Imagine trying to prove you’re alive when the government says you’re dead. That’s exactly what 77-year-old Wilfredo Pagan from Long Island is dealing with. For years, he has been fighting to receive his Social Security benefits, but the government keeps telling him he’s deceased. Despite his efforts to clear up the mistake, Pagan continues to face challenges, making it harder for him to get the help he desperately needs. This article takes a closer look at Pagan’s battle to prove he is alive and the obstacles he has encountered.
Wilfredo Pagan’s Struggle with the Social Security Administration
Wilfredo Pagan, a 77-year-old man from Long Island, has been caught in a frustrating situation for several years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has mistakenly listed him as dead, despite him being very much alive. As a result, Pagan has been denied the benefits that he is entitled to, leaving him in a difficult situation. His health is getting worse, and his medical bills are piling up. Yet, every time he attempts to apply for his benefits, the SSA continues to reject him, citing his “deceased” status.
The Roadblocks in Pagan’s Fight for Benefits
Pagan’s troubles started when he tried to apply for Social Security benefits, only to be told that he was listed as dead in the SSA system. He claims that the SSA has continuously ignored his efforts to fix the error. When he visited the Social Security office in Freeport, he brought his Social Security card and other documents, including his birth certificate, to prove his identity. But instead of receiving help, Pagan said the worker at the office accused him of having a fake card, a claim that deeply hurt him. He felt humiliated, especially when no one followed up to investigate the fraud allegation.
Despite providing all necessary documents, Pagan’s attempts to resolve the issue were met with silence. His family members, including his goddaughter, Deana Bain, said that the SSA had promised to investigate the situation but had never called back or provided any updates. Pagan’s struggle has been further complicated by the fact that other people may be receiving benefits under his Social Security number.
Confusion and Frustration: Passport and Death Notices
Pagan’s situation became even more confusing when he managed to obtain a U.S. passport in 2025. His passport application included his Social Security number, which was approved by the federal government. This should have been a clear sign that Pagan was alive and his Social Security number was valid. However, he continued to receive death notices from the SSA, causing further distress.
To make matters worse, the family was later told that someone in the Dominican Republic was receiving benefits under Pagan’s Social Security number. This raised even more questions, but no one provided any clear explanation or solution. Pagan’s frustration grew as it seemed that every effort he made to solve the problem was blocked.
The Family’s Desperation and Hope
Pagan’s family has been there every step of the way, supporting him through this long and stressful battle. They have made countless attempts to reach the SSA and resolve the issue. Bain, his goddaughter, expressed her worry that Pagan’s mounting medical bills would prevent him from receiving proper care. She fears that hospitals will not treat him due to the ongoing confusion surrounding his Social Security status.
Although the situation seems hopeless, the family’s persistence finally paid off. After reaching out to the media, the SSA contacted Pagan’s family, and they now have an appointment scheduled at the Freeport office. While it remains to be seen whether the issue will be resolved, this small step gives them hope.
Conclusion
Wilfredo Pagan’s case is a heartbreaking example of the challenges that many people face when dealing with government bureaucracy. For years, he has fought to prove he is alive and deserving of the benefits he has earned, but his efforts have been met with obstacles at every turn. As his health continues to decline and his financial burdens grow, Pagan and his family are desperate for justice. The battle for his Social Security benefits is not just about money – it’s about his dignity and the right to live without the constant stress of being wrongly declared dead. Let’s hope that, with the attention this case has received, Pagan will finally get the help he needs.
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