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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Raymond j.
What office do I need to go to when up dating my social security card I need to remove my middle name so I can get a real ID?
Amanda F.
Acting Commissioner Dudek is acting in bad faith, claiming these changes are to prevent fraud. There is no significant fraud in the system – in fact, only .0065% of payments are erroneous. These “in person” verification rules are designed to reduce the number of legitimate beneficiaries by targeting the most vulnerable who will have difficulty following through with in-person verification. Individuals who are homeless have great difficulty creating an online account because they often don’t have stable addresses or credit histories. Those individuals now need to go “in person” to verify an identity that is already verified through the detailed information provided in the applications? How about individuals who are hospitalized or otherwise cannot travel to an office? Or individuals who don’t have access to a computer or internet services? Absolutely garbage changes by this current SSA administration. Give us back Commissioner O’Malley who actually improved the system for THE PEOPLE it serves.
Michael K.
My Social Security was setup to land in May. Can I depend on that ?
Alexis
Thank you!
Gerald Y.
My wife has been wanting over a year for her back pay.though two manager to manger meeting and she has not gotten anywhere.She out in for hardship and still nothing.SSD.
Marsha B.
If I retired in 2025 and was already drawing social security do I need to notify of my last dat to work? Will this help reduce my medical deductions?
Tanya M.
My husband was approved in November for disability for end stage kidney failure, he has yet to receive an award letter for proof, any payments, or back pay, and we get a different reason why he hasn’t received anything each and every time we call. Please get your stories straight and pay him.
Billie J.
It shouldn’t take a year to get any kind of approval, they need more staff not less staff to help all the American Citizens.
Gregg J.
I began the SSI process in 2022 and finally received a decision last November. I’m told they are expected to start benefits “next month” but it’s been “next month” since November. If I said it was not stressful from one month to the next I would be telling a lie. Most times I’ve had little or nothing to say positive about this agency. Having said that mobility seems to be my greatest. concern. And it’s impossible really re rely on anyone so I don’t. We’ll I don’t think matters will be resolved before the benefit release month but by then I may be seeking tra transparency of my own because someone is definitely asleep at the switch.
Lawrence C.
I have the “my social security ” account. How often does it need to be viewed online to prove I’m ALIVE, which I am so far.