Stuff You Should Know What Happens When the Government Thinks You're Dead?
May 2, 2019
Imagine discovering the government thinks you're dead! This podcast dives into the chaos that ensues when bureaucratic errors lead to wrongful death declarations. Hear about the complex legacy of Social Security numbers and the notorious Death Master File, which can falsely label living individuals as deceased. Through engaging stories, including a man's 17-year quest to reclaim his identity, the hosts highlight the absurdities of red tape and the vital need for accurate records. It's a wild ride through the intersection of life, death, and government mishaps!
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Social Security Numbers Episode
- Josh Clark initially found Social Security numbers boring but became interested.
- Chuck Bryant recalled their previous episode on the topic.
Original Purpose of Social Security Numbers
- Social Security numbers were created in 1936 to track earnings for retirement benefits.
- Initially, they weren't intended for identification, but that changed in the 1970s.
Social Security Numbers as Identifiers
- Social Security numbers became identifiers in the 1970s, expanding use beyond passports and bank accounts.
- Companies now routinely request them, creating privacy concerns and annoyance for people like Chuck Bryant.