From the Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB):

On July 24, the Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB) released a new report highlighting opportunities to modernize Supplemental Security Income (SSI) reporting processes. Each year, SSI recipients report over 10 million changes in income, resources, and living arrangements, most of which must be manually processed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). When changes are reported late, received without  sufficient detail, or processed too slowly, improper payments may occur.

Amy Shuart, Chair of SSAB, released the following statement:  

“Making it easier for SSI recipients to accurately and timely report changes is good for the Social Security Administration, the people it serves, and taxpayers. The recommendations in this report build on the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve the SSI program’s administration and offer new digital tools.”

The Board identified several challenges that hinder accurate and timely reporting, including limited online tools, the lack of a way for recipients to review the accuracy of their records, and the absence of mechanisms to ensure complete reporting and documentation.

To address these issues, the Board recommends SSA take the following actions:

1. Develop a user-friendly SSI snapshot that displays case facts currently on the SSI record that recipients and their representatives can view;  
2. Develop an SSI mobile app that enables SSI recipients and their representatives to easily fulfill reporting responsibilities in addition to those methods now available;    
3. Consider enhancing the existing SSI monthly wage reporting tools to accept additional types of income-related reports; and  
4. Evaluate the feasibility and risks of introducing auto-processing of other categories of SSI change reports to reduce SSA staff workloads.  

Strengthening user-friendly digital self-service options, improving transparency, and enabling more automated processing for SSI reporting could significantly enhance accuracy, efficiency, and the recipient’s experience.

Read the full report here.

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