Social Security Targets Millions of Death and Citizenship Records in Its Biggest Cleanup Ever

Social Security says it has corrected tens of millions of identity records in the largest database cleanup in its history. The changes involve missing death dates and citizenship information, raising understandable questions about what the effort means for people receiving benefits. The agency’s October 20 announcement reports progress on work underway since the beginning of the Trump administration. It does not announce a benefit cut, a new application requirement or a deadline for everyone to verify their Social Security number. The practical issue is accuracy. Better records can help prevent improper payments and identity misuse, while incorrect changes can create...