we work to prevent fraud. Remember, if you suspect fraud, report it or call the fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
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Tags: fraud, social security, SSA
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Phil Gambino, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Shawn
I just found out that my daughters stepdad filed for social security benefits for my daughter after her mother passed. I have sole custody of my daughter and have since talked to social security and have become her payee. What can I do about the prior checks that he received
deathrice g.
hello, i just tried to us my card at atm machine to get my funds off to pay and it wont let me get it. I then tried to just take a little off and then it said insuffient fundsI really like to known what is goning on wiith my funds.
R.F.
For your security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. Please contact your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for assistance. For help regarding Direct Express, please contact 1-800-333-1795. Thanks!
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Inez
My son was diagnosed with autism when he was 10 years old, when he turned 18 I applied for ssi and he was immediately approved. It has been six years now since he has been receiving ssi. Now his case is being reviewed so the DDS have sent me ( I’m his representative payee) and him function adult forms to fill out, one for him and one for third party. My questions is he has been working for 3 years now. He works for a non profit organization that provides work for adults with disabilities. He doesn’t make very much, the most he takes home in a month is $100. Is there a possibility his ssi benefits could be taken away because he’s been able about to hold this job?
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Nez
Hello I have a question regarding sending mails to the SSA. My son’s case is being reviewed at the DDS office so I was sent 2 forms to fill out. One for him and one for me as the third party. The forms were sent with a self-stamped envelope. My questions is can I use the self-stamped envelope at the same time can I go to the post office to have it certified and registered so that I can keep track of whether or not they have received it. The reason why I want to do this is because in the past I have sent back forms that I need to fill out, but SSA claimed they have never received, and this incident happened twice so I had no choice but to go to the office and hand them the forms myself.
R.F.
We apologize for previous inconveniences Nez. You can use registered mail or any other form of tracking system available through the post office. You can also take the forms to your local Social Security office. We always suggest that you make and keep copies of the forms for your records. Thanks.
Jim S.
Is it fraud if you know someone that’s claiming they can’t walk or stand for a certain amount of time knowing that they have a court hearing coming up but is walking every night delivering papers ? Not to mention the person lied to dss and the ssi mental eval just to get out of work just so they claim the ssi.even though that person hasn’t been awarded anything yet but if that person did win they would get retro for 2-3 years worth ????
R.F.
Hi Jim, thank you for your concern. We take allegations of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it.
justin
I have a question if some one is retired and they are collecting ssi and have people living in the home paying rent and they are not reporting the income is this considered fraud?
Tisha
Not all ssi cases are denied the first time. I applied for my son who is severely ADHD and ODD April 13 and was approved in July 13. no medication helps and therefore no doctor will try anymore. However, you need documents. I WAS taking him to therapy, had a 504 developed, and of course notes from school. I WENTback to work and we no longer qualified because income was too high. However I am home again to take care of him and to make sure things stay on track and will see if they reapprove him. DON’T give up hope, but realize if you have a serious issue you need to prove it to them.
Juan
Hello I have a question my son is autistic 5 yrs old and receives ssi each month witch goes to my ex wife and she spends on what she wants. She was the one who applied for him but she has no social due to the fact she is here ilegally . I later found out that to receive this help u needed a social and the parent had to have worked under it to recive anything on behalf of the child. I asked how she did this she didn’t tell me so I investigated turns out she used my social and falsified my signature and information without my knowledge or permission. I go to the social security office and bring this to there attention they said it was ok because she was my wife and could use my information even sign my name, and say it was me. I don’t understand how that is ok.
R.F.
We understand your concern Juan. We assure you that we will protect your Social Security records at all times. Your Social Security records are confidential and we do not disclose information, unless we have proper authorization or consent. The Supplemental Security Income or SSI program pays benefits to disabled children with limited income and resources. We establish SSI benefits under the child’s Social Security number. Generally, individuals (including children) need a Social Security number to collect Social Security benefits, and to receive other government services. Also, children under the age of 18, must have a Representative Payee to manage their SSI benefits. We prefer to assign those duties to the parent or a family member living in the same household with the child. As a representative payee, you must use the money to take care of the child’s day-to-day needs for food, clothing and shelter. In addition to any medical and dental care that’s not covered by health insurance. We hope you understand our role in protecting everyone’s personal information. However, if you think your ex-wife is misusing your son’s benefits, you must report it immediately. Please continue working with your local Social Security office. You can request to speak to a supervisor in your next visit. Thanks.