The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is currently investigating potential fraud within the Social Security system, following alarming revelations shared by its head, Elon Musk. Musk recently posted data from the Social Security database that suggests an astonishing number of individuals are registered as alive well beyond the typical human lifespan, with some entries indicating ages up to 369 years.
In a striking chart shared on social media, Musk highlighted the number of people listed in various age brackets, revealing that millions are recorded in categories that raise significant questions about their validity. For instance, there are approximately 4.7 million individuals aged 100 to 109, and even more concerning are the 3.6 million aged 110 to 119, along with 3.4 million in the 120 to 129 range. The figures continue, with 3.9 million listed as 130 to 139, 3.4 million from 140 to 149, and 1.3 million aged 150 to 159. Notably, there is even one individual recorded in the 360 to 369 age bracket.
Musk humorously speculated about the implications of these figures, suggesting that perhaps "Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security." He further noted that there are significantly more Social Security numbers deemed eligible than there are citizens in the United States, calling it potentially "the biggest fraud in history."
DOGE has acknowledged the issue, stating that they are actively investigating the discrepancies highlighted by Musk. This scrutiny aligns with earlier remarks Musk made on February 11, where he expressed disbelief over the existence of individuals aged 150 or older, questioning if they were either deceased or should be famous for their longevity.
According to Pew Research, there were about 101,000 individuals aged 100 or older in the U.S. as of 2024, a stark contrast to the millions reported in the Social Security database. PolitiFact has suggested two possible explanations for the anomalies: one being that the government databases may inaccurately code individuals as being 150 years old due to the complexities of the data systems. The Social Security office also confirmed that while improper payments have been a longstanding concern, they represent a small fraction of total payments.
The investigation into these discrepancies comes amid broader concerns about fraud in the Social Security system, which the Trump administration seeks to address. Advocates argue that uncovering fraudulent claims could significantly bolster the funding available for legitimate beneficiaries. Saul Anuzis, president of the 60 Plus Association, emphasized that tackling fraud could enhance the longevity of both Social Security and Medicare without reducing benefits for those in need.
As DOGE continues to probe these alarming figures, the implications of their findings may lead to significant reforms in how Social Security data is managed and monitored, potentially reshaping public confidence in the system.