Social Security Fraud Claims By Musk Spark Controversy Over
The Trump administration and billionaire adviser Elon Musk have claimed that millions of deceased individuals over 100 years old are still receiving Social Security payments. However, experts and government data suggest these assertions are exaggerated.
| Key Takeaways: – The Trump administration and Elon Musk claim millions of deceased individuals receive Social Security payments, but experts say outdated records are not fraud. – A 2024 Social Security report shows improper payments accounted for less than 1% of total benefits, mostly to living recipients. |
In recent statements on social media and during press briefings, Musk and former President Donald Trump alleged that individuals as old as 200 and even 300 years are improperly collecting benefits.
Musk posted on X that Social Security records purportedly list over 3.9 million beneficiaries aged 130-139, more than 3.5 million aged 140-149, and approximately 1.3 million between 150-159. He labelled the issue “the biggest fraud in history” and called for an audit.
However, these numbers starkly contrast with U.S. Census data, which estimates that about 80,000 Americans are 100 years old or older. Experts suggest that outdated or incorrect records may explain the discrepancies rather than widespread fraud. Social Security databases sometimes retain inactive files for deceased individuals, leading to misleading figures.
A report from the Social Security inspector general in July 2024 indicated that from 2015 to 2022, the agency paid out $8.6 trillion in benefits, including $71.8 billion—or less than 1%—in improper payments.
Most of these were overpayments to living beneficiaries rather than fraudulent claims by the deceased. Additionally, in early 2024, the U.S. Treasury reclaimed over $31 million in improperly issued federal payments, including, but not limited to, Social Security benefits, reported the Associated Press.
The controversy comes as the Trump administration faces legal challenges over Musk’s role in government operations. Several Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal systems, arguing his influence is excessive and unconstitutional.
The administration maintains that Musk, though an advisor, is not a government employee and lacks decision-making authority. White House officials clarified that while Musk has supported DOGE’s efforts, he does not oversee the agency’s work.
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