Elon Musk has once again made headlines, this time with claims that Social Security payments are being sent to individuals reported to be as old as 150 years.
As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk asserts that fraud within the Social Security system is more prevalent than previously thought. But are these claims grounded in fact, or are they an exaggerated attempt to shake up government spending?
Musk’s Claims: Exposing a Broken System?
During a press conference on February 11, 2025, Musk suggested that outdated record-keeping and lax oversight have led to fraudulent Social Security disbursements. He emphasized the need for technology-driven solutions to eliminate waste and prevent fraud.
“There are payments going out to people who should not be receiving them—some supposedly 150 years old,” Musk said. “This isn’t just a small issue; it’s a fundamental problem that technology can help fix.”
Musk’s claims have ignited a heated debate, with supporters praising his efforts to modernize government programs and critics questioning the accuracy of his allegations.
Does Social Security Fraud Exist at This Scale? Experts Weigh In
Social Security fraud is a documented issue, but experts caution against overestimating its scale. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), fraud cases typically involve either identity theft, unreported deaths, or individuals collecting benefits on behalf of deceased relatives.
A 2023 GAO report found that while Social Security Administration (SSA) errors exist, the number of fraudulent payments represents a small fraction of total disbursements.
“The idea that we have thousands of 150-year-olds receiving checks is misleading,” said Dr. Mark Reynolds, a policy analyst at the Center for Social Security Integrity.
“The Social Security Administration has verification systems in place, and while they are not perfect, major overhauls require careful execution rather than alarmist rhetoric.”
Critics: Is Musk Pushing an Agenda?
Not everyone is convinced that Musk’s motives are purely about improving government efficiency.
Some political analysts argue that his close ties to President Trump’s administration and his influence over public policy raise questions about whether these claims are part of a broader push for privatization.
“Musk’s involvement in public policy is unprecedented for a tech billionaire,” said Linda Hargrove, a government watchdog journalist. “His push for AI-driven solutions sounds innovative, but could also pave the way for corporate interests to play a bigger role in Social Security management.”
Others believe that Musk’s outsider perspective could be exactly what the system needs.
“We should welcome efforts to eliminate fraud, whether they come from government officials or private sector leaders,” said James Keller, a former SSA fraud investigator. “The key is making sure reforms are based on solid data, not speculation.”
The Role of Technology in Fraud Prevention
Musk has long advocated for AI-driven fraud detection, arguing that blockchain technology, biometric verification, and real-time data tracking could help eliminate fraudulent claims.
“We have the tools to fix this. The real question is whether the government is willing to embrace technology at scale,” Musk tweeted.
Some experts agree that technology could help prevent fraud, but caution that overreliance on automation could create new risks—such as wrongfully denying benefits to legitimate recipients due to algorithmic errors.
“A complete overhaul of Social Security’s fraud detection must be approached carefully,” said Sarah Nguyen, a digital governance specialist. “AI systems are only as good as the data they’re trained on. Rushing into this without proper safeguards could do more harm than good.”
The Verdict: Fact or Fiction?
While Musk’s claims have put a spotlight on potential inefficiencies within the Social Security system, no concrete evidence has emerged to support the notion of widespread fraud at the scale he suggests. The SSA has faced issues with fraudulent claims and improper payments, but experts say that the vast majority of recipients are legitimate.
The ongoing investigation by DOGE could uncover real vulnerabilities in the system, but it remains to be seen whether Musk’s proposed solutions will be practical—or whether they are part of a broader push for privatization.
For now, the debate rages on, with the future of Social Security fraud prevention caught between innovation, skepticism, and political agendas.
Also Read