Exclusive
Digital Government
DOGE went looking for phone fraud at SSA — and found almost none
Since SSA installed new anti-fraud checks on claims made over the phone, only two claims out of over 110,000 were found to likely be fraudulent, according to internal documents obtained by Nextgov/FCW.
Digital Government
DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of sensitive information, top Oversight Democrat says
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is calling on the Social Security Administration’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims that the efficiency team is compiling potentially sensitive data across several government agencies.
Artificial Intelligence
SSA is rolling out a new chatbot for employees
The agency has said that it intends to use technology and AI to make up for workforce cuts.
Digital Government
Trump ‘anti-fraud’ memo could allow SSA to stop paying some Americans’ earned benefits
The document’s publication comes just days after reports that DOGE operatives overruled career workers to falsely label thousands of immigrants as dead.
Digital Government
Democrats confront SSA about disruptions to constituent SSI accounts
This is the first oversight effort of Senate Democrats’ new Social Security War Room.
Digital Government
SSA reorg plan contemplates field office closures, contradicting public statements
A March draft of the Social Security Administration's reorganization plan proposes "consolidating" field offices while shuttling customer service to AI and other automated platforms.
Digital Government
Musk and DOGE make the case for their efficiency, tech work
The DOGE team made statements that have been contradicted by agencies they're working for during a Thursday night interview on FOX.
People
SSA tech shop to be led by another DOGE associate
Scott Coulter will replace the agency’s previous CIO, who has been moved to a senior advisor position at SSA.
Digital Government
SSA head’s 3-month plan touts workforce reductions while calling for identity and AI investment
The acting commissioner at SSA said that he has “made some mistakes” and promised to learn from them in an email to staff Tuesday.
Exclusive
Modernization
SSA weighs axing payments to 170,000 beneficiaries
The move to cease making payments to people without Social Security numbers would imperil the benefits of thousands of immigrants’ children with disabilities.
People
Lawsuit outlines how DOGE pushed for access to Social Security systems and data
Democracy Forward and unions are asking courts to block DOGE’s access to the troves of personal data held at the agency.
Policy
Social Security bans news access on government equipment
Employees were told Monday that “general news” will be blocked.
People
Social Security shutters its civil rights and transformation offices
Among the people affected are those managing the agency’s website, a front door to services for Americans online.
Digital Government
SSA opens online application for core disability program
The online version of the form is limited to certain applicants.
People
O'Malley to step down as SSA chief this month, seeks political role
Martin O'Malley won plaudits for reinvigorating a resource-starved SSA, but will leave his post early.
Modernization
SSA taps TMF to upgrade online services
The General Services Administration announced $50 million in new investments Tuesday, covering tech upgrades at the Social Security Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Digital Government
SSI to move core disability program application online
The initial rollout will be available to adults who have never married and are applying for Supplemental Security Income for the first time.
Digital Government
SSA has a plan, but wants more funding to get it done
The 2024 agenda’s top priorities for the remainder of the year stem from over 5,000 recommendations from employees.
Digital Government
SSA transitions online accounts to Login-dot-gov for sign in
The agency said the change will affect individuals who created “my Social Security” accounts through its website before September 18, 2021.
Digital Government