Social Security Increases Transparency and Accountability – Shares More Information Online
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 26, 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today several new initiatives and resources to promote greater transparency and accountability.
“President Trump has been clear that good government must serve the People. This begins with being transparent in how its government makes decisions and operates as good stewards of the resources entrusted to it,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security.
“With this guiding principle in mind, Social Security is taking several important steps to increase transparency and accountability in order to help others understand our agency’s work and the complexities we navigate.”
What to Know about Proving Your Identity: SSA recently announced it is strengthening identity proofing requirements for people who do not use a personal my Social Security account to apply for cash benefits or to change direct deposit information for benefits. To help the public understand the new policy, SSA today published a new webpage, What to Know about Proving Your Identity | SSA.
Weekly Operational Report Meetings: Acting Commissioner Dudek meets with his senior leadership team throughout the week to tackle a range of challenges facing the agency. During the Weekly Operational Report (WOR) meeting, leaders focus on specific topics, the options presented to the acting commissioner, and the resulting decisions made during these meetings. Beginning March 14, 2025, each WOR is recorded and published to SSA’s YouTube channel. The WOR Playlist is available here: SSA Weekly Operational Report Meetings
Agency Actions: Acting Commissioner Dudek also published online a summary of select agency challenges, options presented, and the Acting Commissioner’s ultimate decisions. SSA plans to update this page periodically to include notable matters the current Administration is solving. Agency Actions | SSA
National 800 Number Wait Times: The American people do not receive the prompt customer service they deserve when calling the agency’s 800 number. Despite the knowledge, dedication, and experience of SSA’s telephone representatives, customers wait too long to speak with a representative. People deserve to know the wait time challenges they will face if unable to use the agency’s secure and convenient online services. Acting Commissioner Dudek is increasing the level of detail shared with the public to provide an honest and transparent view of wait times. Social Security Performance | SSA and Contact Social Security By Phone
Efficiencies and Cost Avoidance: SSA works closely with the General Services Administration to identify unused and underutilized office space. SSA published its Efficiencies and Cost Avoidance webpage that lists soft-term lease terminations, including an explanation for each location and whether any change affects the public or not. For nearly all locations, the space being terminated is only a small room within the larger Social Security office location.
Workforce Update: SSA identified opportunities to optimize its workforce by offering voluntary opportunities to depart the agency or move to a frontline customer service position. The Workforce Update | News | SSA webpage briefly explains each voluntary option and how many employees accepted that option.
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Sharon S.
I’ve been trying to find out more about what I may be eligible for and cannot get any response.How do I get a hold of someone?
Leonard M.
I’m receiving emails regarding Mr. Musk’s plans for SSI. Can someone please comment on Social Security’reaction to Mr. Musks adverse opinion of Social Security.
Pamela A.
What happens if you can’t use a computer and have no way of getting to an office. Is there another way to get your benefits?
M.E. V.
Thanks for clarification.
Richard
About time, phone system is awful and SSA administration knows it, and if they don’t how hard is it for SSA leaders to call the number and hear the wait time of over 120 minutes (the standard line).
Call back would be nice… I never got a call back!
It’s time to to get rid of the archaic COBOL system, cut the ties with lagacy sub contractors!
I have to wait over a month for a telephone application interview for spousal benifits, WHY? Should be able to upload the required documents then have a telephone interview if needed!
Joe l.
I voted and supported Trump but making it harder for people to get their social security retirement benefits is wrong. I will be voting democratic in the midterms. Trump lied when he said he would not touch social security.
Sonia
I am so greatful of all of these changes and updates to our social security system and also within the department, it is a breath of relief, confidence and fresh air, Thank you to all and specially my President Donald J Trump❤️
Seneca A.
I’ve been calling ss getting no response to my question. My question is that I get SSDI benefits, but have worked a union job and then a non union job in the past. Does the ss fairness act affect people like me?
C.B.
Hi, Seneca. Thank you for reading our blog and for your question. The Social Security Fairness Act ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Before the law was passed, WEP reduced Social Security retirement or disability benefits for many people who receive a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security (a “non-covered pension”). GPO reduced or eliminated spouse or surviving spouse benefits for people with a non-covered pension. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
If you receive civil service disability benefits, state temporary disability benefits, and state or local government retirement benefits that are based on disability, they may continue to reduce your Social Security benefits. To learn more, read How Workers’ Compensation and Other Disability Payments May Affect Your Benefits. We hope this helps.
Buck E.
I have the one and only fix for Social Security!!! No BS!! I know how to fix it almost immediately. Please have a staff member of some high rank contact me ASAP at 925-207-8591. I am not a crackpot..trust me I have the fix!!!!!
Joshua S.
How kind of Dudek to want to let us know about the wait times THEY increased by 3000% in a matter of days since becoming Commissioner, thanks 💩