Stuff You Should Know Selects: What Happens When the Government Thinks You're Dead?
Jul 16, 2022
Explore the absurd world where the government mistakenly declares people dead, causing unexpected bureaucracy and chaos. Discover the dark side of Social Security numbers and hear stories about the chilling realities faced by those who battle against wrongful death declarations. Delve into healthcare challenges after accidents, and learn about the struggles to correct inaccuracies in the Social Security Administration's records. With humorous anecdotes and real-life stories, it’s a wild ride through the bureaucratic maze!
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Social Security Number Evolution
- Social Security numbers were initially designed to track earnings for retirement benefits.
- Their use expanded significantly in the 1970s, becoming a general identifier.
Problems with Being Listed as Dead
- Being incorrectly listed as dead by the government creates many problems.
- This can impact access to services and benefits due to the Social Security number being retired.
Death Master File
- The Death Master File (DMF), established in 1936, became public in 1980 after an FOIA request.
- It lists deceased individuals to help prevent fraud, though it also contains errors.