Debunking the Myth: No, 150-Year-Olds Aren’t on Social Security

Recent claims circulating online suggest that individuals as old as 150 are receiving Social Security benefits. However, these assertions are misleading and stem from outdated or incomplete data entries rather than fraudulent payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that no one of such an age is actively receiving benefits, and the confusion primarily arises from legacy database issues.

The Origin of the Myth

The misunderstanding originates from quirks in the SSA’s aging data systems, many of which rely on COBOL, a programming language developed over 60 years ago. In cases where birthdates are missing or incomplete, some SSA databases default to an arbitrary placeholder date—often May 20, 1875. This results in records appearing as if certain individuals are over 150 years old. However, these are not active beneficiaries but simply artifacts of outdated record-keeping.

The issue of inaccurate Social Security data has been publicly acknowledged before. According to a 2015 audit by the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG), there were nearly 6.5 million Social Security numbers assigned to individuals who were reportedly over 112 years old, even though the number of verified living individuals in that age group was fewer than 40 at the time. However, the vast majority of those records were inactive and not tied to fraudulent benefit payments. (SSA OIG Report)

The Reality of Social Security Payments

Despite viral claims of widespread fraud, there is no evidence that individuals aged 150 are cashing in Social Security checks. The SSA employs extensive verification measures to ensure benefits are paid only to eligible individuals. These include:

• Death Master File (DMF): The SSA maintains a database that tracks deaths reported by government agencies, financial institutions, and family members to prevent payments to deceased individuals. (Social Security Death Index)
• Regular Eligibility Checks: Beneficiaries must periodically provide updated information to continue receiving payments, especially for programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Fraud Prevention Measures: The SSA works closely with the OIG and other federal agencies to detect and prevent fraudulent claims. (SSA Fraud Prevention)

Investigations and Audits

The claims of 150-year-olds collecting benefits gained renewed attention after social media posts accused the SSA of mishandling records. However, multiple audits and investigations have shown that erroneous records do not equate to improper payments. In fact, a 2020 SSA OIG audit found that while outdated records persist in the system, actual overpayments due to fraudulent age claims are exceedingly rare.

A more recent review revealed that while approximately 18.9 million individuals were erroneously recorded as being over 100 years old, they had not received benefits in decades. The number of living beneficiaries over 100 is estimated to be around 44,000, with only a handful over 112 years old. (SSA Statistics)

Systemic Challenges and Ongoing Fixes

The SSA’s reliance on decades-old technology has made modernizing its database a challenge. The agency has been gradually transitioning to newer systems, but the process has been slow due to funding and logistical constraints. Efforts to improve record accuracy include:

• Data Validation Initiatives: The SSA has been working to improve its record-keeping by cross-referencing with other government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• System Upgrades: Congress has approved additional funding for SSA IT modernization efforts, aiming to replace outdated systems and reduce errors. (SSA IT Modernization Plan)
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The SSA regularly reminds beneficiaries and their families to report deaths and other status changes to prevent erroneous records.

Conclusion

The idea that 150-year-olds are collecting Social Security benefits is a myth fueled by outdated data entries and misunderstandings about government record-keeping. While the SSA has long faced challenges with maintaining an accurate database, audits confirm that fraudulent benefit payments tied to erroneous age records are minimal. The agency continues to work on modernizing its systems to improve accuracy and prevent misinformation from spreading.

For individuals concerned about Social Security data integrity, the best course of action is to rely on official government sources and verified reports rather than viral social media claims. You can learn more about how Social Security manages benefits and fraud prevention by visiting SSA.gov.