Hi Pat,
From what I've been reading on this, the problem isn't really the
SSDI. The problem is the IRS. All the IRS has to do is require a
certified copy of the death certificate along with the tax
return. Most states will only provide certified death certificates
to the immediate family. Problem solved.
Another elegant solution would be to not include the Social Security
numbers of anyone under the age of 18. Generally, you have to be 18
to enter into a contract, so there really isn't any need for the SSDI
to list those numbers. This year they would not include the number
for anyone born after 1994; next year would be 1995. Easy.
As usual, Congress is trying to swat a mosquito with a pile driver.
BTW, why do kids need Social Security numbers anyway? Must be so the
IRS can keep track of them. Again, that's not related to Social
Security. Social Security numbers aren't supposed to be used for
identification.
I have tremendous sympathy for families in mourning, but to deprive
everyone else because 28 families had a problem is overkill. There
has to be a better way.
Source:
http://megansmolenyak.posterous.com/are-we-going-to-lose-the-social-secur...
Rel@ively,
Patrice
P.S. Some of the instances may not even be abuse. They might have
been typos when listing the SS number on the IRS form.
At 1/31/2012 03:00 AM, gagen-request(a)rootsweb.com wrote:
Thanks, Vivian.
I have really mixed feelings about it because including the Social
Security number with
the dates of birth and death makes it so easy for identity
thieves. On the news the other
night was a couple whose infant son's information was used, and that
must have been
horrible to be grieving the loss of their son while having to
contest all the charges and
new credit obtained in his name.
On the other hand, I've been heavily reliant on the places and dates
from the SSDI online.
I need to go read the bill.
Pat Sabin
Gwinnett