Missouri woman who was wrongfully declared dead in 2007 still tries to prove she's alive
A woman from Missouri in the United States who was wrongfully declared dead in 2007 is still trying to prove she's alive.
PEOPLE Magazine reported that Madeline-Michelle Carthen was supposed to take part in an international intern exchange program. She was never able to attend, even graduate, after being denied financial aid since her Social Security number listed her as deceased.
In fact, Carthen said the issue actually began in 2006 and only became aware until the school informed her four months later.
Her name was added to the Death Master File, which has records of dead people with Social Security numbers.
Once someone's name is on the file, the federal government, banks, and insurance companies cancel their existence.
Since then, Carthen has been unable to vote or maintain a steady job. She also had to give up her home and could not get a mortgage.
A Social Security Administration official told PEOPLE they contacted Carthen "directly to assist with her case."
The SSA said a person incorrectly listed as deceased should go to their local office and bring an identification form. Once certified, the agency will reach out to banks, doctors, and others about the error.
But Carthen said the error has never been resolved for the last 16 years and has received six erroneous death letters.
She also tried changing her name and getting a new Social Security number but to no avail.
Moreover, her son Kenneth, 29, has had issues going back to college since she cannot sign his Federal Student Aid application form, which requires her Social Security number.
Curiously, Carthen is still able to receive disability benefits despite being "dead," according to PEOPLE.
"How is it that I can go through these things and they classify me as dead and I'm not, but I'm on disability?" she is quoted as saying.
