In a shocking case of mistaken identity, Wilfredo Pagan, a 77-year-old man from Long Island, has been denied Social Security benefits for years after the Social Security Administration (SSA) mistakenly listed him as deceased. Despite being very much alive, Pagan has faced numerous roadblocks in his efforts to collect the benefits he is entitled to.
The SSA’s error has left Pagan struggling to navigate a bureaucratic nightmare while dealing with mounting medical bills and other financial challenges. His situation has become more dire as his health continues to decline, and his family is desperately trying to set the record straight with the government agency.
A Nightmare for Wilfredo Pagan
For years, Pagan, who resides in Far Rockaway, Queens, has tried to access his Social Security benefits. However, every time he tries to apply or inquire, he is told that there is no record of him being alive in the system. According to the SSA, Pagan has been dead for several years, which is why they refuse to process his benefits claims. This wrongful declaration has left Pagan in a difficult position, unable to receive the support he needs in his later years.
“I am suffering because every day I say, ‘Why do I deserve what happens to me?'” Pagan said, describing the emotional toll this mix-up has taken on him. “It’s a nightmare… I think they want to kill me.” Despite these serious struggles, Pagan continues to live, work, and try to prove his existence to the Social Security Administration.
Pagan has been trying to collect his Social Security benefits for several years, but the SSA continues to insist that he is no longer alive. This error has left him without access to vital financial support and made it difficult for him to get the help he needs, particularly as his health worsens.
A Modest Living and Struggling Health
Pagan runs a small store in Far Rockaway where he sells spiritual candles and religious statues. Though he earns a modest living, this income is not enough to cover his medical expenses and everyday needs. Over time, his health has deteriorated, making it even harder for him to keep up with his bills and other financial obligations.
Despite Pagan’s efforts to explain his situation and provide proof of his identity, the SSA’s bureaucracy has proven nearly impossible to navigate. He has tried reaching out to the agency on multiple occasions, but has received little help or acknowledgment from the people who are supposed to assist him.
His goddaughter, Deana Bain, has been actively involved in helping Pagan fight for his benefits. Bain shared her frustration with the lack of action from the SSA, telling NBC New York, “They say, ‘We’ll do an investigation, and we’ll call you. And—nothing.’”
The SSA’s refusal to correct their mistake is particularly damaging for Pagan, given his declining health. Without the financial assistance he should be receiving, Pagan’s situation continues to worsen.
Social Security’s Mistake: What Happened?
The mistake that led to Pagan being wrongly declared dead is part of a larger problem faced by many seniors and others who rely on the Social Security system. While the SSA has mechanisms in place to ensure that records are updated regularly, errors can still happen. Pagan’s case is an example of how a bureaucratic mistake can have devastating consequences for individuals who depend on these vital benefits.
There are a number of ways such errors can occur. In some cases, a mix-up with similar names or a technical glitch in the SSA’s database can cause someone to be mistakenly marked as deceased. Pagan’s case appears to be one of these instances, though the SSA has not provided a clear explanation for why they believe he is no longer alive.
When someone is mistakenly listed as deceased, it can create significant obstacles for them in terms of accessing their Social Security benefits. In many cases, it takes months or even years to correct the error, leaving the person without the support they need to survive.
Unfortunately, the system that was meant to protect seniors and provide them with financial assistance in their later years has instead become a source of stress, confusion, and hardship for people like Pagan.
Struggling with the SSA: Pagan’s Attempts to Resolve the Issue
Despite the SSA’s refusal to acknowledge their mistake, Pagan has continued to fight for his rights. He went to a Social Security office in nearby Freeport, hoping to clear up the confusion. When he showed up with his Social Security card, a worker allegedly confiscated the card and claimed that it was a fake.
This incident only added to Pagan’s frustration and feelings of helplessness. Having his card confiscated made it even harder for him to prove his identity and prove that he was, in fact, the living individual entitled to benefits. Pagan’s experience in this office reflects a larger issue with the SSA, where individuals sometimes find themselves not only denied benefits but also treated with skepticism and distrust when they try to correct a mistake.
Why This Case Is More Than Just a Personal Tragedy
Pagan’s case is not an isolated incident. There are countless others who have faced similar struggles with the Social Security Administration’s system. While the agency’s intent is to provide benefits to those who need them, errors in the system continue to create barriers for people who rely on these funds.
The financial burden that Social Security recipients face is often significant, especially as they age and encounter health problems. Social Security benefits are meant to serve as a safety net, but when the system fails to provide them, individuals like Pagan are left in dire situations. The problem is further exacerbated when the agency fails to take swift action to correct errors.
For Pagan, this experience has become more than just an inconvenience—it’s a life-or-death struggle. As his health continues to decline, his need for financial support becomes even more urgent. But until the SSA addresses its mistake, Pagan will continue to be without the benefits he deserves.
The Family’s Efforts to Help
Pagan’s family, especially his goddaughter, Deana Bain, has been working tirelessly to resolve the situation. However, despite repeated attempts to contact the SSA and get answers, their efforts have largely been in vain. Bain expressed her deep frustration at the lack of response from the agency, saying, “They don’t care. It’s like we’re invisible to them.”
For Pagan’s family, this situation has caused immense emotional strain. They are helpless in the face of the SSA’s refusal to correct the mistake, leaving them with no choice but to keep pushing for change. In the meantime, Pagan continues to live without the benefits he is entitled to, hoping for a resolution that seems elusive.
What Can Be Done to Help?
Pagan’s case highlights the need for reform within the Social Security Administration, particularly when it comes to how they handle errors in their system. More transparency, accountability, and responsiveness from the SSA could prevent situations like Pagan’s from happening in the first place. Additionally, the process for correcting mistakes should be made easier and more efficient, so that people who depend on Social Security can access their benefits without unnecessary delays.
Advocacy for people like Pagan is essential in order to bring attention to the issues within the Social Security system. While it may be too late for Pagan to fully recover the time and money lost due to this mistake, there are still steps that can be taken to ensure that future beneficiaries do not face the same hardships.
Conclusion
Wilfredo Pagan’s fight to prove that he is alive and eligible for Social Security benefits is a heartbreaking example of the flaws in the system. As his health continues to decline and his financial struggles worsen, the mistakes of the Social Security Administration are only adding to his burden.
While Pagan’s case may seem like an isolated incident, it is indicative of larger problems within the Social Security system that need to be addressed. Hopefully, Pagan’s story will raise awareness and prompt the changes necessary to help prevent others from facing similar struggles in the future.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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