General, SSI

Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social Security

February 4, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: March 23, 2021

Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social SecurityScammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to file fraudulent unemployment claims, often using someone else’s identity. Scammers may even use the identity of someone who is receiving or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

SSI applicants and recipients who begin to receive—or seemingly begin to receive—State Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits could appear to be ineligible for SSI benefits. They could even appear to be overpaid because of an unemployment claim filed in their name.

These UI fraud schemes are widespread and affect most states. The United States Secret Service is investigating more than 500 claims in over 40 states related to unemployment fraud.

At Social Security, we’re taking steps to verify whether SSI applicants and recipients are victims of UI fraud. We will not reduce or terminate your payments due to a fraudulent unemployment claim. You can find information on how to report fraud on the Department of Labor’s website.

Remember that scammers always look for a chance to exploit your fears. Don’t fall for their tactics—and guard your personal information. Make sure to check out our past blog articles covering scams to stay informed. Please share this information with your friends and family—and let’s help each other stay vigilant.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Darla

    Do you claim just the initial $300 in unemployment or the additional pandemic unemployment of $600 as well as unearned income? I thought anything with the pandemic didn’t effect our benefits. ??
    Asking for a friend

  2. Tamara R.

    My Identity was stolen and someone used it to file unemployment. I reported the it to unemployment and that was it. So now I am unemployed for real and I can’t file? Why? Can I file or am I beat and I won’t get anything?

    • V.V.

      Hi Tamara. We are unable to answer questions about unemployment insurance as each state administers its own program. Learn more here.

  3. Nancy

    I have a person I’m helping who is currently receiving disability and was just left with an inheritance. This person would like to end his disability. What is the process to end disability and use this money to live on instead of the government assistance?

    • V.V.

      Hi Nancy, thanks for using our blog. If the individual is receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, which is based on their average lifetime earnings, the amount of money in their investments and savings does not affect their benefit. However, if they’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, a change in household income can affect benefits. This is because the amount of an SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income and resources available to the individual receiving SSI benefits and the income and resources of his or her spouse.

      If they have additional questions, they can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or can call their local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

      • Janie H.

        I lost my job May 7th and applied for UI on May 17th. I was unable to register because someone had used my SS# fraudently. I have talked with over 28 people. I am told that the fraud division is working on these cases. It has now been a month. What am I to do? Please help me.

        • V.V.

          Hi Janie, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on what you can do if someone filed an unemployment claim using your information. We hope this helps!

  4. Lee G.

    A simple question so I would like a simple, accurate answer, not something dancing around the issue.

    Do you want to download
    “bec-apply-ui” ?

    • Toye M.

      I had the same issue. I ended up clearing my history and website data then doing a hard restart on my iPad and it fixed the issue.

      Hope this helps. 😃

  5. Pamela G.

    When I go on My Social Security page I get a pop up message that says:

    Do you want to download
    “bec-apply-ui” ?

    Unfortunately, I’ve downloaded it and it’s blank text.

    Also, since May 11 my application status hasn’t even been visible on the page.

  6. Michael D.

    When I go on My Social Security page I get a pop up that states:

    Do you want to download
    “bec-apply-ui” ?

    Is this a scam?

    • V.V.

      Hi Michael, thanks for using our blog. Please ensure that you are accessing your My Social Security account by using http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount and clicking on “Sign In”. We hope this is helpful.

      • Dennis

        It isn’t helpful. I have a screenshot of what Michael is asking about. I can send it to you if you want. I haven’t downloaded but did reset password and it’s still pops up

      • Karyn

        So answer why pop up on there? Is it a scam an why is our process not on our page ? A real answer would be great

    • Pam G.

      I’m having the same problem.

      • Toye M.

        I had the same issue. I ended up clearing my history and website data then doing a hard restart on my iPad and it fixed the issue.

        Hope this helps. 😃

      • Donna E.

        I am having the same problem

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  8. Jared K.

    I filed a a fraud claim as someone was falsely using my name to take out unemployment. I have not been contacted and keep getting referred over to fraud lines that refer me to a website fraud reporting page. I need to see if my claim has been seen by an actual person and someone is still not using my name to draw unemployment. How can I find what I need?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jared. We are sorry to hear about your situation. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, check out our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.

      • Terri D.

        Hello, unemployment fraud happened to me as well. I did follow the steps listed at idtheft.gov, however, Human Resources where I work advised me to contact Social Security as well. Do you know if that is necessary or doesn’t it matter? I cannot find anywhere on the SSA website to report it. Thanks for any additional information you are able to provide.

        • V.V.

          Hi Terri, thanks for using our blog. If you receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, and you suspect unemployment fraud, contact your local Social Security Office immediately. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on what you can do if someone filed an unemployment claim using your information. We hope this helps!

    • Amy

      Happened to me as well just seems like it keeps going in circles.
      This is BS . They should be able to help us fix this issue immediately

    • George R.

      It happening to me also??

Comments are closed.