Where to report SSDI fraud

The Social Security Administration operates a dedicated fraud hotline: 1-800-269-0271. This is the main number for reporting fraud related to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or any other Social Security benefit. You can call this number Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

You can also report fraud online through the Social Security website at oig.ssa.gov, where you'll find a form to submit a report. Some people prefer this method because you can include documents, photos, or other evidence without having to mail anything separately. The online form asks for details about what you witnessed or suspect, but you can submit a report even if you don't have complete information.

If you prefer to mail a report, you can send it to the Office of Inspector General at Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. Include as much detail as you can about what you observed, when it happened, and who is involved.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-269-0271 to report SSDI fraud by phone; the line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • You can report fraud online at oig.ssa.gov if you prefer to submit written details or attach documents.
  • You do not need to provide your name or contact information when you report, and you can make a report anonymously.
  • Fraud reports include situations where someone is receiving benefits they are not may have access to to, working while claiming they cannot work, or misreporting income or living situation.

What counts as SSDI fraud

SSDI fraud occurs when someone receives benefits by providing false information to Social Security or by failing to report a change that would affect their benefits. The most common examples are working and earning money while claiming to be unable to work, not reporting a return to work, or misrepresenting living arrangements or household income.

Other situations that constitute fraud include failing to report that a beneficiary has died, collecting benefits on behalf of someone else without authority, or providing false medical evidence to support a disability claim. If you know someone is receiving SSDI while working full-time, living abroad without notifying Social Security, or receiving benefits under a false identity, these are all reportable.

It is important to distinguish between fraud and honest mistakes. If someone straightforward forgot to report a small amount of income or made an error on a form, that is typically handled as an overpayment rather than fraud. Fraud involves intentional deception — knowingly providing false information or deliberately hiding something that would change the benefit amount.

What information to have ready when you report

When you call or submit a report, Social Security will ask for as much detail as you can provide. Have the person's name, Social Security number (if you know it), and date of birth ready. If you don't have the Social Security number, a full name and address are usually enough to start an investigation.

Describe what you observed or what makes you suspect fraud. For example: "I saw this person working full-time at a construction company while receiving SSDI" or "They told me they moved to Mexico but are still collecting benefits." Include dates, locations, and names of employers or businesses if you have them. If you have documents — pay stubs, photos, emails, or other evidence — you can upload these through the online form or mail them with a written report.

You do not need to have proof before you report. Social Security investigators will follow up and gather evidence themselves. Your role is to provide what you know or have observed.

Whether your report will be kept confidential

You can report fraud anonymously. You do not have to provide your name, phone number, or address. If you choose to remain anonymous, Social Security can still investigate based on the information you provide, though they will not be able to contact you for follow-up questions.

If you do provide your contact information, Social Security will keep it confidential and will not share it with the person you are reporting. Your identity will not be revealed during the investigation. However, if the case goes to court and you are called as a witness, you may be required to testify — though this is rare in fraud cases.

What happens after you report

After you submit a report, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) will review it to determine whether an investigation is warranted. Not every report leads to an when ready investigation — the OIG prioritizes cases based on the amount of money involved and the strength of the information provided.

If an investigation does begin, it typically takes weeks or months. Investigators may contact employers, review medical records, conduct interviews, or use other methods to verify the facts. You will not receive updates on the investigation unless you provided your contact information and the OIG decides to reach out with questions.

If fraud is confirmed, the person may be required to repay the overpaid benefits, face criminal charges, or both. Social Security may also suspend or terminate their benefits. In cases involving large amounts of money or deliberate deception, the Department of Justice may pursue criminal prosecution.

Reporting fraud you suspect at your own workplace

If you work for Social Security or another government agency and suspect fraud by a colleague or in a program you administer, there are additional reporting channels. You can still use the main fraud hotline, but you may also report to your agency's Office of Inspector General or to your supervisor, depending on your workplace policies.

Federal employees have protections under whistleblower laws that allow them to report fraud without fear of retaliation. If you are concerned about how your report will be received internally, you can report anonymously through the OIG hotline instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give my name when I report fraud?

No. You can report fraud completely anonymously by calling the hotline or submitting an online report without providing any personal information. Social Security will still investigate based on the details you provide.

What if I'm not sure whether something is fraud or just a mistake?

Report it anyway. Social Security investigators are trained to distinguish between fraud and honest errors. If it turns out to be a mistake, no harm is done. If it is fraud, your report helps protect the program.

Can I report fraud if I don't know the person's Social Security number?

Yes. A full name, address, and date of birth are usually enough for investigators to locate someone. Any identifying information you have — employer name, phone number, or physical description — helps, but is not required.

Will the person I report know that I reported them?

Not unless you tell them. Social Security keeps the identity of reporters confidential. The person may eventually learn they are under investigation, but they will not know who reported them.

How long does it take for Social Security to investigate a fraud report?

Investigations vary widely depending on complexity and available resources. Some cases are resolved in weeks; others take several months. You will not receive regular updates unless you provided contact information and the investigator needs to follow up with you.