Are Millions Of Deceased Individuals Receiving Social Security Benefits?

Recent assertions have emerged, suggesting that a vast number of deceased individuals, some purportedly aged over a century, are receiving Social Security benefits.

These claims have raised concerns about potential fraud and mismanagement within the Social Security Administration (SSA).

This article delves into the facts, addressing the accuracy of these allegations and providing a comprehensive overview of the situation.

Understanding the Claims

In recent statements, high-profile figures have alleged that millions of deceased individuals, including those aged 100 years and above, are improperly receiving Social Security payments.

These assertions have been amplified through various media channels, leading to public concern over the integrity of the Social Security system.

The SSA’s Response

He emphasized that the presence of individuals aged over 100 in SSA records does not necessarily indicate they are receiving benefits.

The Role of Outdated Systems

A contributing factor to the confusion is the SSA’s use of legacy software systems, specifically those based on the COBOL programming language.

Due to limitations in date handling within this system, entries with missing or incomplete birthdates may default to reference points suggesting ages exceeding 150 years.

This technical anomaly can lead to misconceptions about the age and status of beneficiaries within the SSA’s database.

Scope of Improper Payments

While any instance of improper payment is a concern, it’s essential to contextualize the scale. A July 2024 report from the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General indicated that from fiscal years 2015 through 2022, the agency disbursed approximately $8.6 trillion in benefits.

Of this amount, about $71.8 billion—less than 1%—were identified as improper payments, which include overpayments to both living and deceased individuals.

This data underscores that the vast majority of SSA disbursements are accurate and appropriately allocated.

Efforts to Mitigate Improper Payments

The SSA has implemented measures to reduce and recover improper payments. For instance, in early 2025, the U.S.

Treasury successfully reclaimed over $31 million in federal payments, not limited to Social Security, that were erroneously issued to deceased individuals.

This recovery was part of a broader initiative, authorized by Congress in 2021, granting the Treasury temporary access to the SSA’s comprehensive “Full Death Master File.” This collaboration aims to enhance the accuracy of federal benefit disbursements and minimize instances of fraud.

Potential Misinterpretations and Their Implications

Experts caution that sensationalized claims about widespread fraud can mislead the public and policymakers.

Chuck Blahous, a senior research strategist at the Mercatus Center, noted that while addressing improper payments is important, portraying them as the primary issue facing Social Security oversimplifies the program’s financial challenges.

Such misrepresentations may divert attention from necessary policy discussions regarding the program’s long-term sustainability.

Key Data Overview

To provide a clearer perspective, the following table summarizes the SSA’s benefit disbursements and the proportion of improper payments:

Fiscal Years	Total Benefits Disbursed	Improper Payments	Percentage of Total
2015–2022	$8.6 Trillion	$71.8 Billion	<1%

While the integrity of the Social Security system is paramount, it’s crucial to approach concerns with accurate data and context.

The SSA continues to implement measures to minimize improper payments and enhance system accuracy, ensuring that benefits are appropriately distributed to eligible individuals.

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