Long Island, NY – For 77-year-old Wilfredo Pagan, life has become an uphill battle—not against illness or financial struggles alone, but against an unexpected and baffling adversary: the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Despite being very much alive, Pagan has spent years fighting to prove his existence after the SSA mistakenly declared him dead. As a result, he has been denied the Social Security benefits he rightfully earned, leaving him struggling to pay mounting bills while facing bureaucratic red tape at every turn.
A Nightmare That Won’t End
Pagan, a small business owner in Far Rockaway, Queens, sells spiritual candles and religious statues to make a modest living. But as his health declines, he finds himself more in need of financial support than ever before. His attempts to claim Social Security benefits, however, have been met with repeated denials—because, according to government records, he no longer exists.
“I am suffering because every day I ask myself, ‘Why do I deserve this?’” Pagan told NBC New York. “It’s a nightmare. I think they want to kill me.”
Adding to his frustration, Pagan says that when he first visited a Social Security office in Freeport, he was treated as a fraud. When he presented his Social Security card, he claims a worker confiscated it, insisting it was fake.
“I am a fraud? That’s what hurts me,” he said.
Even after presenting his birth certificate and other identification, Pagan says no one took his case seriously. His goddaughter, Deana Bain, has been by his side, trying to help him navigate the system, but with little success.
“They say, ‘We’ll do an investigation and call you.’ And—nothing,” Bain said.
Confusion Over His Identity
Pagan’s case took an even stranger turn when he learned that someone else had been receiving benefits using his Social Security number. According to Bain, officials told them a person in the Dominican Republic had been collecting payments meant for Pagan.
“They told him there was someone in the Dominican Republic receiving benefits because the person who was using his Social Security number died,” Bain explained.
Yet, despite this alarming discovery, no action was taken to correct the records. Pagan remained officially deceased in the eyes of the SSA, and his benefits remained inaccessible.
Government Inconsistencies
While the SSA insists Pagan is dead, another branch of the U.S. government had no trouble verifying his identity. In 2025, he successfully obtained a U.S. passport—with his Social Security number listed on the application. Despite this, he continued to receive death notices from Social Security.
“Everything has been blocked. And I’m not sure exactly why, but they just refuse to do anything,” Bain said. “Any avenue he tried to go through, Social Security blocked it.”
Pagan’s story is not unique. Cases of mistaken deaths are more common than one might think. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately 12,000 people are erroneously marked as deceased each year. Such mistakes can lead to frozen bank accounts, canceled health benefits, and denial of critical services.
The Impact of Being Declared Dead
The consequences of being listed as deceased in federal records are severe. Once a person is mistakenly recorded as dead, the SSA typically notifies banks, Medicare, and other government agencies, which then halt services. This can result in:
- Loss of benefits – Social Security payments, Medicaid, and other government assistance are automatically stopped.
- Financial hardship – Individuals may struggle to pay rent, medical bills, and basic living expenses.
- Legal battles – Correcting the error requires extensive paperwork and multiple office visits.
- Identity theft risks – Fraudsters can exploit the confusion to commit identity theft (Federal Trade Commission).
Pagan’s case illustrates just how difficult it can be to rectify such a bureaucratic blunder. Even after presenting proof of life, he has been unable to regain access to his benefits.
A Possible Breakthrough
After NBC New York investigated the case, the Social Security Administration (SSA) finally reached out to Pagan’s family. While officials declined to comment on his specific situation, they scheduled an appointment for him at the Freeport office.
This appointment could be the first step toward correcting the record and reclaiming the benefits Pagan is owed. If successful, he may be entitled to years of back payments for the benefits he was wrongfully denied.
What to Do If You’re Declared Dead by Mistake
If someone is mistakenly declared dead by the SSA, experts recommend taking immediate action:
- Contact the Social Security Administration – Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with identification, including a birth certificate and passport.
- Request a “Death Erroneously Reported” Correction – Ask the SSA to correct the record and restore benefits.
- Obtain a “Verification of Benefits” Letter – This document can help prove eligibility for services while the mistake is being resolved.
- Check Your Credit Report – A fraudulent death report can lead to identity theft. Check for suspicious activity using Annual Credit Report (AnnualCreditReport.com).
- Seek Legal Help – If SSA delays the correction, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in Social Security cases.
A Long Road to Justice
For Pagan, the fight isn’t just about getting his Social Security checks—it’s about reclaiming his identity and dignity. He has spent years struggling to convince the government that he is alive. Now, with a long-overdue meeting scheduled, there is hope that justice will finally be served.
“I’m entitled to that money,” Pagan said. “They don’t want to give it.”
As he awaits his appointment, Pagan remains cautiously optimistic. If the SSA finally acknowledges its mistake, he could soon regain the financial stability he has been fighting for all these years. But until then, he continues his battle—one that no living person should ever have to fight.
(Source : msn.com)
