Fugitive Felon Program

Law enforcement agencies can help SSA by sharing information about fugitive felons, parole violators, and probation violators with SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

In cooperation with local law enforcement agencies in various locations throughout the United States, SSA’s OIG is matching the wanted persons files provided by the participating law enforcement agency against SSA’s computer files of individuals receiving Title XVI payments, Title II benefits and/or serving as representative payees. When there is a match, the OIG:

• verifies the identity of the individual;
• ensures that the warrant is active;
• works with local law enforcement to attempt to locate the person; and
• refers the case to the local Social Security office for suspension of benefits.

Participation In the Fugitive Felon Program

Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies interested in participating in a matching program for the purpose of identifying fugitive felons, parole violators, and probation violators should contact the nearest OIG office or the SSA regional fugitive felon coordinator. Contact any Social Security office for the name and phone number of the coordinator for your area.

Exchange of Information

In addition to matching wanted persons files, OIG and SSA are authorized by law to release to a Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer the current address, Social Security number, and photograph (if available), of individuals receiving Title XVI payments or Title II benefits, and/or serving as representative payees, who are fleeing to avoid prosecution for a crime which is a felony or fleeing to avoid custody or confinement after conviction for a crime which is a felony; or individuals receiving Title XVI payments or Title II benefits who are violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law.

Law enforcement officials may contact the nearest OIG office or any Social Security office for this information. Requests to SSA OIG must be made in writing on the law enforcement agency letterhead and include the following:

• the name of the person being sought;
• other identifying information; for example, date of birth and Social Security number;
• confirmation that the person is fleeing to avoid prosecution for a crime which is a felony; fleeing to avoid custody or confinement after conviction for a crime which is a felony; or is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law; and
• certification that the requesting official’s duties include the location or apprehension of the person.

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