Worker and Family Assistance:

Supplemental Security Income Payment Errors Can Be Reduced

HRD-76-159, Nov 18, 1976

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(202) 512-4800
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The Social Security Administration's management of the Supplemental Security Income (SSA) program was reviewed to determine the causes of problems resulting in over $1 billion in erroneous payments in 2 years. A principal cause of errors is a lack of accurate information on income of recipients from other federal agencies. This information is used in determining eligibility and benefit payment amounts.

GAO estimated that accurate benefit information from the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) would reduce overpayments by $60 million a year, correct annual underpayments by $4 million, and remove 35,600 recipients from SSI rolls.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendation for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare should obtain accurate and complete information from VA and RRB, review other federal benefit payments, and establish a system for ensuring timely receipt of information.

    Agency Affected:

    Status: Closed

    Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.

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