Elon M Musk, head of Department of Government Efficiency, has sparked a controversy over potential Social Security fraud by claiming that millions of Americans continue to receive Social Security benefits even after they reach the age of 100. This statement, which was posted on X (formerly Twitter), raised questions about the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) integrity and future financial stability.
Musk called the potential “biggest fraud” in history, the fact that 20 million people receive Social Security payments past 100 years of age.
**Why the claims about Social Security fraud matter**
It is important to make this claim as soon as possible, because the Social Security Administration has a serious insolvency issue. The projected depletion of funds to pay full retirement benefits by the middle 2030s is a concern. If this happens, the beneficiaries may only receive 80% of what they are entitled to, putting millions of Americans’ retirement in danger.
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**Understanding the data on alleged Social Security payment fraud**
Musk’s comments are based on an analysis of Social Security data, which shows that a large number of people listed have over 100-years of age. The chart he showed was a comparison of “eligible’ social security numbers and the US population. He questioned if “vampires were collecting Social Security”.
The 2023 Social Security Audit confirms these fears. It reveals 18,9 million older individuals within the database, in stark contrast to the Census Bureau’s estimated 86,000 centenarians. The audit did reveal that most of the 18,4 million individuals in question had never received benefits over the previous 50 years. They were therefore likely dead. Just 44,000 people were receiving active checks. Only 13 of them listed themselves as being 112 years old or older.
**The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and fraud prevention**
Elon Musk, as the CEO of DOGE has actively pursued cost-cutting initiatives across federal programs. He is particularly focused on identifying, eradicating, and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse within government. This includes potential Social Security fraud.
Referencing the importance of taxpayer dollars, Musk stated, “Your tax dollars need to be spent wisely on the things that matter to the people…It’s just common sense. It isn’t draconian. It’s just saying that we’ll look at every expenditure to see if they’re in the interest of people. If so, then the expense is approved.
**Counterarguments and the broader Social Security picture**
Experts warn against interpreting the statistics in an alarmist manner. The experts point out that the improper Social Security payment, which includes potential fraud, represents a very small portion of all disbursements. In the period 2015-2022, around 1% were improper payments, and most of them were due to administrative mistakes.
Critics warn, too, that only focusing on fraud will distract from other pressing problems facing the Social Security System. Several sources state that fraud should be handled by the law enforcement system and not through “Twitter announcements.”
Many experts stress the need for a solution to the Social Security funding problems. They suggest reducing the taxation of benefits, eliminating Windfall Elimination Provisions and Government Pension Offsets, or even increasing benefits to people who are taking time off to care for children. If these problems were addressed, the Social Security system would be sustainable in the long term. All parties will benefit from these discussions.