Recent discussions have raised concerns about the Social Security Administration (SSA) potentially disbursing funds to individuals purportedly aged 149 and older.
These claims suggest that millions of beneficiaries are listed with ages exceeding typical human lifespans, with some records indicating ages as high as 360 years.
This article delves into the validity of these assertions, the underlying causes of such anomalies, and the measures in place to ensure the integrity of Social Security disbursements.
Understanding the Claims
In a recent address, President Donald Trump highlighted anomalies within the SSA’s records, stating:
“Three-point-five million people from age 140 to 149… money is being paid to many of them.”
He further mentioned an instance of an individual listed at 360 years of age. These statements have sparked debates about potential inefficiencies and inaccuracies within the SSA’s database.
The Role of COBOL in SSA’s Data Anomalies
A significant factor contributing to these age discrepancies is the SSA’s reliance on COBOL, a programming language developed in the 1950s.
COBOL lacks a native date data type, leading programmers to adopt unconventional methods for date representation. One such method involves using a default reference date, often May 20, 1875, as a placeholder for unknown or missing birthdates.
Consequently, individuals without specified birthdates in the system might be assigned ages exceeding 150 years.
Impact of Data Entry Practices
The SSA’s data entry practices have also contributed to these anomalies. In cases where birthdates are unknown or unrecorded, the system defaults to the aforementioned reference date.
This practice results in records displaying implausible ages, leading to misconceptions about the actual age distribution of beneficiaries.
Are These Individuals Receiving Benefits?
It’s crucial to distinguish between records indicating advanced ages and actual benefit disbursements. The SSA has clarified that while such records exist, they do not necessarily correspond to active beneficiaries receiving payments.
Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek addressed these concerns, stating that the data in question pertains to individuals with no recorded date of death, not necessarily active recipients.
Extent of Improper Payments
While the SSA processes over $1 trillion in payments annually, the rate of improper payments, which include payments to deceased individuals, is relatively low.
Between fiscal years 2015 and 2022, the SSA disbursed approximately $71.8 billion in improper payments, accounting for less than 1% of total payouts.
Challenges in Updating SSA’s Systems
Modernizing the SSA’s systems to rectify these anomalies presents significant challenges. The agency’s reliance on outdated technology, coupled with the vast scale of its operations, makes system overhauls both complex and costly.
Estimates suggest that updating the database to accurately reflect current beneficiary information would require substantial financial investment and time.
Measures to Mitigate Inaccuracies
To address these discrepancies, the SSA has implemented several measures:
- Automatic Cessation of Payments: As of September 2015, the SSA halts benefit payments to individuals recorded as being older than 115 years.
- Data Cross-Referencing: The SSA collaborates with agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify beneficiaries who haven’t utilized Medicare Part A or B services for over three years, aiding in the identification of potential deceased individuals.
- Prioritizing Verification: The agency focuses on verifying the status of beneficiaries aged 90 and above residing in the U.S. to ensure the accuracy of its records.
While the presence of records indicating beneficiaries aged 149 and above within the SSA’s database is concerning, these anomalies primarily stem from outdated data management practices and technological limitations.
There is no substantial evidence to suggest that individuals of such advanced ages are actively receiving Social Security benefits.
The SSA acknowledges these discrepancies and has instituted measures to enhance the accuracy of its records, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the Social Security program.