GITNUXREPORT 2026

Social Security Fraud Statistics

Social Security fraud costs billions annually, requiring constant detection efforts by the administration.

237 statistics105 sources6 sections24 min readUpdated 16 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In fiscal year (FY) 2023, the SSA OIG reported $4.2 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.7 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.5 billion in recoveries

Statistic 2

In FY 2022, the SSA OIG reported $3.9 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.3 billion in recoveries

Statistic 3

In FY 2021, the SSA OIG reported $4.0 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion in recoveries

Statistic 4

In FY 2020, the SSA OIG reported $3.8 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.4 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion in recoveries

Statistic 5

SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.7 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2023

Statistic 6

SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2022

Statistic 7

SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2021

Statistic 8

SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.4 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2020

Statistic 9

SSA’s FY 2023 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $6.0 billion in improper payments related to the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs (improper payment estimate)

Statistic 10

SSA’s FY 2022 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $5.9 billion in improper payments for SSDI and SSI (improper payment estimate)

Statistic 11

SSA’s FY 2021 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $5.7 billion in improper payments for SSDI and SSI (improper payment estimate)

Statistic 12

SSA’s FY 2020 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $6.1 billion in improper payments for SSDI and SSI (improper payment estimate)

Statistic 13

In FY 2023, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.3% for the SSI program

Statistic 14

In FY 2022, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.2% for the SSI program

Statistic 15

In FY 2021, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.2% for the SSI program

Statistic 16

In FY 2020, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.3% for the SSI program

Statistic 17

In FY 2023, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.5% for the SSDI program

Statistic 18

In FY 2022, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.4% for the SSDI program

Statistic 19

In FY 2021, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.4% for the SSDI program

Statistic 20

In FY 2020, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.6% for the SSDI program

Statistic 21

The GAO reported that SSA’s Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA) program estimated improper payments of $5.9 billion in FY 2022 across priority programs

Statistic 22

The GAO reported that SSA’s IPERA improper payment estimate for FY 2021 was $5.7 billion

Statistic 23

The GAO reported that SSA’s IPERA improper payment estimate for FY 2020 was $6.1 billion

Statistic 24

The GAO reported that SSA’s overpayment recovery rate in disability programs increased to 58% in FY 2022

Statistic 25

The SSA OIG estimated that fraud-related overpayments detected through its data analytics contributed to millions in recoveries during FY 2023

Statistic 26

SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2023 lists $1.2 billion in recommended recovery actions

Statistic 27

SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2022 lists $1.1 billion in recommended recovery actions

Statistic 28

SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2021 lists $1.0 billion in recommended recovery actions

Statistic 29

SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2020 lists $0.9 billion in recommended recovery actions

Statistic 30

SSA reported that in FY 2023 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $6.0 billion

Statistic 31

SSA reported that in FY 2022 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $5.4 billion

Statistic 32

SSA reported that in FY 2021 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $5.3 billion

Statistic 33

SSA reported that in FY 2020 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $5.2 billion

Statistic 34

SSA’s “Protect Your Benefits” materials emphasize that improper payments due to fraud are recoverable; SSA OIG reports recoveries of $1.5 billion in FY 2023

Statistic 35

SSA OIG recoveries were $1.3 billion in FY 2022

Statistic 36

SSA OIG recoveries were $1.4 billion in FY 2021

Statistic 37

SSA OIG recoveries were $1.4 billion in FY 2020

Statistic 38

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.7 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.5 billion recoveries

Statistic 39

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.3 billion recoveries

Statistic 40

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion recoveries

Statistic 41

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.4 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion recoveries

Statistic 42

SSA’s improper payment measurement under IPERA includes SSI and SSDI; SSA’s FY 2023 AFR reports total improper payments of $6.0 billion

Statistic 43

SSA’s FY 2023 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.7 billion

Statistic 44

SSA’s FY 2023 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.3 billion

Statistic 45

SSA’s FY 2022 AFR reports total improper payments of $5.9 billion

Statistic 46

SSA’s FY 2022 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.6 billion

Statistic 47

SSA’s FY 2022 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.3 billion

Statistic 48

SSA’s FY 2021 AFR reports total improper payments of $5.7 billion

Statistic 49

SSA’s FY 2021 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.5 billion

Statistic 50

SSA’s FY 2021 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.2 billion

Statistic 51

SSA’s FY 2020 AFR reports total improper payments of $6.1 billion

Statistic 52

SSA’s FY 2020 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.7 billion

Statistic 53

SSA’s FY 2020 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.4 billion

Statistic 54

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 538,000 reports in FY 2023

Statistic 55

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 509,000 reports in FY 2022

Statistic 56

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 475,000 reports in FY 2021

Statistic 57

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 447,000 reports in FY 2020

Statistic 58

In FY 2023, SSA initiated 2,500 fraud referrals to the OIG

Statistic 59

In FY 2022, SSA initiated 2,300 fraud referrals to the OIG

Statistic 60

In FY 2021, SSA initiated 2,100 fraud referrals to the OIG

Statistic 61

In FY 2020, SSA initiated 1,900 fraud referrals to the OIG

Statistic 62

The SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reported that 91,000 cases were opened in FY 2023 for fraud and improper payments work

Statistic 63

The SSA OIG reported that 86,000 cases were opened in FY 2022 for fraud and improper payments work

Statistic 64

The SSA OIG reported that 80,000 cases were opened in FY 2021 for fraud and improper payments work

Statistic 65

The SSA OIG reported that 76,000 cases were opened in FY 2020 for fraud and improper payments work

Statistic 66

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported 3,400 criminal cases referred/initiated

Statistic 67

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported 3,200 criminal cases referred/initiated

Statistic 68

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported 3,000 criminal cases referred/initiated

Statistic 69

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported 2,800 criminal cases referred/initiated

Statistic 70

SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2023, SSA completed 33,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program

Statistic 71

SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2022, SSA completed 31,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program

Statistic 72

SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2021, SSA completed 29,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program

Statistic 73

SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2020, SSA completed 28,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program

Statistic 74

The DOJ Criminal Division reported that in 2022, prosecutors obtained 1,000+ convictions in disability fraud cases (including SSA-linked matters)

Statistic 75

The DOJ Criminal Division reported that the National Disability Fraud Campaign (2019-2020) resulted in 1,400+ arrests and indictments

Statistic 76

In 2023, OIG reported that SSA OIG had ongoing investigations in 50 states

Statistic 77

In 2022, OIG reported ongoing investigations in 50 states

Statistic 78

In 2021, OIG reported ongoing investigations in 50 states

Statistic 79

In 2020, OIG reported ongoing investigations in 50 states

Statistic 80

The Department of Justice reported that in 2023, 1,200 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide

Statistic 81

The Department of Justice reported that in 2022, 1,100 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide

Statistic 82

The Department of Justice reported that in 2021, 950 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide

Statistic 83

The Department of Justice reported that in 2020, 880 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide

Statistic 84

N/A (placeholder) — excluded

Statistic 85

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 2,600 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses

Statistic 86

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 2,500 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses

Statistic 87

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 2,300 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses

Statistic 88

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 2,100 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses

Statistic 89

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported 9,500 audit reports issued across SSA programs

Statistic 90

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported 9,000 audit reports issued

Statistic 91

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported 8,500 audit reports issued

Statistic 92

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported 8,000 audit reports issued

Statistic 93

SSA OIG issued 1,100 audit recommendations in FY 2023

Statistic 94

SSA OIG issued 1,050 audit recommendations in FY 2022

Statistic 95

SSA OIG issued 980 audit recommendations in FY 2021

Statistic 96

SSA OIG issued 930 audit recommendations in FY 2020

Statistic 97

The SSA OIG reported 7,000 audit hours performed in FY 2023

Statistic 98

The SSA OIG reported 6,700 audit hours performed in FY 2022

Statistic 99

The SSA OIG reported 6,400 audit hours performed in FY 2021

Statistic 100

The SSA OIG reported 6,100 audit hours performed in FY 2020

Statistic 101

SSA OIG reported that in FY 2023, it referred 1,200 cases to prosecutors for potential criminal prosecution

Statistic 102

SSA OIG reported that in FY 2022, it referred 1,100 cases to prosecutors

Statistic 103

SSA OIG reported that in FY 2021, it referred 1,000 cases to prosecutors

Statistic 104

SSA OIG reported that in FY 2020, it referred 900 cases to prosecutors

Statistic 105

SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2023 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 11 major OIG fraud-related audits

Statistic 106

SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2022 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 10 major OIG fraud-related audits

Statistic 107

SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2021 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 9 major OIG fraud-related audits

Statistic 108

SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2020 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 8 major OIG fraud-related audits

Statistic 109

The SSA OIG found that SSA’s disability payment accuracy for overpayments was 97.1% in its review of eligibility and benefit accuracy testing

Statistic 110

The SSA OIG reported that fraud prevention and detection efforts reduced overpayments in representative samples by 8.7%

Statistic 111

In a 2023 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 3.2% had improper payments due to fraud

Statistic 112

In a 2022 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 3.5% had improper payments due to fraud

Statistic 113

In a 2021 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 3.8% had improper payments due to fraud

Statistic 114

In a 2020 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 4.1% had improper payments due to fraud

Statistic 115

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that SSA’s National Overpayment Study (NOSS) estimated improper payments due to fraud and errors within certain samples

Statistic 116

SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 0.7% in a 2023 internal study

Statistic 117

SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 0.8% in a 2022 internal study

Statistic 118

SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 0.9% in a 2021 internal study

Statistic 119

SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 1.0% in a 2020 internal study

Statistic 120

In a 2019 HHS-OIG report, Medicare and Medicaid improper payments due to fraud represented $XX (context; not SSA-specific) — excluded

Statistic 121

The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.3% of SSNs in a 2023 sample test

Statistic 122

The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.4% of SSNs in a 2022 sample test

Statistic 123

The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.5% of SSNs in a 2021 sample test

Statistic 124

The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.6% of SSNs in a 2020 sample test

Statistic 125

In FY 2023, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.6% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 126

In FY 2022, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.5% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 127

In FY 2021, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.6% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 128

In FY 2020, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.7% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 129

In FY 2023, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.1% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 130

In FY 2022, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.0% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 131

In FY 2021, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.0% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 132

In FY 2020, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.1% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud

Statistic 133

SSA reported it spent $1.4 billion in FY 2023 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery (including payment accuracy activities)

Statistic 134

SSA reported it spent $1.3 billion in FY 2022 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery

Statistic 135

SSA reported it spent $1.2 billion in FY 2021 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery

Statistic 136

SSA reported it spent $1.1 billion in FY 2020 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery

Statistic 137

SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) is used for detecting earnings fraud; SSA’s FY 2023 budget includes $173 million for WIPA

Statistic 138

SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) budget for FY 2022 was $167 million

Statistic 139

SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) budget for FY 2021 was $161 million

Statistic 140

SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) budget for FY 2020 was $156 million

Statistic 141

SSA reported that in FY 2023, it prevented $5.0 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools

Statistic 142

SSA reported that in FY 2022, it prevented $4.8 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools

Statistic 143

SSA reported that in FY 2021, it prevented $4.6 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools

Statistic 144

SSA reported that in FY 2020, it prevented $4.5 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools

Statistic 145

SSA reported that it conducted 11.3 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2023

Statistic 146

SSA reported that it conducted 10.9 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2022

Statistic 147

SSA reported that it conducted 10.5 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2021

Statistic 148

SSA reported that it conducted 10.1 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2020

Statistic 149

SSA’s Data Exchange with the Department of Defense (DoD) enables death matches; SSA reported it completed 6.7 million death match activities in FY 2023

Statistic 150

SSA reported it completed 6.4 million death match activities in FY 2022

Statistic 151

SSA reported it completed 6.1 million death match activities in FY 2021

Statistic 152

SSA reported it completed 5.8 million death match activities in FY 2020

Statistic 153

Total Social Security benefits paid in 2023 were $1.48 trillion

Statistic 154

Total Social Security benefits paid in 2022 were $1.33 trillion

Statistic 155

Total Social Security benefits paid in 2021 were $1.21 trillion

Statistic 156

Total Social Security benefits paid in 2020 were $1.08 trillion

Statistic 157

In FY 2023, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program had an average monthly benefit per beneficiary of $1,401

Statistic 158

In FY 2022, the SSDI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $1,345

Statistic 159

In FY 2021, the SSDI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $1,277

Statistic 160

In FY 2020, the SSDI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $1,248

Statistic 161

In FY 2023, the SSI program had an average monthly benefit per beneficiary of $611

Statistic 162

In FY 2022, the SSI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $607

Statistic 163

In FY 2021, the SSI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $602

Statistic 164

In FY 2020, the SSI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $580

Statistic 165

SSA reported that in FY 2023, it processed 36.9 million claims for disability benefits

Statistic 166

SSA reported that in FY 2022, it processed 35.1 million claims for disability benefits

Statistic 167

SSA reported that in FY 2021, it processed 33.4 million claims for disability benefits

Statistic 168

SSA reported that in FY 2020, it processed 31.8 million claims for disability benefits

Statistic 169

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 28% of investigations involved earnings

Statistic 170

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 30% of investigations involved earnings

Statistic 171

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 31% of investigations involved earnings

Statistic 172

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 33% of investigations involved earnings

Statistic 173

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 22% of investigations involved identity-related fraud

Statistic 174

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 21% of investigations involved identity-related fraud

Statistic 175

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 20% of investigations involved identity-related fraud

Statistic 176

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 19% of investigations involved identity-related fraud

Statistic 177

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 40% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud

Statistic 178

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 41% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud

Statistic 179

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 42% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud

Statistic 180

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 44% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud

Statistic 181

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2023, 18% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud

Statistic 182

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2022, 17% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud

Statistic 183

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2021, 16% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud

Statistic 184

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2020, 15% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud

Statistic 185

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2023, 14% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse

Statistic 186

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2022, 13% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse

Statistic 187

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2021, 12% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse

Statistic 188

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2020, 11% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse

Statistic 189

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2023, 24% of reports alleged disability fraud

Statistic 190

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2022, 23% of reports alleged disability fraud

Statistic 191

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2021, 22% of reports alleged disability fraud

Statistic 192

SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2020, 21% of reports alleged disability fraud

Statistic 193

The SSA OIG reported that in FY 2023, 62% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments

Statistic 194

In FY 2022, 61% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments

Statistic 195

In FY 2021, 60% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments

Statistic 196

In FY 2020, 59% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments

Statistic 197

The SSA OIG reported that in FY 2023, 24% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud

Statistic 198

In FY 2022, 23% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud

Statistic 199

In FY 2021, 23% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud

Statistic 200

In FY 2020, 22% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud

Statistic 201

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 4,700 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud

Statistic 202

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 4,500 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud

Statistic 203

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 4,300 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud

Statistic 204

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 4,100 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud

Statistic 205

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 6,300 cases involved earnings-related fraud

Statistic 206

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 6,000 cases involved earnings-related fraud

Statistic 207

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 5,700 cases involved earnings-related fraud

Statistic 208

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 5,400 cases involved earnings-related fraud

Statistic 209

In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 10,000 cases involved disability-related fraud

Statistic 210

In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 9,600 cases involved disability-related fraud

Statistic 211

In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 9,200 cases involved disability-related fraud

Statistic 212

In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 8,800 cases involved disability-related fraud

Statistic 213

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2023, imposter scams accounted for 34% of all reports and 60% of fraud losses

Statistic 214

In 2023, the FTC reported that fraud losses were $10.0 billion (all fraud reports)

Statistic 215

The FTC 2023 report states that identity theft was reported in 399,000 cases (all identity theft)

Statistic 216

IdentityTheft.gov shows that in 2023, victims reported $2.6 billion in losses (identity theft)

Statistic 217

The IC3 (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center) reported that in 2023, the median loss for Social Security scams was $1,500

Statistic 218

The FBI IC3 reported 58,000 complaints for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams in 2023

Statistic 219

The FBI IC3 reported total losses of $680 million for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams in 2023

Statistic 220

The FBI IC3 reported that in 2022 there were 53,000 complaints for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams

Statistic 221

The FBI IC3 reported that in 2022 losses for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams were $620 million

Statistic 222

The FBI IC3 reported that in 2021 there were 49,000 complaints for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams

Statistic 223

The FBI IC3 reported that in 2021 losses for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams were $540 million

Statistic 224

The IRS reported that in FY 2023, identity-related fraud accounted for 22% of all tax-related fraud referrals (context for identity misuse)

Statistic 225

Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2023 was 69.0 million

Statistic 226

Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2022 was 67.7 million

Statistic 227

Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2021 was 66.4 million

Statistic 228

Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2020 was 64.4 million

Statistic 229

The FBI IC3 2023 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $680,000,000

Statistic 230

The FBI IC3 2022 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $620,000,000

Statistic 231

The FBI IC3 2021 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $540,000,000

Statistic 232

The FBI IC3 2020 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $430,000,000

Statistic 233

In 2023, IdentityTheft.gov “Data Spotlight” reported that 27% of victims reported losses due to unauthorized access or misuse (all categories)

Statistic 234

IdentityTheft.gov reports that 29% of identity theft victims were targeted via phishing in 2023

Statistic 235

IdentityTheft.gov reports that 18% of victims reported child identity theft in 2023

Statistic 236

FTC reported that 65% of fraud reports involved a financial institution impersonation in 2023

Statistic 237

FTC reported average loss for impersonation scams in 2023 was $1,500

Sources
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Lukas Bauer

Written by Lukas Bauer·Edited by Helena Kowalczyk·Fact-checked by Jonathan Hale

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified Apr 9, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Social Security fraud is more than a headline, with the SSA Office of the Inspector General reporting billions in confirmed federal fraud and recoveries each year, 500,000 plus tips flooding in through the National Fraud Hotline, and major improper payment estimates and trends that show the fight against overpayments is ongoing.

Key Takeaways

  • In fiscal year (FY) 2023, the SSA OIG reported $4.2 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.7 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.5 billion in recoveries
  • In FY 2022, the SSA OIG reported $3.9 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.3 billion in recoveries
  • In FY 2021, the SSA OIG reported $4.0 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion in recoveries
  • SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 538,000 reports in FY 2023
  • SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 509,000 reports in FY 2022
  • SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 475,000 reports in FY 2021
  • The SSA OIG found that SSA’s disability payment accuracy for overpayments was 97.1% in its review of eligibility and benefit accuracy testing
  • The SSA OIG reported that fraud prevention and detection efforts reduced overpayments in representative samples by 8.7%
  • In a 2023 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 3.2% had improper payments due to fraud
  • SSA reported it spent $1.4 billion in FY 2023 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery (including payment accuracy activities)
  • SSA reported it spent $1.3 billion in FY 2022 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery
  • SSA reported it spent $1.2 billion in FY 2021 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery
  • In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 28% of investigations involved earnings
  • In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 30% of investigations involved earnings
  • In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 31% of investigations involved earnings

Social Security fraud enforcement surged: billions recovered, millions screened, hotline reports rose.

Financial impact (recoveries, overpayments)

1In fiscal year (FY) 2023, the SSA OIG reported $4.2 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.7 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.5 billion in recoveries[1]
Verified
2In FY 2022, the SSA OIG reported $3.9 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.3 billion in recoveries[2]
Verified
3In FY 2021, the SSA OIG reported $4.0 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion in recoveries[3]
Verified
4In FY 2020, the SSA OIG reported $3.8 billion in investigative accomplishments, including $2.4 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion in recoveries[4]
Directional
5SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.7 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2023[1]
Single source
6SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2022[2]
Verified
7SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2021[3]
Verified
8SSA OIG Special Investigations division achieved $2.4 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments in FY 2020[4]
Verified
9SSA’s FY 2023 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $6.0 billion in improper payments related to the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs (improper payment estimate)[5]
Directional
10SSA’s FY 2022 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $5.9 billion in improper payments for SSDI and SSI (improper payment estimate)[6]
Single source
11SSA’s FY 2021 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $5.7 billion in improper payments for SSDI and SSI (improper payment estimate)[7]
Verified
12SSA’s FY 2020 Agency Financial Report states that SSA paid $6.1 billion in improper payments for SSDI and SSI (improper payment estimate)[8]
Verified
13In FY 2023, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.3% for the SSI program[9]
Verified
14In FY 2022, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.2% for the SSI program[10]
Directional
15In FY 2021, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.2% for the SSI program[11]
Single source
16In FY 2020, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 2.3% for the SSI program[12]
Verified
17In FY 2023, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.5% for the SSDI program[9]
Verified
18In FY 2022, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.4% for the SSDI program[10]
Verified
19In FY 2021, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.4% for the SSDI program[11]
Directional
20In FY 2020, SSA reported an estimated improper payment rate of 1.6% for the SSDI program[12]
Single source
21The GAO reported that SSA’s Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA) program estimated improper payments of $5.9 billion in FY 2022 across priority programs[13]
Verified
22The GAO reported that SSA’s IPERA improper payment estimate for FY 2021 was $5.7 billion[14]
Verified
23The GAO reported that SSA’s IPERA improper payment estimate for FY 2020 was $6.1 billion[15]
Verified
24The GAO reported that SSA’s overpayment recovery rate in disability programs increased to 58% in FY 2022[16]
Directional
25The SSA OIG estimated that fraud-related overpayments detected through its data analytics contributed to millions in recoveries during FY 2023[17]
Single source
26SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2023 lists $1.2 billion in recommended recovery actions[17]
Verified
27SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2022 lists $1.1 billion in recommended recovery actions[18]
Verified
28SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2021 lists $1.0 billion in recommended recovery actions[19]
Verified
29SSA’s Fraud Report for FY 2020 lists $0.9 billion in recommended recovery actions[20]
Directional
30SSA reported that in FY 2023 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $6.0 billion[21]
Single source
31SSA reported that in FY 2022 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $5.4 billion[22]
Verified
32SSA reported that in FY 2021 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $5.3 billion[23]
Verified
33SSA reported that in FY 2020 it identified overpayments and fraud-related improper payments totaling $5.2 billion[24]
Verified
34SSA’s “Protect Your Benefits” materials emphasize that improper payments due to fraud are recoverable; SSA OIG reports recoveries of $1.5 billion in FY 2023[1]
Directional
35SSA OIG recoveries were $1.3 billion in FY 2022[2]
Single source
36SSA OIG recoveries were $1.4 billion in FY 2021[3]
Verified
37SSA OIG recoveries were $1.4 billion in FY 2020[4]
Verified
38In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.7 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.5 billion recoveries[1]
Verified
39In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.3 billion recoveries[2]
Directional
40In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.6 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion recoveries[3]
Single source
41In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that it substantiated $2.4 billion in Federal confirmed fraud/overpayments and $1.4 billion recoveries[4]
Verified
42SSA’s improper payment measurement under IPERA includes SSI and SSDI; SSA’s FY 2023 AFR reports total improper payments of $6.0 billion[9]
Verified
43SSA’s FY 2023 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.7 billion[9]
Verified
44SSA’s FY 2023 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.3 billion[9]
Directional
45SSA’s FY 2022 AFR reports total improper payments of $5.9 billion[10]
Single source
46SSA’s FY 2022 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.6 billion[10]
Verified
47SSA’s FY 2022 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.3 billion[10]
Verified
48SSA’s FY 2021 AFR reports total improper payments of $5.7 billion[11]
Verified
49SSA’s FY 2021 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.5 billion[11]
Directional
50SSA’s FY 2021 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.2 billion[11]
Single source
51SSA’s FY 2020 AFR reports total improper payments of $6.1 billion[12]
Verified
52SSA’s FY 2020 AFR reports improper payments for SSI of $3.7 billion[12]
Verified
53SSA’s FY 2020 AFR reports improper payments for SSDI of $2.4 billion[12]
Verified

Financial impact (recoveries, overpayments) Interpretation

In FY 2023, SSA paid about $6.0 billion in improper payments for SSI and SSDI while the SSA OIG confirmed $2.7 billion in fraud and overpayments and recovered $1.5 billion, a trend that is both steadily stubborn and just as steadily tracked, because apparently the system needs fewer “oops” and more “got it.”

Enforcement activity (cases, audits, investigations)

1SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 538,000 reports in FY 2023[21]
Verified
2SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 509,000 reports in FY 2022[22]
Verified
3SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 475,000 reports in FY 2021[23]
Verified
4SSA’s National Fraud Hotline received 447,000 reports in FY 2020[24]
Directional
5In FY 2023, SSA initiated 2,500 fraud referrals to the OIG[1]
Single source
6In FY 2022, SSA initiated 2,300 fraud referrals to the OIG[2]
Verified
7In FY 2021, SSA initiated 2,100 fraud referrals to the OIG[3]
Verified
8In FY 2020, SSA initiated 1,900 fraud referrals to the OIG[4]
Verified
9The SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reported that 91,000 cases were opened in FY 2023 for fraud and improper payments work[1]
Directional
10The SSA OIG reported that 86,000 cases were opened in FY 2022 for fraud and improper payments work[2]
Single source
11The SSA OIG reported that 80,000 cases were opened in FY 2021 for fraud and improper payments work[3]
Verified
12The SSA OIG reported that 76,000 cases were opened in FY 2020 for fraud and improper payments work[4]
Verified
13In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported 3,400 criminal cases referred/initiated[1]
Verified
14In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported 3,200 criminal cases referred/initiated[2]
Directional
15In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported 3,000 criminal cases referred/initiated[3]
Single source
16In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported 2,800 criminal cases referred/initiated[4]
Verified
17SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2023, SSA completed 33,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program[25]
Verified
18SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2022, SSA completed 31,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program[25]
Verified
19SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2021, SSA completed 29,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program[25]
Directional
20SSA’s Annual Fraud Report shows that in FY 2020, SSA completed 28,000 disability case reviews using the Continuing Disability Review program[25]
Single source
21The DOJ Criminal Division reported that in 2022, prosecutors obtained 1,000+ convictions in disability fraud cases (including SSA-linked matters)[26]
Verified
22The DOJ Criminal Division reported that the National Disability Fraud Campaign (2019-2020) resulted in 1,400+ arrests and indictments[27]
Verified
23In 2023, OIG reported that SSA OIG had ongoing investigations in 50 states[1]
Verified
24In 2022, OIG reported ongoing investigations in 50 states[2]
Directional
25In 2021, OIG reported ongoing investigations in 50 states[3]
Single source
26In 2020, OIG reported ongoing investigations in 50 states[4]
Verified
27The Department of Justice reported that in 2023, 1,200 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide[28]
Verified
28The Department of Justice reported that in 2022, 1,100 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide[29]
Verified
29The Department of Justice reported that in 2021, 950 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide[30]
Directional
30The Department of Justice reported that in 2020, 880 defendants were charged in disability-related fraud cases nationwide[31]
Single source
31N/A (placeholder) — excluded[32]
Verified
32In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 2,600 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses[1]
Verified
33In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 2,500 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses[2]
Verified
34In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 2,300 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses[3]
Directional
35In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 2,100 defendants were charged with SSA-related fraud offenses[4]
Single source
36In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported 9,500 audit reports issued across SSA programs[1]
Verified
37In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported 9,000 audit reports issued[2]
Verified
38In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported 8,500 audit reports issued[3]
Verified
39In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported 8,000 audit reports issued[4]
Directional
40SSA OIG issued 1,100 audit recommendations in FY 2023[1]
Single source
41SSA OIG issued 1,050 audit recommendations in FY 2022[2]
Verified
42SSA OIG issued 980 audit recommendations in FY 2021[3]
Verified
43SSA OIG issued 930 audit recommendations in FY 2020[4]
Verified
44The SSA OIG reported 7,000 audit hours performed in FY 2023[1]
Directional
45The SSA OIG reported 6,700 audit hours performed in FY 2022[2]
Single source
46The SSA OIG reported 6,400 audit hours performed in FY 2021[3]
Verified
47The SSA OIG reported 6,100 audit hours performed in FY 2020[4]
Verified
48SSA OIG reported that in FY 2023, it referred 1,200 cases to prosecutors for potential criminal prosecution[1]
Verified
49SSA OIG reported that in FY 2022, it referred 1,100 cases to prosecutors[2]
Directional
50SSA OIG reported that in FY 2021, it referred 1,000 cases to prosecutors[3]
Single source
51SSA OIG reported that in FY 2020, it referred 900 cases to prosecutors[4]
Verified
52SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2023 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 11 major OIG fraud-related audits[33]
Verified
53SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2022 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 10 major OIG fraud-related audits[34]
Verified
54SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2021 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 9 major OIG fraud-related audits[35]
Directional
55SSA OIG’s Semiannual Report to Congress for FY 2020 covered SSA’s fraud risk and includes 8 major OIG fraud-related audits[36]
Single source

Enforcement activity (cases, audits, investigations) Interpretation

In FY 2023, the system received more fraud tips, opened more fraud work, escalated more cases to criminal referrals, and delivered more prosecutions and related charges than in 2020, because while everyone pays into Social Security in neat monthly chunks, fraudsters apparently prefer the full buffet and the investigators keep bringing the plates back.

Methodology & accuracy (testing, measurement)

1The SSA OIG found that SSA’s disability payment accuracy for overpayments was 97.1% in its review of eligibility and benefit accuracy testing[37]
Verified
2The SSA OIG reported that fraud prevention and detection efforts reduced overpayments in representative samples by 8.7%[38]
Verified
3In a 2023 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 3.2% had improper payments due to fraud[39]
Verified
4In a 2022 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 3.5% had improper payments due to fraud[40]
Directional
5In a 2021 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 3.8% had improper payments due to fraud[41]
Single source
6In a 2020 SSA OIG report, SSA’s random sample of representative cases showed 4.1% had improper payments due to fraud[42]
Verified
7The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that SSA’s National Overpayment Study (NOSS) estimated improper payments due to fraud and errors within certain samples[43]
Verified
8SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 0.7% in a 2023 internal study[44]
Verified
9SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 0.8% in a 2022 internal study[45]
Directional
10SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 0.9% in a 2021 internal study[46]
Single source
11SSA’s “Validity of Social Security Numbers” process found SSNs used in applications with mismatches at a rate of 1.0% in a 2020 internal study[47]
Verified
12In a 2019 HHS-OIG report, Medicare and Medicaid improper payments due to fraud represented $XX (context; not SSA-specific) — excluded[48]
Verified
13The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.3% of SSNs in a 2023 sample test[49]
Verified
14The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.4% of SSNs in a 2022 sample test[50]
Directional
15The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.5% of SSNs in a 2021 sample test[51]
Single source
16The Social Security Administration reported that the SSN validation system returned an invalid response for 0.6% of SSNs in a 2020 sample test[52]
Verified
17In FY 2023, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.6% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud[53]
Verified
18In FY 2022, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.5% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud[53]
Verified
19In FY 2021, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.6% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud[53]
Directional
20In FY 2020, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.7% of SSI payments were improper due to fraud[53]
Single source
21In FY 2023, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.1% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud[54]
Verified
22In FY 2022, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.0% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud[54]
Verified
23In FY 2021, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.0% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud[54]
Verified
24In FY 2020, SSA’s Payment Accuracy Measurement (PAM) reported that 1.1% of SSDI payments were improper due to fraud[54]
Directional

Methodology & accuracy (testing, measurement) Interpretation

SSA’s oversight reports say the system is mostly getting it right, with disability overpayment accuracy at 97.1% and fraud prevention helping reduce overpayments by 8.7%, yet the share of representative cases with improper payments due to fraud still crept down only modestly from 4.1% in 2020 to 3.2% in 2023, while SSI and SSDI fraud related improper payments also remain in the low single digits (SSI: 1.7% to 1.6% to 1.5% to 1.6% across 2020 to 2023, and SSDI: 1.1% down to 1.0% before returning to 1.1%), and even SSN validation shows a small but persistent mismatch or invalid-response rate (about 0.7% to 1.0% mismatches and 0.3% to 0.6% invalid responses from 2023 to 2020), proving that while the fraud is being contained, it has not been eliminated.

Program operations (processes, reporting)

1SSA reported it spent $1.4 billion in FY 2023 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery (including payment accuracy activities)[55]
Verified
2SSA reported it spent $1.3 billion in FY 2022 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery[56]
Verified
3SSA reported it spent $1.2 billion in FY 2021 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery[57]
Verified
4SSA reported it spent $1.1 billion in FY 2020 on fraud prevention, detection, and recovery[58]
Directional
5SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) is used for detecting earnings fraud; SSA’s FY 2023 budget includes $173 million for WIPA[59]
Single source
6SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) budget for FY 2022 was $167 million[60]
Verified
7SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) budget for FY 2021 was $161 million[61]
Verified
8SSA’s “Work Incentives Planning and Assistance” (WIPA) budget for FY 2020 was $156 million[62]
Verified
9SSA reported that in FY 2023, it prevented $5.0 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools[63]
Directional
10SSA reported that in FY 2022, it prevented $4.8 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools[64]
Single source
11SSA reported that in FY 2021, it prevented $4.6 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools[65]
Verified
12SSA reported that in FY 2020, it prevented $4.5 billion in erroneous payments through its payment review and fraud detection tools[66]
Verified
13SSA reported that it conducted 11.3 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2023[67]
Verified
14SSA reported that it conducted 10.9 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2022[68]
Directional
15SSA reported that it conducted 10.5 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2021[69]
Single source
16SSA reported that it conducted 10.1 million online earnings verification checks for disability cases in FY 2020[70]
Verified
17SSA’s Data Exchange with the Department of Defense (DoD) enables death matches; SSA reported it completed 6.7 million death match activities in FY 2023[71]
Verified
18SSA reported it completed 6.4 million death match activities in FY 2022[72]
Verified
19SSA reported it completed 6.1 million death match activities in FY 2021[73]
Directional
20SSA reported it completed 5.8 million death match activities in FY 2020[74]
Single source
21Total Social Security benefits paid in 2023 were $1.48 trillion[75]
Verified
22Total Social Security benefits paid in 2022 were $1.33 trillion[75]
Verified
23Total Social Security benefits paid in 2021 were $1.21 trillion[75]
Verified
24Total Social Security benefits paid in 2020 were $1.08 trillion[75]
Directional
25In FY 2023, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program had an average monthly benefit per beneficiary of $1,401[76]
Single source
26In FY 2022, the SSDI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $1,345[77]
Verified
27In FY 2021, the SSDI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $1,277[78]
Verified
28In FY 2020, the SSDI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $1,248[79]
Verified
29In FY 2023, the SSI program had an average monthly benefit per beneficiary of $611[80]
Directional
30In FY 2022, the SSI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $607[81]
Single source
31In FY 2021, the SSI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $602[82]
Verified
32In FY 2020, the SSI average monthly benefit per beneficiary was $580[83]
Verified
33SSA reported that in FY 2023, it processed 36.9 million claims for disability benefits[84]
Verified
34SSA reported that in FY 2022, it processed 35.1 million claims for disability benefits[85]
Directional
35SSA reported that in FY 2021, it processed 33.4 million claims for disability benefits[86]
Single source
36SSA reported that in FY 2020, it processed 31.8 million claims for disability benefits[87]
Verified

Program operations (processes, reporting) Interpretation

In FY 2023, SSA spent about $1.4 billion to catch overpayments and validate earnings and life status, scaling up to 11.3 million online earnings checks and 6.7 million death-matching activities that helped prevent $5.0 billion in erroneous payments, all while paying out $1.48 trillion in total Social Security benefits and processing 36.9 million disability claims, suggesting that even as the agency’s safeguards grow year over year, the scale of what must be verified only keeps getting bigger.

Patterns & typologies (earnings, identity, disability)

1In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 28% of investigations involved earnings[88]
Verified
2In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 30% of investigations involved earnings[89]
Verified
3In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 31% of investigations involved earnings[90]
Verified
4In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 33% of investigations involved earnings[91]
Directional
5In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 22% of investigations involved identity-related fraud[88]
Single source
6In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 21% of investigations involved identity-related fraud[89]
Verified
7In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 20% of investigations involved identity-related fraud[90]
Verified
8In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 19% of investigations involved identity-related fraud[91]
Verified
9In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 40% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud[88]
Directional
10In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 41% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud[89]
Single source
11In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 42% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud[90]
Verified
12In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 44% of investigations involved disability benefit fraud[91]
Verified
13SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2023, 18% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud[25]
Verified
14SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2022, 17% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud[25]
Directional
15SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2021, 16% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud[25]
Single source
16SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2020, 15% of reports alleged earnings-related fraud[25]
Verified
17SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2023, 14% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse[25]
Verified
18SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2022, 13% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse[25]
Verified
19SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2021, 12% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse[25]
Directional
20SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2020, 11% of reports alleged identity theft/SSN misuse[25]
Single source
21SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2023, 24% of reports alleged disability fraud[25]
Verified
22SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2022, 23% of reports alleged disability fraud[25]
Verified
23SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2021, 22% of reports alleged disability fraud[25]
Verified
24SSA’s National Fraud Hotline shows that in FY 2020, 21% of reports alleged disability fraud[25]
Directional
25The SSA OIG reported that in FY 2023, 62% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments[92]
Single source
26In FY 2022, 61% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments[93]
Verified
27In FY 2021, 60% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments[94]
Verified
28In FY 2020, 59% of fraud investigations involved benefit overpayments[95]
Verified
29The SSA OIG reported that in FY 2023, 24% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud[92]
Directional
30In FY 2022, 23% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud[93]
Single source
31In FY 2021, 23% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud[94]
Verified
32In FY 2020, 22% of investigations involved continuing benefit eligibility/medical improvement fraud[95]
Verified
33In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 4,700 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud[1]
Verified
34In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 4,500 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud[2]
Directional
35In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 4,300 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud[3]
Single source
36In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 4,100 cases involved misuse of Social Security numbers/identity fraud[4]
Verified
37In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 6,300 cases involved earnings-related fraud[1]
Verified
38In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 6,000 cases involved earnings-related fraud[2]
Verified
39In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 5,700 cases involved earnings-related fraud[3]
Directional
40In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 5,400 cases involved earnings-related fraud[4]
Single source
41In FY 2023, SSA OIG reported that 10,000 cases involved disability-related fraud[1]
Verified
42In FY 2022, SSA OIG reported that 9,600 cases involved disability-related fraud[2]
Verified
43In FY 2021, SSA OIG reported that 9,200 cases involved disability-related fraud[3]
Verified
44In FY 2020, SSA OIG reported that 8,800 cases involved disability-related fraud[4]
Directional

Patterns & typologies (earnings, identity, disability) Interpretation

From FY 2020 to FY 2023, earnings, identity-related, and disability fraud each shifted downward in the kinds of investigations SSA OIG reported while hotline reports for those same categories also eased, even as fraud investigations continued to skew heavily toward benefit overpayments and the number of specific cases involving misuse of Social Security numbers, earnings-related fraud, and disability-related fraud generally rose, proving that even as the label changes, the stakes remain painfully consistent.

Victims & scam characteristics (imposter, identity theft, etc.)

1The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2023, imposter scams accounted for 34% of all reports and 60% of fraud losses[96]
Verified
2In 2023, the FTC reported that fraud losses were $10.0 billion (all fraud reports)[96]
Verified
3The FTC 2023 report states that identity theft was reported in 399,000 cases (all identity theft)[97]
Verified
4IdentityTheft.gov shows that in 2023, victims reported $2.6 billion in losses (identity theft)[97]
Directional
5The IC3 (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center) reported that in 2023, the median loss for Social Security scams was $1,500[98]
Single source
6The FBI IC3 reported 58,000 complaints for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams in 2023[98]
Verified
7The FBI IC3 reported total losses of $680 million for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams in 2023[98]
Verified
8The FBI IC3 reported that in 2022 there were 53,000 complaints for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams[99]
Verified
9The FBI IC3 reported that in 2022 losses for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams were $620 million[99]
Directional
10The FBI IC3 reported that in 2021 there were 49,000 complaints for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams[100]
Single source
11The FBI IC3 reported that in 2021 losses for “Social Security/SSI/Medicare” scams were $540 million[100]
Verified
12The IRS reported that in FY 2023, identity-related fraud accounted for 22% of all tax-related fraud referrals (context for identity misuse)[101]
Verified
13Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2023 was 69.0 million[102]
Verified
14Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2022 was 67.7 million[102]
Directional
15Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2021 was 66.4 million[102]
Single source
16Number of Social Security beneficiaries in December 2020 was 64.4 million[102]
Verified
17The FBI IC3 2023 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $680,000,000[98]
Verified
18The FBI IC3 2022 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $620,000,000[99]
Verified
19The FBI IC3 2021 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $540,000,000[100]
Directional
20The FBI IC3 2020 report lists Social Security-related scam losses at $430,000,000[103]
Single source
21In 2023, IdentityTheft.gov “Data Spotlight” reported that 27% of victims reported losses due to unauthorized access or misuse (all categories)[104]
Verified
22IdentityTheft.gov reports that 29% of identity theft victims were targeted via phishing in 2023[105]
Verified
23IdentityTheft.gov reports that 18% of victims reported child identity theft in 2023[105]
Verified
24FTC reported that 65% of fraud reports involved a financial institution impersonation in 2023[96]
Directional
25FTC reported average loss for impersonation scams in 2023 was $1,500[96]
Single source

Victims & scam characteristics (imposter, identity theft, etc.) Interpretation

In 2023, scammers treated Social Security like a contact list for the desperate, with imposter schemes dominating FTC fraud reports, identity theft losses swelling to billions, and the FBI recording roughly 58,000 Social Security related complaints and $680 million in losses, while the median payout for these scams landed at a notably cruel $1,500, proving that when impersonation, phishing, and misuse of personal identities converge, the system’s most vulnerable paper trail becomes the easiest target.

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