Welfare Benefits: States Need Social Security's Death Data to Avoid Payment Error or Fraud
HRD-91-73
Published: Apr 02, 1991. Publicly Released: Apr 02, 1991.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the feasibility of computer matching Social Security Administration (SSA) death data with benefit payment files for Maryland, Pennsylvania, and District of Columbia benefit programs to determine whether states paid welfare benefits to deceased recipients.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Human Services | The Secretary of Health and Human Services should direct the Commissioner of Social Security to modify the current social security number verification systems to routinely provide death information to states for their use in processing welfare benefit claims and payments. |
Closed – Implemented
SSA modified the contracts with states that provide restricted death data to allow for redisclosure. SSA made the required systems changes to make the data available.
|
| Department of Health and Human Services | The Secretary of Health and Human Services should direct the Commissioner of Social Security to publish and make available to the states appropriate instructions on accessing and using this information, including the need to verify SSA-provided death information and to give people advance notice before initiating actions to stop, deny, or adjust payments. |
Closed – Not Implemented
SSA has closed the case on this recommendation and plans no further action.
|
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Topics
Erroneous paymentsstate relationsFraudPublic assistance programsSocial security benefitsSocial security numberState-administered programsWelfare benefitsWelfare recipientsMedicaid