Press Release

 

Press Release  (En español)

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
For Immediate Release

Barton Mackey, Press Officer
press.office@ssa.gov

Social Security Administration Announces New Online Tools and Notices for Disability Claims
Agency enhances online platform to expand service for disability cases

Baltimore, MD – The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced major enhancements to my Social Security, expanding self-service options and the notices available to individuals navigating the disability claims and appeals process. The new tools will provide individuals with greater visibility, faster access to information, and more efficient case processing throughout the lifecycle of a disability claim.

“Our digital-first approach to service is now extending to disability through the Claim Status Tracker, expansion of digital notices, and online document submission, enabling SSA to deliver better outcomes for the American people,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “By making more tools available online, we are empowering claimants to stay informed and manage their Social Security benefits with greater ease and confidence.”

“These digital tools will streamline operations and empower claimants to stay informed and promptly respond to important developments throughout the hearing process, eliminating the need for hearing offices to make outbound calls and instead, focus on reviewing cases in a timely manner,” said Chief of Disability Adjudication Jay Ortis.

Enhancements to my Social Security

Submit Disability Adjudication Forms Online: Individuals can now complete and submit disability adjudication forms directly through their personal my Social Securityaccount, including:

• Form HA-4631, Recent Medical Treatment;
• Form HA-4632, Medication Information; and
• Form HA-4633, Work Background.

Online submission helps ensure adjudicators receive information quickly and supports more efficient case processing.

Track Disability Claim Status Online: Individuals with a pending disability claim, appeal, or recently adjudicated claim can now view the status of their case online at the Hearings and Appeals levels. The Claim Status Tracker provides real-time updates, processing time estimates, and key milestones throughout each level of adjudication. Features include:

• Notification when the hearing office receives a Request for Hearing;
• Status updates as the hearing office reviews information and prepares the case for hearing;
• Status updates when a hearing decision is issued; and
• Appeals Request for Review status updates, receipt of review requests, and completion of actions.

Access Proffer Letters Securely: Individuals can securely access proffer letters in the my Social Security Message Center. A proffer letter is a notice sent when new evidence is added to a case after a hearing, allowing claimants to review and respond before a decision is made.

Access 26 Additional Social Security Notices in my Social Security Message Center: Individuals can view electronic copies of their hearing-related notices by logging into their personal account. The following notices are now available for digital release to accountholders:

• Notice of Hearing
• Request for Good Cause for Late Filing
• Request to Withdraw a Hearing Request
• Please Contact Us
• Postponement of Hearing
• Amended Notice of Hearing
• Notice of Continued Hearing
• Notice of Ways to Attend a Hearing
• Request for Hearing Acknowledgement Letter
• Notice to Show Cause for Failure to Appear
• Response to Request for Expedited Processing
• Good Cause Found to Reschedule Hearing
• Transfer Request for Hearing
• Claimant Questionnaires
• Waiver of Timely Written Notice
• Time to Submit Evidence
• On the Record Notice
• ALJ Approval of Fee Agreement
• ALJ Disapproval of Fee Agreement
• Important Notice About Representation
• Notice of Closing the Record
• Notice Regarding Substitution of Party Upon Death of Claimant
• Congressional Letter
• Letter Template
• Claimant Restriction Letter
• Case Status Letter
• Notice of Hearing Reminder
• Proffer Letter

Claimants may opt to receive email or text notifications when new documents are available. Paper notices will continue to be mailed to claimants and their appointed representatives. This enhancement supports faster case processing and timely communications.

SSA continues to increase the functionality of my Social Security to ensure that the more than 100 million Americans with accounts have a seamless experience when accessing their personal information. With an account, individuals have 24/7 access to their personalized retirement benefits and 1099 forms, can receive tailored notifications, request a replacement card, manage benefits or estimate future benefits, request replacement documents, check the status of pending applications, and conduct other services anytime, anywhere, without needing to visit an office or wait on the phone.

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create a personal account.

For more information about Social Security’s services, visit www.ssa.gov.

SSA To Promote Trump Accounts

      From a Social Security press release:

Today, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it is launching processes for parents to enroll newborns in Trump Accounts. This automatic system will help ensure that every newborn has the opportunity to benefit from a Trump Account from the start of life. …

Starting next week, Social Security will update guidance to hospitals to include Trump Account enrollment information.  SSA will assist the states to modify their existing hospital forms used by parents to apply for Social Security numbers through the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program to include the automatic creation of a Trump Account. Future Social Security card mailers for newborns will also include information to inform parents about the benefits of Trump Accounts and convenient and streamlined ways to open an account. …

The Schemers Never Stop

      From a press release by Social Security’s Office of Inspector General:

Federal law enforcement agencies are warning the public about a surge in government imposter scams involving the misuse of real Social Security Administration (SSA) and Office of the Inspector General (OIG) employee names, fabricated badge images, and fraudulent social media profiles.

Recent reports show scammers are:

• Using the name of a real SSA employee along with a fake badge or credential to appear legitimate.  
• Using information from social media profiles to impersonate a real SSA OIG employee to initiate contact and build trust with potential victims.

These tactics mirror a broader trend in which criminals attempt to legitimize their schemes by sending doctored images of credentials, spoofing phone numbers, or posing as government officials online. …

Over 100 Million Online Accounts

      From a press release:

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is announcing that over 100 million Americans have created personal my Social Security accounts. This marks a major milestone in the agency’s digital-first transformation to increase accessibility, expand service, and improve the overall customer experience for the public. …

A Shakeup

      From a press release:

Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano announced today his executive leadership team and organizational changes designed to strengthen accountability, improve performance, and modernize service delivery. …

Social Security Administration Executive Leadership Team:

Chief of Staff & Chief Risk Officer

Chad Poist

Chief Actuary

Karen Glenn

Chief Communications Officer

Nicholas Perrine

Chief of Disability Adjudication

Jay Ortis (Acting)

Chief of Field Operations

Andy Sriubas

Chief of Processing Centers

Mark Quinlan

Chief of Digital Services

Stephen Evangelista

Chief Human Capital Officer

Florence Felix-Lawson

Chief Information Officer (Core Business Functions)

Michael L. Russo

Chief Information Officer (Technology and Customer Products)

Aram Moghaddassi

Chief of Law, Policy, & Legislative Affairs

Mark Steffensen

Chief Financial Officer

Thomas Holland

Chief of Security and Resiliency

Jessica Taylor

To enhance SSA’s focus on operational excellence and foster a structure that brings leadership closer to the frontlines, the functions previously under Operations will be realigned into three distinct areas: Field Operations, Processing Center, and Digital Service.

SSA is also consolidating all Security functions into a single, integrated organization, which will be responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of information security, physical and protective security, as well as personnel security and suitability programs. …

Commissioner In West Virginia

      From a press release issued yesterday: 

… U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosted Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano in Charleston, W.Va. to visit the social security field office. During the visit, Senator Capito and Commissioner Bisignano met with staff to discuss the improved customer service taking place. …

Are You Suggesting That There’s A Relationship Between Staffing And Productivity? That’s Crazy Talk!

      From a press release issued by Social Security’s Office of Inspector General:

From FY 2019 to FY 2023, Disability Determinations Services (DDS) productivity, measured as Production Per Work Year, decreased by 21 percent, and average processing time increased by 81 percent from 121 to 219 days. The lower productivity and increase in processing times coincided with the loss of key technical staff, including disability examiners who evaluate disability claims and make disability determinations in accordance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs.

Getting Better And Better

      The Social Security Administration has issued a press release touting “substantial progress in service delivery outcomes resulting from focused technology enhancements and process engineering.”

Service Is Just Getting Better And Better!

      From a press release:

 Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced significant progress in its ongoing efforts to improve customer service while handling record transaction volumes. Key milestones include:

• Completing over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule
• Continuing to upgrade SSA’s telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide
• Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year’s annual average
• Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times
• Implementing a new service model in field offices that has reduced wait times about 10 percent for all customers year-over-year
• Decreasing the initial disability claims backlog by 25 percent, from a record high of 1.2 million cases pending last summer to 950,000 cases pending today
• Achieving a historic low of approximately 276,000 disability hearings pending, with customers experiencing wait times 60 days shorter than last summer
• Upgrading the my Social Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July …

We Must Remember

      Thirty years ago today 16 employees of the Social Security Administration lost their lives when a federal building in Oklahoma City was bombed by a man with a grievance against the federal government. Unlike past years I have seen no press release or tweet remembering this solemn date. Here is the list of those Social Security employees who lost their lives that day. 

1. Richard A. Allen — Claims Representative — Had 22 years of service with SSA. A Vietnam veteran, he was born in Bailey's Crossroads, Va., and won a scholarship to Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla. He is survived by a daughter and his mother.  

2. Saundra G. Avery — Development Clerk — Worked nine years for SSA. She was a native of Danville, Ark., and was active in her church. A graduate of Central State University in Edmond, Okla., Sandy is survived by her parents and a brother.  

3. Oleta C. Biddy — Service Representative — Worked 20 years for SSA. Oleta was born in Rosebud, Ark., and was active as a Sunday school teacher and taught children's choir at her church. She is survived by her husband, a son, two grandchildren and two sisters.  

4. Carol L. Bowers — Operations Supervisor — Had 33 years of service at SSA, starting as a clerk-steno in December 1961. Carol was born in Chandler, Okla., and is survived by her husband and a son.  

5. Sharon L. Chesnut — Claims Representative — Worked for SSA for 21 years and was an active member of her church. She was born in Oklahoma City and is survived by a daughter, her mother, a sister, a stepson and a stepdaughter.  

6. Katherine L Cregan Service Representative Had 14 years of SSA service. Kathy was a native of West Memphis, Ark. A widow, Kathy is survived by three sons and five grandchildren.  

7. Margaret E. Goodson — Claims Representative — Had almost 21 years of service with SSA. Margaret enjoyed motorcycling and camping trips with her husband. Other survivors include three sons, one daughter, three brothers and four grandchildren.  

8. Ethel L. Griffin — Service Representative — Had 19 years of service with SSA, as a claims clerk. She was born in Illinois, where she attended Southwest Jr. College and the College of DuPage. Ethel is survived by her husband, two children and three grandchildren.  

9. Ronald V. Harding — Service Representative — Had more than 30 years of government service. He served two years in the Army and also worked for the Air Force before joining SSA in 1967. A respected musician, Ron is survived by two sons, two daughters, his parents, two brothers and a sister.  

10. Raymond L. Johnson — Senior Community Service Volunteer National Indian Council on Aging worker, was stationed in the Oklahoma City DO for the past six months helping with Head Start programs for Seminole children. Born in Lawton, Okla., Raymond is survived by his wife, seven children, 21 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a brother. 

11. Derwin W. Miller — Claims Representative — Worked at SSA for five years. Derwin was an Arkansas native and a member of the Army Reserve. He was hired through the Outstanding Scholar Program. He is survived by a daughter, his parents, two brothers, a sister and two grandmothers.  

12. Charlotte A. Thomas — Contact Representative — Had 12 years of service with SSA. She was employed previously with the Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services. Charlotte is survived by a son.  

13. Michael G. Thompson — Field Representative — Worked for SSA for 19 years. He served in the Army for more than two years. A Vietnam veteran, he is survived by his wife, three sons, one daughter, his mother, two brothers and one sister.  

14. Robert N. Walker, Jr. — Claims Representative — Had 15 years of service with SSA. He served in the Army for three years. Born in Jacksonville, Fla., Bob attended the University of Florida. He is survived by his wife, one son, three stepsons, one stepdaughter and 12 grandchildren. (See in-depth story.)  

15. Julie M. Welch — Claims Representative — Was hired under the Outstanding Scholar Program in August 1994. Julie was a recent graduate of Marquette University and had studied abroad at the University of Madrid. She is survived by her parents, a brother and a stepbrother.   

16. William S. Williams — Operations Supervisor — Had 20 years of service with SSA. An Oklahoma native, he had a degree in mathematics from Oklahoma State University. Steve is survived by his wife, three daughters, his father, two sisters, one brother and two grandmothers.

I Thought Social Security Was Supposed To Be Apolitical

      A thread of tweets from the Social Security Administration this evening:

Former President Joe Biden [who is expected to make a speech on Social Security this evening] is lying to Americans. 

Here are the facts:

1️⃣President Trump has repeatedly promised to protect Social Security and ensure higher-take home pay for seniors by ending taxation on Social Security benefits.

2️⃣The SSA has not permanently closed any field offices and 50% of the technology department has not been laid off.

3️⃣SSA is taking commonsense steps to transform how we serve the public - last month, we spent $16.5 million to modernize telephone services nationwide. We’re developing cutting-edge, AI-powered tools to streamline simple tasks.

4️⃣A SSA Inspector General report released while Joe Biden was President found $72 billion in improper payments from fiscal years 2015 through 2022.

5️⃣Over 2 million illegal aliens were assigned SSNs in fiscal year 2024 alone.

This Makes Sense If You Prefer That The Public Not Know What You’re Doing

     From Federal News Network:

The Social Security Administration is cutting staff from its communications office, and will rely on social media posts instead of press releases to update the media and the public.

Regional SSA offices, each representing several states, will no longer have fully staffed public affairs offices, because of the agency’s mass reassignment of employees to field offices. …

“Instead, the agency will be using X to communicate to the press and the public — formerly known as Twitter,” Kerr-Davis said. “This will become our communication mechanism.” …

Press Release Denying Field Office Closures

 

Press Release

Thursday, March 27, 2025

For Immediate Release

Mark Hinkle, Press Officer

press.office@ssa.gov

Correcting the Record about Social Security Office Closings

reports in the media that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is permanently closing local field offices are false. Since January 1, 2025, the agency has not permanently closed or announced the permanent closure of any local field office. From time to time, SSA must temporarily close a local field office for reasons such as weather, damage, or facilities issues, and it reopens when the issues are resolved. The agency has announced the permanent closure of one hearing office, in White Plains, NY.

SSA works closely with local congressional delegations before closing any office permanently. The agency also reassigns employees from an affected office to other locations to help communities access in-person services.

“SSA is committed to providing service where people need help and our local field offices are no exception,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We have not permanently closed any local field offices this year.”

SSA identified for the General Services Administration underutilized office space to ensure the government is spending taxpayer money as prudently as possible. The agency provided GSA a list of sites for termination. Most of these are small hearing rooms with no assigned employees. Since most hearings are held virtually, SSA no longer needs these underutilized rooms.

Identity Proofing Won't Apply To Disability Claims

Press Release

Social Security Updates Recently Announced Identity Proofing Requirements

In-Person Requirement Will Not Apply to Disability Insurance, Medicare, and SSI Applications

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14, 2025.

“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “In addition to extending the policy’s effective date by two weeks to ensure our employees have the training they need to help customers, Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications will be exempt from in-person identity proofing because multiple opportunities exist during the decision process to verify a person’s identity.”

Under the updated policy beginning April 14, 2025, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who cannot use a personal my Social Security account can complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office.

Individuals who cannot use their personal my Social Security account to apply for benefits will only need to prove their identity at a Social Security office if applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits. SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing or in-person identity proofing for these cases. The agency will not enforce these requirements in extreme dire-need situations, such as terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios. SSA is currently developing a process that will require documentation and management approval to bypass the policy in such dire need cases.

Individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to change their direct deposit information for any benefit will need to visit a Social Security office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment. The agency also recommends that individuals unable to apply online call to schedule an in-person appointment to begin and complete a claim for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits in one interaction.

SSA recently required nearly all agency employees, including frontline employees in all offices throughout the country, to work in the office five days a week. This change ensures maximum staffing is available to support the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement.

The agency will continue to monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure it pays the right person the right amount at the right time while safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers. SSA plans to implement the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service’s payment integrity service called Account Verification Service (AVS). AVS provides instant bank verification services to proactively and timely prevent fraud associated with direct deposit change requests. SSA will continue to fight fraud while balancing its program integrity responsibilities with delivering on its customer service mission to the American people.

People who do not already have a my Social Security account can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Stay up to date about SSA’s identity proofing requirements and exceptions at What to Know about Proving Your Identity | SSA.

Treasury Offset Resumes

   Press Release

Thursday, March 20, 2025

For Immediate Release

Mark Hinkle, Press Officer

press.office@ssa.gov

Social Security Administration Resumes Treasury Offset Program Collections After COVID-19 Suspension

The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced the immediate resumption of debt collection activities through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) for debts accrued prior to March 2020. This decision comes after a suspension of collections due to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Treasury Offset Program, administered by the Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service, is a centralized program designed to collect delinquent debts owed to federal and state agencies by intercepting Federal and state payments. Since 1992, SSA has referred delinquent Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) debts to TOP as mandated by law.

Prior to the suspension in March 2020, SSA had successfully collected almost $2 billion in previously unrecoverable delinquent debt through TOP. The program is essential for maintaining the integrity of the OASDI and SSI programs.

“Resuming collections through the Treasury Offset Program is a critical step in our commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer funds and ensuring the integrity of our programs,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We are dedicated to recovering overpayments while providing individuals with the necessary information and options to address their debts.”

The Department of Treasury has begun collecting debts SSA referred to Treasury before March 2020, impacting an estimated 280,000 individuals with a collective debt balance of $2.7 billion.

The Actual Scope Of The Problem And The Sophisticated Efforts To Deal With It

     A press release from Social Security's Office of Inspector General:

Receiving accurate reports of death is a major and ongoing concern for the Social Security Administration (SSA). A recent report by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) illustrates the need for SSA to continue to improve its death reporting processing systems.

According to the report entitled, “Rejection of State Death Reports,” from November 2018 through October 2022, states throughout the country submitted about 13.7 million death reports to SSA. SSA’s Death Information Processing System (DIPS) accepted about 12.2 million and rejected nearly 1.5 million (11 percent) state death reports. SSA OIG determined that SSA rejected over 1.4 million state death reports that did not pass DIPS verification checks. SSA uses DIPS to verify the death information it receives. DIPS rejects death reports that do not pass its verification checks to prevent posting erroneous death information to SSA records.

It is only after death information passes DIPS verifications that SSA records the information to the Numident (a database that stores information for all Social Security numberholders) and terminates payments to deceased beneficiaries. The verification checks prevented DIPS from posting incorrect or duplicate death information to SSA records for approximately 773,000 of the 1.4 million death reports submitted by states.

However, SSA OIG reported an estimated 702,000 of the 1.4 million state death reports that were rejected contained valid death data but did not pass DIPS verification checks. DIPS rejected most death reports when it detected a verification date submitted by the reporter was different than the latest verification date in SSA’s records. When this occurs, DIPS rejects the report without validating whether the reported death information is correct. This delays posting of the date of death to the Numident and payment records and results in continued payments to deceased beneficiaries until SSA receives and processes the death information.

This issue led to improper payments to beneficiaries of $327 million and could lead to an additional $108 million over the next year if SSA does not add death information to payment records for beneficiaries in current payment status. Moreover, SSA employees must manually process the rejected death records. It is estimated it will require SSA employees to spend 199,000 hours to process this workload, costing $12 million in administrative expenses. OIG made three recommendations to improve the accuracy of the death information in its records to which SSA agreed. See the full report here.

    These things are vastly more complicated than DOGE can imagine.

Cutting Costs To Employers — Nice Goal But How Can You Achieve It?

 Social Security Announces Cost Reduction and Enhancements Plan 

Efforts Will Combat Identity Fraud

In response to stakeholder feedback and a recent audit by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Social Security Administration (SSA) is pleased to announce a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing costs and enhancing the Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service. This initiative is designed to ensure the continued viability of the eCBSV service while addressing the needs of customers, including the financial industry and various governmental bodies.

"We are committed to enhancing the eCBSV service to better serve our stakeholders and effectively combat identity fraud,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “By reducing costs and improving our processes, we aim to provide a more accessible and efficient tool for financial institutions and other entities."

Since its inception, the eCBSV service has garnered significant interest from stakeholders, including the financial industry, the Big Tent Coalition (BTC), and congressional committees. The GAO's audit, released in September 2024, highlighted key areas for improvement, including cost estimation, user participation, and service limitations. In response, SSA has committed to implementing several recommendations to enhance the service's effectiveness in combating synthetic identity fraud.

Key Components of the Plan:

1. Cost Reduction Initiatives:
• A phased approach will be adopted to reduce operating costs by up to approximately 40 percent going forward, focusing on critical functions necessary for maintaining the eCBSV system.
• Annual fees charged to participating entities will be reduced by approximately 25 percent, allowing for greater accessibility while still meeting cost recovery requirements.
2. Enhancements to eCBSV Services:
• The agency will work to enhance the no-match results provided by eCBSV, responding to stakeholder requests for more detailed information to aid in decision-making.
• A future phase will explore the integration of Consent Based SSN Verification (CBSV) with eCBSV, streamlining processes and expanding the user base.
3. Stakeholder Engagement:
• Ongoing initiatives will continue to involve stakeholders in the development and implementation of the eCBSV service, including regular meetings and feedback solicitation.

Next Steps:

The implementation of this three-phase plan will begin immediately, with a focus on reducing operating costs and enhancing service offerings. The agency is dedicated to ensuring that jthe eCBSV service remains a valuable tool for financial institutions and other stakeholders in verifying Social Security numbers and addressing identity fraud.

     While you’re at it, can you do something about the ridiculous user fees attorneys must bear?

A Sunday Press Release

 Sunday, March 16, 2025

Immediate Release

Mark Hinkle, Press Officer

press.office@ssa.gov

Social Security Provides Update about its Death Record

Social Security announced today that more than three million deaths are reported to the Social Security Administration each year and explains that the agency’s records are highly accurate. Of these millions of death reports received each year, less than one-third of 1 percent are erroneously reported deaths that need to be corrected.

Deaths are reported to Social Security primarily from the States, but also from other sources, including family members, funeral homes, Federal agencies, and financial institutions. In a 2008 audit report, the IG noted that “SSA receives most death reports from funeral homes or friends/relatives of the deceased. SSA considers such first party death reports to be verified and immediately posts them to the Death Master File.”

Instances when a person is erroneously reported as deceased to Social Security can be devasting to the individual, spouse, and dependent children. Benefits are stopped in the short term which can cause financial hardship until fixed and benefits restored, and the process to prove an erroneous death will always seem too long and challenging.

If a person suspects that they have been incorrectly listed as deceased on their Social Security record, they should contact their local Social Security office as soon as possible. They can locate their nearest Social Security office at www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/. They should be prepared to bring at least one piece of current (not expired) original form of identification. Social Security takes immediate action to correct its records and the agency can provide a letter that the error has been corrected that can be shared with other organizations, agencies, and employers.

     If the Trump Administration is going to pretend there are millions of dead people receiving Social Security benefits, they shouldn't complain about reports concerning the real people who aren’t receiving the benefits they’re due because of errors in the Death Master File.

Dudek Takes The Fall

 

Statement from Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner: Correcting Recent Decision Impacting People of Maine 

“I recently directed Social Security employees to end two contracts which affected the good people of the state of Maine. The two contracts are Enumeration at Birth (EAB), which helps new parents quickly request a Social Security number and card for their newborn before leaving the hospital, and Electronic Death Registry (EDR) which shares recorded deaths with Social Security. 

In retrospect, I realize that ending these contracts created an undue burden on the people of Maine, which was not the intent. For that, I apologize and have directed that both contracts be immediately reinstated. EAB and EDR continue in place for every state and were not affected.

As a leader, I will admit my mistakes and make them right.”

Chasing An Imaginary Problem

     A press release:

Social Security Addressing Aged Records
Actions Support President’s Priorities

The Social Security Administration (SSA) today shared its significant progress in identifying and correcting beneficiary records of people 100 years old or older. The data reported in the media represent people who do not have a date of death associated with their record. While these people may not be receiving benefits, it is important for the agency to maintain accurate and complete records.

“I thank President Trump for highlighting these inconsistencies during his speech last night to a joint session of Congress,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We are steadfast in our commitment to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in our programs, and actively correcting the inconsistencies with missing dates of death.”

The agency follows long established program integrity initiatives that identify people who have a higher likelihood of being deceased due to their age or incomplete death reports. For example, SSA receives data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of individuals who have not used Medicare Part A or Part B for three or more years. SSA uses the data as an indicator to select and prioritize cases of individuals age 90 or older, who are currently in pay status and living in the United States, to determine continued eligibility for Social Security benefits. The agency attempts to conduct an interview with these individuals to verify they are still alive. If the agency identifies someone is deceased, it immediately stops payment and reports any suspicions of fraud to SSA’s Office of the Inspector General.