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Man must prove he’s still alive to the SSA

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2013 | Social Security Administration News

“I’m not dead!” That was one man’s reaction to some disturbing news he and his family received in the mail courtesy of the Social Security Administration. While the news may have shocked him, he can take disturbing comfort in realizing that he is not alone. Roughly 1000 people every month receive similar news and are suddenly thrust into a fight for finances, medicine, and information.

Apparently, a local funeral home reported the man’s death which prompted the Social Security Administration to cut his benefits check and other benefits. After not receiving them one month, the man called to find out where his money was when he suddenly got the condolences letter to his family in the mail.

The worry for those who are on Social Security benefits and suddenly incorrectly declared dead is that it creates a myriad of hardships on what often times is the most vulnerable amongst the populous. At risk from this clerical error are the recipient’s financial security, medical benefits such as prescriptions, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as their identity and its information. Once deceased, the Freedom of Information Act allows ones personal information to be released and possibly accessed by those with ill intent on its use.

If you should be the unfortunate recipient of a letter by the SSA declaring your premature death, please contact an attorney immediately. An attorney practiced in fighting for your Social Security benefit rights will be able to assist you in rectifying the situation so that you can immediately mitigate any potential and future hardships.

Source: CBS DFW, “Weatherford Man To Social Security Admin.: “I’m Not Dead!”,” Jason Allen, Dec. 18, 2012

  • To find out more about what resources are available to you in California when deprived of your Social Security benefits, please visit our website.
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