Death Master File Under Review by Congress

zimmytws/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Congress is now taking a closer look at the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File, which has incorrectly paid federal benefits to dead people and listed living people as dead.

It is estimated that the discrepancies cost U.S. taxpayers $125 billion last year.

Senator Tom Carper, D-DE, said on Monday he is introducing legislation to help clear up some of the mistakes that are costing taxpayers billions.

“We just can’t afford making $125 billion dollars in improper payments like we’ve apparently made last fiscal year,” he said.

Alabama resident Judy Rivers, who testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on Monday, told the committee she first learned of her incorrect status while visiting a bank.

“The information they receive is directly from the Social Security Administration and that I was listed as dead in 2008,” she said.

“Without a Social Security number you can do nothing in the United States,” she said.

Rivers said without a working or credible Social Security number, her life was destroyed.

“I could never have imagined I would reach the point of hopelessness, homelessness, financial destitution, loss of reputation and credibility, unable to find a job, an apartment, a student loan or even buy a cell phone,” she told the committee.

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