They cannot do the work they did before They are unable to work because of a medical condition The disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U. S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source
States that run disability programs include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. The eligibility requirements will vary by state, so be sure to check with your state disability insurance program for more detailed information.
Ask yourself how you know the person is drawing federal or state benefits. Has the individual told you so? Have you seen documentation from either the state or federal agency?
Concealing relevant facts. For example, the person may have already returned to work but not notified SSA. [7] X Research source Bribery. An applicant cannot provide an SSA employee with anything of value in exchange for approving disability benefits. [8] X Research source
Description of the activity (e. g. , performing heavy labor or running around) Location where you observed the activity The time and date How the fraud was committed Why the person has committed fraud (if known) Who else has knowledge of the fraudulent activity
It is against federal law to open someone’s mail without permission. [9] X Research source You are not permitted to open an adult child’s mail simply because you are a parent. The legality of videotaping someone without their consent depends on state law. Generally, if the person is in public space, then you may videotape them. People have no expectation of privacy when they are walking in public, standing in their driveway, or sitting on their porch. Thirteen states prohibit using a camera in private places, such as someone’s home. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah. [10] X Research source In other states, such as New Jersey, videotaping someone in private could subject you to a civil suit for intrusion or invasion of privacy. [11] X Research source Rather than videotape someone and risk being sued, you could simply document in writing the day and time you noticed the activity. Once you have notified SSA or a state agency of the suspected fraud, you can then leave it to the agencies to investigate further.
Report online. You can submit an online form by clicking here. After choosing your filing status, complete the remainder of the form which includes space for you to explain why and how you think someone has committed disability fraud. Report by phone. SSA runs a hotline you can call, at 1-800-269-0271. Hours are between 10:00 a. m. and 4:00 p. m. Eastern Standard Time. Also, you may report fraud by calling any Social Security office or by calling the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 any time from 7:00 a. m. to 7:00 p. m. You can report suspected fraud through the U. S. mail or by fax. Send the names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and social security numbers (if known) of the alleged suspect to Social Security Fraud Hotline, P. O. Box 17785, Baltimore, Maryland 21235 or via fax to 410-597-0118.
In California, for example, you can submit an online fraud report, in which you report information about the alleged fraud. You may also call the Employment Development Department’s fraud tip line at 1-800-229-6297. You will report similar information as you would report to the federal government: the name and contact information of the alleged offender, your reasons for suspecting fraud, and the name and contact information of the suspect’s employer and doctor. In New Jersey, you can report fraud using this online form. Or you can report by calling 609-984-4540 or by mailing information to Division of Temporary Disability Insurance, P. O. Box 387, Trenton, NJ 08625-1692. Include as much information as you know about the suspected fraud.
If you believe that you have been a victim of retaliation, you should contact the U. S. Office of Special Counsel, either by phone at 1-800-872-9855 or by mail at 1730 M Street, N. W. , Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036.
