Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General Celebrates National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

July 30, 2025

On July 30th, the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) joins our fellow oversight agencies in celebrating National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. Today serves as a reminder of the important role whistleblowers play in exposing fraud, waste, and abuse.

National Whistleblower Appreciation Day commemorates a 1778 resolution passed on this day by unanimous consent by the Second Continental Congress affirming it is the duty of every citizen to report misconduct in public service. The resolution was enacted during the height of the American Revolution. Richard Marven was a Revolutionary War naval officer who, along with Samuel Shaw, were instrumental figures in the passage of the resolution. The Continental Congress was moved to act after an incident in 1777, when Third Lieutenant Marven and Midshipman Shaw were part of a group of sailors and marines who blew the whistle on the commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy, Commodore Esek Hopkins, Our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of whistleblowers and demanded they be protected. 

Almost 250 years later, this principle remains vital to integrity in public service. By coming forward, whistleblowers can help save lives, recover taxpayer dollars, hold wrongdoers accountable, and strengthen public trust in our institutions. Whistleblowers have helped strengthen safeguards and improve important programs and operations.

Our Commitment

  • Support: We are committed to supporting and ensuring that whistleblowers are protected from retaliation and have access to confidential reporting channels.
  • Awareness: Our office continues to prioritize the training of employees about whistleblower rights and protections.

Visit oig.ssa.gov/whistleblower-protection/ to learn more about whistleblower rights and protections.

How to Report

If you are aware of fraud, waste, abuse, or other misconduct related to SSA programs, operations, or employees, report to:

Online: oig.ssa.gov/report

Phone: 1-800-269-0271

Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays

Download a PDF of the press release here.

Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov