What is Social Security Disability Fraud?

As with any program whether private or public, there always have to be a process to address fraudulent claims. Thus, the office of the Inspector General has the responsibility to investigate Social Security Disability fraud and take steps to prevent fraudulent claims, waste, as well as other abuse within the program. 

Fraud Types

The fraud type commonly used is falsification of information or providing misleading information to established eligibility. Some fraudulent users use false Social Security numbers to obtain benefits, or they may choose not to report their monthly income. Others may falsify the extent of their injury or not report a beneficiary death.

Penalties

The penalty codes for fraudulent Social Security disability claim falls under section 208 of the U.S. code, and it dictates the penalty for fraudulent claims. People who commit fraudulent claims ran the risk of imprisonment of up five years or less and a maximum fine of $250,000. The code also states applicant must repay all fraudulent benefits received.

Fraud Reporting

The Social Security Administration encourages the public to report all incidence of fraud immediately by either filling out an online form or calling their local Social Security Administration office. You can also fax the fraudulent information to your Social Security field office in your area. When you submit the information you will provide the person's name, address telephone number, birthdate, phone number, and their social security number if you have that information. You will also need to provide the timeline of the fraud and indicate what type of fraud occurred also indicate if anyone else knows of this violation. Provide truthful information when you file this information because falsifying information comes with severe civil penalties as well as criminal penalty.