Recently, allegations have surfaced suggesting that millions of deceased centenarians are still receiving Social Security benefits. These claims, amplified by former President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk, have raised concerns over potential fraud within the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, SSA’s Acting Commissioner, Lee Dudek, has categorically denied these accusations, citing data anomalies and administrative misinterpretations as the source of confusion.
The Origin of the Claims
During a recent press briefing, former President Donald Trump stated, “We have millions and millions of people over 100 years old” still receiving Social Security benefits, implying widespread fraud or administrative negligence. Elon Musk, who currently oversees the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), added to these claims, suggesting that “tens of millions” of deceased individuals remain in the SSA’s records, receiving improper payments. These assertions have fueled public concern and calls for government transparency.
Social Security Administration Responds to Allegations
Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek quickly addressed these concerns, explaining that while SSA records may include individuals over 100 years old, it does not mean these individuals are actively receiving benefits. Many discrepancies arise from outdated software systems that rely on the COBOL programming language, which has limitations in processing dates and missing information.
Dudek clarified, “The reported data are simply records of individuals with a Social Security number but without an officially recorded date of death. This does not mean that they are actively receiving payments.”
Understanding the Data Anomalies
The SSA relies on a decades-old legacy system to maintain its database of Social Security beneficiaries. This has led to certain inconsistencies, including:
- Missing Death Dates: Many records do not contain a recorded death date, resulting in some individuals appearing to be alive even if they passed away decades ago.
- Default Birth Year Entries: If an individual’s birth year is missing, the system may assign a placeholder value, sometimes defaulting to an age far older than realistic.
- Outdated Records: Some Social Security numbers belong to individuals who never collected benefits, but their records remain in the system for reference purposes.
A 2023 audit conducted by the SSA’s Inspector General found that approximately 18.9 million individuals in the SSA’s database were listed as 100 years or older. However, the report confirmed that almost none of these individuals were actively receiving benefits.
How Widespread is the Problem of Improper Payments?
While any improper payment is a concern, the scale of the issue is much smaller than recent claims suggest. Between 2015 and 2022, the SSA distributed nearly $8.6 trillion in benefits, with $71.8 billion (less than 1%) identified as improper payments. The vast majority of these improper payments were overpayments to living beneficiaries due to reporting delays or administrative errors—not fraudulent payments to deceased individuals.
Measures Taken by SSA to Prevent Improper Payments
The SSA has long recognized the importance of preventing fraudulent or improper payments. To address concerns and maintain public trust, the agency has implemented several safeguards:
1. Automatic Cessation of Benefits for Supercentenarians
Since September 2015, the SSA has automatically ceased payments to individuals listed as being over 115 years old unless verified documentation confirms their continued eligibility.
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2. Data Matching with the U.S. Treasury Department
The SSA collaborates with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to cross-check death records against federal benefit disbursements. This partnership has successfully prevented and recovered millions in improper payments.
3. Pilot Programs for Fraud Prevention
A five-month pilot program focused on eliminating improper payments resulted in the prevention and recovery of over $31 million in misplaced funds.
4. System Modernization Efforts
Recognizing the need for improved infrastructure, the SSA has proposed an overhaul of its outdated computer systems. However, upgrading these systems is estimated to cost between $5.5 and $9.7 million, creating financial challenges for immediate implementation.
The Role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been tasked with identifying and eliminating wasteful government expenditures. As part of this initiative, DOGE has focused on potential inefficiencies within the SSA. While the agency’s goal is to enhance efficiency, experts caution against misinterpreting data anomalies as evidence of widespread fraud.
Chuck Blahous, a senior research strategist at the Mercatus Center, stated, “While addressing improper payments is essential, misleading claims that suggest Social Security is riddled with fraud only serve to erode public confidence in the system.”
What This Means for Social Security Beneficiaries
The SSA’s denial of fraudulent payments to deceased centenarians reassures the public that the system is not as compromised as some claims suggest. While improper payments do occur, they are minimal and largely involve overpayments to living recipients rather than payments to the deceased.
For Social Security beneficiaries, this situation highlights the importance of:
- Keeping Personal Records Updated: Ensuring that all personal information, including beneficiary status, is accurate and up to date with the SSA.
- Reporting Deaths Promptly: Families should notify the SSA as soon as a beneficiary passes away to prevent any accidental overpayments.
- Verifying Benefit Statements: Retirees should regularly check their benefit statements to ensure accuracy and report any discrepancies.
The Bigger Picture: Ensuring Trust in the Social Security System
Social Security remains one of the most crucial government programs for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors. While fraud prevention and system modernization are necessary, false narratives about massive fraudulent payments can create unnecessary panic.
Acting Commissioner Dudek reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, stating, “We take our responsibility to safeguard taxpayer funds very seriously. Our systems are continuously improving, and we will continue working to ensure accuracy in benefit payments.”
