Social Security defends accuracy of death records

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has defended its death records, stating that less than 0.33% of reported deaths are incorrect. This response follows claims from Donald Trump and Elon Musk about deceased individuals receiving benefits. Trump and Musk suggested that many deceased people are still listed as alive in the SSA system. However, SSA Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek clarified that these records do not mean the individuals are receiving benefits. In 2025, nearly 69 million Americans are expected to receive Social Security benefits, totaling about $1.6 trillion for the year. The SSA emphasizes the importance of these benefits for older Americans.