SSA’s Equity Action Plan 2023 Update
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: February 14, 2024
As the new Commissioner of Social Security, I am dedicated to ensuring equitable access to our programs and high-quality service for everyone seeking our help. In line with the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to deliver better outcomes for the American people, I’m pleased to share our Equity Action Plan 2023 Update.
Our equity work supports progress on our biggest customer service challenges in 2024, including long wait times on our National 800 number, processing times for disability determinations, and overpayment and underpayment inequities. I look forward to working with advocates and other stakeholders in communities across the country to deliver critical services equitably to the American people.
Our updated plan continues our work to:
- Simplify and improve access to the Supplemental Security Income program for women, families, individuals from underserved communities, and other people facing barriers.
- Provide more data by race and ethnicity to the public to further identify, monitor, and address areas where there are service inequities.
- Update our systems and Social Security Number application processes.
We also have three new focus areas in the updated plan, including:
- Ensuring language does not pose barriers to apply for benefits and access services.
- Reducing pending SSI underpayments and assessing root causes of improper payments.
- Increasing awareness of survivors benefits eligibility among people disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Visit our Equity page to download the full Equity Action Plan 2023 Update, which includes how we will measure our near and longer-term progress.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Commissioner, General Information, People Facing Barriers, SSI, SSN, supplemental security income
See CommentsAbout the Author
Comments
Comments are closed.
Mel M.
Why do i have to payback ssa for the stimulus ssa took from for Covid 19. I have pay 4700.00 . Those checks were not to be counted as income.
S.D.
We’re sorry to hear about your situation, Mel. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. To speak with a representative, you can contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To learn about recent updates in the overpayment recovery process, check out our blog. Your appeal and waiver options are explained in our Overpayments fact sheet. We hope this is resolved soon.
Jabon p.
Yeah but you say this but your judges and workers will still deny benefits and make it hard to be approved.
Paula C.
I agree with all of y’all. I had to do it too, and when I got sent to the doctor threw up and had to leave because they handed me all this paperwork to do and I hired a lawyer the first time so I’m like why just call my lawyerbut everyone of y’all are correct it’s miserable
Leslie P.
I am permanently disabled. I have been on SSI since I found out I was BORN with a heart defect.
I received a small inheritance from my father.
I tithe 1st 10% to a church, as is my Christian Duty, and my beliefs.
Why am I being punished by social security for this?
Why can I not tithe?
This is wrong!
Edgar W.
Hi my name is Edgar Waldridge I’m in need of some assistance for me and my daughter who is 16 possibly the supplemental security insurance
C.B.
Hi, Edgar. Thanks for reading our blog. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that provides payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, who have limited income and resources. SSI is also payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. To be eligible for SSI, a person must have $2,000 or less in countable resources. You can find more information about SSI and how to apply on our SSI webpage. We hope this information is helpful.
Sylvester H.
I BEEN NEEDING HELP, MY DAUGHTER ALSO. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A INCOME FOR OVER 6 YEARS, THIS IS THE 7TH YEAR. SOCIAL SECURITY HAS DENIED ME 6 TIMES OVER SIX YEARS.
I’M SO TIRED.
I NEED HELP.
C.B.
Hi, Sylvester. Thanks for using our blog. We’re sorry to hear of you and your daughter’s situation. You two may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. Keep in mind that Social Security pays disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or more or end in death. You may find our list of impairments helpful here. On the other hand, SSI is a needs-based program that provides payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, who have limited income and resources. SSI is also payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. To be eligible for SSI, a person must have $2,000 or less in countable resources. We hope this information is helpful.
Denise
Since I’m on SSDI would you automatically inform me if I was eligible for SSI since I make low income bracket? With this inflation I have sunk and need some help! Thank you!
C.B.
Hi, Denise. If you have low income and limited resources, you may be eligible to receive SSI in addition to your monthly Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefit. SSI is a needs-based program that provides payments to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. To be eligible for SSI and SSDI – commonly referred to as “concurrent” benefits – your SSDI must be less than $963 in 2024 (the SSI monthly Federal payment amount plus $20). You can find more information on eligibility requirements for SSI here. We hope this information is helpful.
VOTE O.
MORE PPL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT #ABLEACCOUNTS to keep from getting SSI suspended / penalized because of ISM
frances c.
BIG SECRET KEPT BY SOCIAL: SECURITY ADMINISTRATION—WELFARE PAYMENTS COME FROM THE COFFERS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND.
D.S.
4yrs military 38yrs Union job 9hrs M-F 8hrs Sat mandatory 3 Sat off if you didn’t miss any days in between. Now if the population worked to supported the system instead of using an excuse for the system to supporting them also has the Gov.paided back any of the money that was supposedly borrowed from SSA? I made a decision to work not an excuse and God created man and woman Democraps created the rest! Let’s talk about EQUALITY!!!
VOTE O.
VOTE 🚫UT
#MAGA RETHUGLICANS
IF YOU EVER WANT SSA UPDATED
NotTrumpAgain
Why? Because we don’t want illegals or others who have never paid into Social Security to get it? Keep that up and it’s a guaranteed failure before the people that are working and paying into it right now are eligible. Don’t be stupid, not all conservatives want Trump again.
Maggie A.
…..AND WHO’S letting them in by the thousands right now!!! None other than Biden and his demorats!!
Go TRUMP!!!
Phil
Please dont, the dems are flipping over that. they love what there joey is doing. Go Trump
ratt
Go away, dotard.
Fran C.
Not to worry, The Social Security Trust Fund will be emptied in 10 years.
ANTI T.
#TRUMPSTINKS 💩💩💩👃☠️
Frank
Why does the SSA discriminate against a disabled person whose paperwork is 10 years old by requiring them to go through the whole process of doctor visits when it is obvious their condition has not improved? This person is indigent, unable to work, and being served at a Christian Clinic.
Amber J.
I feel your pain, frustration, anger, and absolute ignorance to a recipients condition. I can’t understand, I’ve had a stroke and long-term toxic exposure to black mold on top of a number of other health issues my neurological decline i unintentionally forgot these appointments that were set up for me to determine if I’m still disabled (notice out of the blue) I’m actually sicker than I’ve ever been and have developed a cervical disc degenerative disease and arthrosis of lower lumbar facets making it difficult to do every day tasks. Actually in severe pain every single day. On top of trying to justify to my doctor a need for prescription pain meds it’s maddening. So then I received a letter saying I’m no longer disabled! Did you even review any of my current medical records. So of course I filed an appeal, the thought of working drives me to tears, i often start a meal and come back and things are burnt, or all the water has evaporated and the pan is on the verge of burning. So dangerous it scares me, my son just turned 18 and I need him I don’t think living by myself is a good idea. Now put me in a business somewhere. I get up to fo something, and upon standing up have COMPLETELY forgotten what I was about to do 😵💫🫨. I would be fired before I got my first paycheck. Used to make 65K a year as an Executive Assistant and KNOW for a fact I wouldn’t be able to keep employment with my memory. But with all this stuff happening ( my health coverage was no longer going to be available in my area, and this redetermination situation I’m uninsured, scared cause I’m not sure how my next months meds will be covered. I pray everything works out for you. Just continue to fight and advocate for yourself. Don’t lay down and let them take your livelihood away from you. And there are agencies that do actually help. Try and use those to accomplish your goals.
S.D.
We’re sorry to hear about your conditions, Amber. For more information about our Continuing Disability Review (CDR) process, please read our blog. We hope this helps.
S.D.
Hi, Frank. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. We’re required by law to review the cases of people receiving disability benefits to make sure you’re still disabled. The frequency of your Continuing Disability Review (CDR) depends on the nature and severity of your medical condition, and whether it’s expected to improve. Generally, if medical improvement is possible, we do a review every 3 years. If improvement is not expected, your case may be reviewed every 7 years. How frequently your case is reviewed is determined by the Disability Determination Services in your state. For more information about disability reviews, read our blog, How Social Security Decides if You Still Have a Qualifying Disability. We hope this helps.
Suzanne T.
I got scammed
Regina R.
Um going Thru The very Same thing! Plus! A whole year of My money! That went to Direct Express!… That I Never received!! SSI is Taking 50 dollars a Month! Out of my SS to pay it back! 10,000 dollars! Out of only 500 dollars a mtn… after cutting my SSI OFF! Three yrs now…. I have had to start over New! Too! Sad!
paul b.
racism is racism regardless of if you like the outcome.
Phil
so who is being discrimated against. Please stop this is getting old.
Ali B.
Read the DEI plans of Microsoft, Vanguard, CitiBank, Fidelity, King Arthur Flour, Target, Nordstrom, BestBuy, etc., and you discover that “equity” means racism and sexism.
Those equity plans have detailed graphs of their plans to ensure that they will increase their staffing of BIPOC, females, LGBTABCXYZ, … wait, it’s easier to say that they will make sure that white males will be penalized in the hiring process.
There is only one way to ensure the participation of one tribal group over another, and that is to take into consideration those non-merit characteristics when hiring. By definition, that is racism and sexism.
Now, you may justify such actions with various claims of “inequity,” but it is still racism and sexism. Just admit it. You won’t, though. You will just change the definitions of racism and sexism.