Elon Musk has sparked controversy once again, this time by claiming that millions of people listed as over 100 years old are still collecting Social Security benefits in the United States. Musk made the allegations through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been investigating potential fraud within federal entitlement programs, including Social Security and Medicare.
According to Musk, over 20 million individuals aged between 100 and 159 are still marked as eligible for Social Security payments, despite their suspiciously advanced ages. He shared the data in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing that the Social Security database shows these individuals as “alive,” which he mockingly attributed to “Twilight being real” and “vampires collecting Social Security.”
The billionaire’s claims have ignited a debate over the accuracy of federal records and raised questions about the potential misuse of Social Security funds. Critics argue that Musk’s statements are exaggerated, but his allegations have already prompted DOGE to launch an investigation into the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Elon Musk Questions Social Security Numbers
Elon Musk’s accusations didn’t stop at centenarians. He also claimed that some people listed in the Social Security database are over 200 years old. Musk’s DOGE team has alleged that the SSA’s records contain far more eligible Social Security numbers than the total U.S. population, which he suggested might be “the biggest fraud in history.”
Musk further highlighted that while the U.S. population was approximately 334.9 million in 2023, the SSA recorded around 310 million eligible for Social Security benefits. He noted that this would mean over 92% of Americans qualify for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits—a figure he called “impossible” and evidence of widespread fraud.
During a press conference with President Donald Trump, Musk stated that DOGE would audit the SSA next, revealing that “people who are probably dead” are still receiving Social Security checks. Musk quipped that the records show individuals aged 150, joking that they should either be in the Guinness Book of World Records or “probably dead.”
Programming Error or Massive Fraud?
Elon Musk’s allegations have led to debates about whether the numbers are due to fraud or a technical glitch. Some computer programmers have suggested that the 150-year-old entries could result from outdated systems used by the SSA.
The SSA’s system reportedly relies on COBOL, a 60-year-old programming language that lacks modern date functionality. As a result, the system defaults to a historical reference date when a birth date is missing, leading to erroneous age entries. This explanation suggests that the alleged “vampires” on Social Security might simply be coding errors.
A 2023 report from the SSA’s inspector general supported this theory, revealing that 98% of people listed as over 100 in the database do not receive benefits. However, the report also noted that updating the system would be costly, which has delayed necessary upgrades.
Musk’s DOGE Pursues Further Investigation
Elon Musk remains undeterred by the technical explanations and has vowed to continue DOGE’s investigation into Social Security fraud. In recent months, DOGE has targeted other federal agencies, including USAID, FEMA, and the FAA, as part of Musk’s broader mission to cut federal spending.
Musk’s allegations have sparked a political firestorm, with privacy advocates and government officials raising concerns about his approach to data analysis. Meanwhile, his followers are rallying behind his claims, urging for greater transparency in government spending.
While Musk’s critics accuse him of exaggerating the issue, his influence and DOGE’s growing power ensure that the investigation will continue to draw national attention. The debate over whether Social Security fraud or outdated technology is to blame is far from over.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.