Social Security Disability Fraud

Texas workers are, to say the least, very frustrated when they receive a social security denial. At least 2 or 3 times a week I talk to claimants who are even more frustrated that they know persons in the community getting social security disability who are not nearly as ill as they are. There are always (and always will be) people who are willing to commit fraud. If you know someone that is taking advantage of the government disability program, you should consider contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG). It is their job to handle reports of fraud, waste and abuse in Social Security cases. According to SSA, the purpose of the Inspector General is:

“To promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of SSA programs.

To prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse in SSA programs and operations.

To inform the SSA and Congress about problems and deficiencies and to recommend corrective action.”

To report fraud for Social Security Disability, you can visit the OIG section of the SSA website. (http://www.ssa.gov/oig). Or you can call the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. But a strong word of caution: you may not know and see all that someone getting disability benefits is dealing with. Don't assume they are committing fraud just because they "seem" well. If on the other hand you know a disability recipient pulling the engine out of his car, playing golf everyday, or bragging that they have "gotten to" the government, you owe it to all like yourself to report fraud.