Attempts by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to seek access to the Social Security Administration’s database have sparked concern that it could compromise people’s private financial and medical information and could lead to a disruption in benefits.

It is true that improper payments have been made—including some to dead people—but the claims thrown out by Elon Musk and Donald Trump are overstated.

Elon Musk suggests millions of Americans 100 or older are receiving Social Security benefits. A former Social Security Administration leader insists otherwise.