The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made significant progress in identifying and correcting beneficiary records for individuals who are 100 years or older. This effort ensures that records remain accurate, even for those who are no longer receiving benefits. Maintaining precise records is essential for preventing fraud and ensuring program integrity.
Addressing Inconsistencies in Social Security Records
The SSA has been actively working to correct inconsistencies related to missing death records of centenarians. Some individuals in the SSA database do not have a recorded date of death, which may lead to errors in beneficiary records. While these individuals may not be receiving payments, updating records is crucial for maintaining accuracy.
Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Lee Dudek, expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for highlighting these inconsistencies. He reaffirmed SSA’s commitment to eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in its programs.
How SSA Identifies Potentially Deceased Individuals
The SSA follows long-standing program integrity measures to identify cases where a beneficiary may be deceased. The agency collaborates with other federal organizations to cross-check records and take necessary actions.
Key Steps Taken by SSA:
- Monitoring Medicare Usage – SSA receives data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to track individuals who have not used Medicare Part A or Part B for over three years.
- Prioritizing High-Risk Cases – The agency focuses on individuals who are 90 years or older, are still receiving payments, and live in the United States.
- Conducting Interviews – SSA attempts to contact these beneficiaries to confirm if they are still alive. If an individual is verified as deceased, the agency stops payments immediately.
- Reporting Fraud Suspicions – Any suspected fraudulent activities are reported to the Office of the Inspector General for further investigation.
Ensuring the Integrity of Social Security Programs
By taking these proactive steps, SSA is working to maintain the credibility of its programs and prevent fraudulent activities. Keeping accurate records is essential to ensure that benefits reach only eligible individuals. SSA’s ongoing efforts demonstrate its dedication to program integrity, reducing errors, and preventing financial losses.
Through these measures, the agency is reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding taxpayer money while ensuring that Social Security benefits are distributed fairly and correctly.
