What Percentage Of Life Insurance Policies Go Unclaimed? 
The SS DMF -LRB- Social Security Death Master File -RRB- is indeed often used by carriers that issue life insurance policies . And some carriers have come under investigation over claims of failing to pay death benefits . The Catcch 22 is , by Social Securities own admission the DMF often contains erroneous information . It is not uncommon for SS to terminate benefits because the DMF reported someone as deceased when in fact they are still alive . When this happens it can take months and numerous appeals before SS reinstates you in their system . 