Social Security Says My Late Dad Was Owed Benefits – So Why Do They Want My SSN?

Published On: April 10, 2025

Social Security Says My Late Dad Was Owed Benefits – So Why Do They Want My SSN?

Millions of retired Americans rely on Social Security benefits, but until recently, some were not receiving them in full or at all.

This is because of two provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset.

These rules are intended to prevent certain public employees from receiving both a pension and full Social Security benefits. Instead, their benefits were reduced—and, in some cases, eliminated.

But that is changing. A new law could mean millions of retirees are owed money.

Big Changes to Social Security

The recently passed Social Security Fairness Act eliminates both the WEP and the GPO. This means that many affected retirees are now eligible for higher monthly benefits.

Even more significantly, some people may be entitled to retroactive payments, which are essentially lump sums of money that they should have received all along.

For example, in a Reddit post, one user stated that they received a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding their late father, who had not received benefits due to an old provision.

The SSA is now requesting the user’s Social Security number to determine whether they are eligible to receive their father’s unpaid benefits.

Because the father had no spouse and the poster is the only child, they could potentially receive the entire backpay.

Is It Real — or A Scam?

While the prospect of receiving unpaid benefits is exciting, it also opens the door to potential scams.

Identity theft is common, and scammers frequently impersonate government agencies, so the Reddit user is right to be cautious.

Fortunately, many users provided sound advice: do not respond to the letter directly. Instead, go to your local Social Security office in person to confirm that the letter is legitimate.

This allows you to speak with a real SSA employee and safely provide any required information.

If you receive a letter claiming you are owed money and requesting personal information, never send your Social Security number or other sensitive information without first verifying the source.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and disclosing that information could jeopardize your identity—and your finances.

What Should You Do Next?

If you believe you have been affected by the WEP or GPO and may be entitled to additional compensation, consult a financial advisor.

Whether you’re owed backpay or your monthly benefits have increased, professional advice can help you make the most of the extra money, especially if you’re already on a limited retirement budget.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, SmartAsset provides a free tool that will connect you with up to three pre-screened financial advisors in your area. This is how it works.