Open Government at Social Security News Archive
Testimony before Senate Finance Committee
Posted: June 1, 2012
Recently, Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue testified before Congress about the service and value we provide to the American public.
In his testimony, he discussed the agency’s accomplishments the past few years and the resources the agency needs in order to continue providing outstanding public service.
“Our accomplishments demonstrate the direct correlation between funding and service,” Astrue stated.
View the video or read the transcript of the Commissioner’s congressional testimony.
Ticket to Work: Free Support for Young Adults in Transition
Posted: May 22, 2012
Social Security’s Ticket to Work program supports career development for people with disabilities who are preparing to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary and offers beneficiaries with disabilities access to employment.
To find out more about our Ticket to Work Program and available Work Incentives through accessible learning opportunities, watch our webcast, “Ticket to Work: Free Support Services for Young Adults in Transition, “available beginning May 23rd, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Register here for this free web event.
Social Security Releases Popular Baby Names for 2011
Posted: May 16, 2012
On Monday, May 14, 2012, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced the top baby names for 2011 on the Today show. Social Security started compiling baby name lists in 1997, and the agency’s website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880. Social Security is America’s source for most popular baby names because parents supply this information to the agency when applying for a child’s Social Security number at the time of the child’s birth. Check the Baby Names page on May 18th for the 2011 list of most popular names by State.
The top baby names announcement drives a lot of traffic to the Social Security website and helps to promote other important information about Social Security programs and services, including the Extra Help Program and the new online Social Security statement.
Social Security Statement Now Available Online
Posted: May 4, 2012
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced an online version of the Social Security Statement is now available at www.socialsecurity.gov. The new online Statement provides eligible workers with transparent, secure and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and benefit information.
“Our new online Social Security Statement is simple, easy-to-use and provides people with estimates they can use to plan for their retirement,” Commissioner Astrue said. “The online Statement also provides estimates for disability and survivors benefits, making the
Statement an important financial planning tool. People should get in the habit of checking their online Statement each year, around their birthday, for example.”
The online Statement helps with financial planning and provides workers a convenient way to determine whether their earnings are accurately posted to their Social Security records. This feature is important because Social Security benefits are based on average earnings over a person’s lifetime. If the earnings information is not accurate, the person may not receive all the benefits to which he or she is entitled.
The online Statement also provides the opportunity to save or print the personalized
Statement for financial planning discussions with family or a financial planner.
Providing the online Statement through our new, robust verification process is one of the first milestones in our Open Government flagship initiative to make Social Security a more open agency.
For more information about the new online
Statement, please go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement.
SSA and DoD Collaborate on Initiative for Wounded Warriors Applying for Disability Benefits
Posted: May 1, 2012
The Social Security Administration and the Department of Defense (DoD) are working together to improve access to disability benefits for the nation’s Wounded Warriors, service members, veterans, and their dependents. A new nationwide project enables Social Security disability case processing sites to receive military medical records from multiple DoD facilities with a single request to a centralized DoD site. As of today, this initiative is in its first phase of nationwide expansion.
“Receiving electronic medical records for our Wounded Warriors and other military personnel will significantly shorten the time it takes to make a disability decision,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “This new process will improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the disability program.”
The new DoD-Social Security collaboration consolidates requests for medical records from Social Security to a single location that has access to DoD records in a central electronic repository. Among other advantages, this will yield faster delivery of DoD medical records to Social Security, and reduce the time it takes to make a medical decision on a disability claim.
A key project milestone in Social Security’s recently published Open Government Plan 2.0, this collaborative effort is the first step towards the long-term goal of a fully automated solution of improving medical information sharing using health information technology and the Nationwide Health Information Network Exchange.
For more information on Social Security’s use of health IT, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/hit.
SSA Recognized for FOIA Success
Posted: April 26, 2012
On March 12, the Department of Justice kicked off Sunshine Week with a celebration marking, among other things, the third anniversary of the release of Attorney General Holder’s FOIA Guidelines.
Social Security’s Deputy Commissioner, Carolyn W. Colvin, was among representatives from four federal agencies to receive recognition and speak at this commemoration. Ms. Colvin highlighted Social Security’s own Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) successes over the last year. Other representatives hailed from the Federal Communications Commission, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of the Interior.
In his remarks, the Attorney General recognized that Sunshine Week presents the government with the opportunity to realize the promise of FOIA, fulfilling what President Obama has called “a profound national commitment to ensuring an open government.”
For more information about Social Security’s FOIA activities, visit the agency’s FOIA web page. Information about the activities of all federal agencies, is available in agency Annual FOIA Reports and Chief FOIA Officer Reports, on the Office IP website and FOIA.gov.
Left to right: Jasson Seiden, David Lu, Melanie Ann Pustay (DOJ), Tony West (DOJ), Stacy Rodgers, Carolyn Colvin, Eric Holder (DOJ), Mona Finch, Dawn Wiggins, Patricia Bellamy, Dan Callahan, Anthony Tookes
Social Security Board of Trustees: Projected Trust Fund Exhaustion Three Years Sooner Than Last Year
Posted: April 24, 2011
On Monday, April 23, 2012, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2033, three years sooner than projected last year. The DI Trust Fund will be exhausted in 2016, two years earlier than last year’s estimate. The Trustees also project that OASDI program costs will exceed non-interest income in 2012 and will remain higher throughout the remainder of the 75-year period.
Open Government at Social Security:
A Refreshed Plan
Posted: April 9, 2012
We published our Open Government Plan 2.0, which highlights successes from our 2010 plan and lays out new commitments for increasing transparency, expanding opportunities for public participation, and enhancing efforts to collaborate with other organizations to improve service to the public. We sought public feedback in developing this plan, and now invite further review and ideas for improving it.
Share your comments
SSA's Medical Release Form Goes Electronic
Posted: March 29, 2012
On March 22, 2012, Commissioner Astrue signed an Open Letter to Healthcare Providers, Health Information Managers, and Medical Records Administrators about Social Security’s new electronic signature process for the Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (Form SSA-827).
The SSA-827 gives us a claimant's authorization to obtain medical and other information we need to determine whether the individual is disabled. Under the current online application process, claimants must print, sign, and mail a paper copy to a Social Security office.
Starting April 21, 2012, adults who apply online for disability benefits will have the option to electronically sign and submit their SSA-827s. Once signed, the form goes directly into Social Security’s system. We expect the new process to improve our process and provide better service to our customers. Specifically, it will reduce the disability application processing time for applicants, which can result in their receiving much needed medical insurance coverage and cash benefits sooner. Learn more about Social Security’s new electronic signature process.
Leading the U.S. Social Security Administration: Insights from Commissioner Michael Astrue
Posted: March 15, 2012
The Social Security Administration’s Commissioner, Michael Astrue, was recently interviewed on the Federal News Radio’s “IBM Business of Government Hour.” Commissioner Astrue discussed the agency’s complex management challenges; how we are working to reduce disability backlogs and improve our service and stewardship efforts; and what the future holds for the Social Security Administration.
Sunshine Week
Posted: March 12, 2012
March 11 to March 17 is Sunshine Week. This year’s theme is “Put Sunshine in Government.” All week long, this national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information is celebrated by government, news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know. Since its launch in March 2005, people have celebrated this initiative in mid-March each year to coincide with President James Madison's birthday on March 16th. Madison, who was instrumental in ratifying the Constitution, once wrote, “knowledge will forever govern ignorance,” and “people should arm themselves with the power that knowledge gives.”
Sunshine Week seeks to enlighten and empower people to play an active role in their government at all levels, and to give them access to information that makes their lives better and their communities stronger. The week highlights the public's right to know what its government is doing, and why. For more information we invite you to explore this open government site and to visit our freedom of information web page.
Refreshing Our Open Government Plan
Posted: March 8, 2012
It is time to refresh our Open Government Plan, which will highlight our successes from the first one and lay out new commitments going forward. Two years ago, we published Social Security's first Open Government Plan. In it, we outlined our steps to increase transparency, public participation, and collaboration with other organizations to improve service to the public. We invite you to contribute your thoughts and ideas for our refreshed plan, which we expect to publish in April.
Webcast: New Requirement to File Disability Appeals Online
Posted: March 1, 2012
Beginning March 16, 2012, the Social Security Administration is requiring representatives who request, and are eligible for, direct fee payment, to file reconsiderations on medically denied Title II and Title XVI disability or blindness claims, using the Internet Disability Appeal web portal found at www.socialsecurity.gov.
To find out more about filing appeals electronically, watch our webcast, "Filing a Disability Appeal Online," which will be available beginning March 7, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. EST. Register here for this free web event.
America Saves Week!
Posted: February 15, 2012
From February 19 – February 26, 2012, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes America Saves Week, a national campaign to promote financial stability. This annual event is an opportunity to encourage good savings behavior and enhance financial security. SSA supports the effort to bring greater awareness to the importance of building a financial safety net.
Social Security is the foundation on which to build retirement security, but other savings and investments are necessary. The sooner you start, the more time you will have to save for a comfortable future. For many years, SSA has been at the forefront of financial literacy and promoting good savings habits through public presentations.
When thinking about retirement, be sure to plan for the long term. Watch this video from Social Security's Kojuan Almond, for helpful tips!
To learn how to save and invest for retirement, visit www.mymoney.gov. The website provides helpful information furnished by over 20 federal agencies, including SSA.
To help determine how much you need to save, go to www.choosetosave.org and click on the Ballpark E$timate link.
For more information on America Saves Week, go to http://americasavesweek.org/.
Spanish Language Webinar!
Posted: February 8, 2012
On Thursday, February 23rd at 2pm EST, we will host the agency’s first-ever Spanish-language webinar, entitled,”¡Servicios del Seguro Social por Internet - en Espanol!”. We will present and describe the Spanish-language Internet services, including applications for retirement, Medicare, and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. We will also describe the Spanish Retirement Estimator, a tool that offers personalized estimates of future Social Security retirement benefits. The webinar will include a live interactive segment during which participants may ask questions about the new Spanish online applications.
Register for the free webinar.
Vea este anuncio en español
Looking Back and Looking Forward
Posted: January 17, 2012
We’d like to share our 2011 Performance and Accountability Report with you. The report combines the agency's annual performance report with its audited financial statements to provide full disclosure of financial and programmatic operations. It also describes Social Security's programs and organization, and how the agency benefits the public and achieves its mission
Please look for it at www.socialsecurity.gov/finance/.
We look forward to working with you to reach our common goals in 2012. Happy New Year from all of us at Social Security.
Patty Duke Applies Online for Social Security and Medicare
Posted: January 5, 2012
After years of telling people they can apply online for Social Security in their pajamas, Patty Duke has taken her own advice. Duke, who turned 65 in December, applied online for retirement and Medicare benefits from home at www.socialsecurity.gov.
“I urge my fellow baby boomers to go online to www.socialsecurity.gov," said Duke. "If you’re not sure how to get started on the computer, ask a loved one to help you out. I did, and it was so easy.”
Social Security and Medicare in 2012
Posted: December 21, 2011
Remember, the 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with Social Security payments in January 2012. Increased payments for SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011. The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $99.90 in 2012.
For people who did not enroll in Medicare Part B during their initial enrollment period at age 65, the annual "general enrollment period" runs from January 1 to March 31, 2012. Coverage begins on July 1 of the year a person enrolls. Monthly premiums increase 10 percent for each 12-month period a person was eligible for, but did not enroll in, Medicare Part B.
Social Security During the Holidays
Posted: December 12, 2011
The holiday season is the busiest time of year for many people and businesses and it is certainly a busy time for Social Security. That's why we encourage anyone who needs to do business with Social Security over the busy holiday season to go online to www.socialsecurity.gov. If you need to call or visit a Social Security office, we will be closed December 26, 2011 for Christmas and January 2, 2012 for New Year's.
If you need to do business with Social Security during the holidays, you may experience more busy signals on the telephone and longer wait times in local offices.
Don Francisco Spreads the Word about Social Security's Spanish Website
Posted: December 9, 2011
There's an expanded suite of services offered in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov. One of the new services is the ability to apply online for Social Security retirement and Medicare benefits in Spanish. Visitors to the site also can apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, use the Retirement Estimator, and read a number of publications. It's all available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov today!
Don Francisco, host of the television show Sabado Gigante (or Giant Saturday) since 1962, is helping us spread the news with a series of television Public Service Announcements.
Social Security Again Rated One of the “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government”— Agency Continues to Earn High Marks by People Who Know Them Best —Their Employees
Posted: November 21, 2011
The Social Security Administration once again ranks as one of the top ten “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government,” according to The Partnership for Public Service and American University’s Institute for the Study of Public Policy Implementation. The number six ranking not only identified Social Security as one of the “Best Places to Work,” but it is proof that the Agency’s commitment to treat its employees as its most valuable asset has proven successful.
Learn more about Social Security's ranking
Social Security employee selected as SAVE finalist
Posted: November 10, 2011
A Social Security employee has been selected as one of four finalists by the White House in the President’s SAVE Award program. Federal employees from across the country submitted nearly 20,000 cost-cutting ideas, and tens of thousands more weighed in by casting votes in support of their favorite submissions.
To learn more about the SAVE program and vote for your favorite, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/Save-Award
Disability Benefits Expedited for 13 Immune System and Neurological Disorders
Posted: November 7, 2011
Social Security is adding 13 new conditions involving the immune system and neurological disorders to the list of Compassionate Allowances.
The Compassionate Allowances program fast-tracks disability decisions to ensure that Americans with the most serious disabilities receive their benefit decisions within days instead of months or years.
"Social Security handles more than three million disability applications each year, and we need to keep innovating and making our work more efficient," Commissioner Michael J. Astrue said. "With our Compassionate Allowances program, we quickly approved disability benefits for more than 60,000 people with severe disabilities in the past fiscal year."
For more information on the Compassionate Allowances initiative, and to see a list of the 13 new conditions, please read the press release.
Social Security Administration Publishes Customer Service Plan
Posted: October 24, 2011
For over seventy-five years, Social Security has provided hundreds of millions of Americans with a financial safety net. Whether it is after the loss of a loved one, at the onset of disability, or during the transition from work to retirement, we touch the lives of virtually all Americans. Throughout our history, we have strived to deliver compassionate and prompt service to each person who calls, writes, uses our website, or visits our offices.
As required by Executive Order 13571, “Streamlining Service Delivery and Improving Customer Service,” our customer service plan outlines our strategy to improve service delivery quality, speed, and efficiency. The plan also highlights our signature initiative, video hearings, which use video technology to minimize costs and expand customer access to our hearings process.
Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2012: Cost-of-Living Adjustment is First Since 2009
Posted: October 19, 2011
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012.
The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2012. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $110,100 from $106,800. Of the estimated 161 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2012, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for 2012, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. Learn more about the 2012 COLA.
January Retirees Should Apply Now
Posted: October 4, 2011
If you are looking to retire in January 2012, now is the time to apply.
The best place to apply is online.
It's so easy!
In most cases, as soon as an application is submitted electronically, that's it. There are no forms to sign or paperwork to complete. In rare cases when we need additional information, Social Security will contact you. You're always first in line when you go online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/retirement.htm
President Obama Addresses the UN General Assembly on Open Government
Posted: September 21, 2011
On September 20, 2011, President Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly and a host of partners to discuss a range of international issues. The president outlined progress around the world in implementing the principles of his Open Government Initiative.
The United States and seven other founding nations of the Open Government Partnership are delivering concrete open government plans to continue to make their governments more open, transparent, and accountable to their citizens. In addition to describing several initiatives from the U.S. Open Government Plan, the president looked forward to further international expansion of the Open Government Initiative.
Read more and watch the video...
Social Security: Towards Greater Openness
Posted: September 20, 2011
At Social Security, we are committed to increasing our transparency and improving communication with the public, our external stakeholders, and our employees because clear, concise, and open communication is essential to good public service. So when President Obama called for greater openness across Federal government, raising the bar even higher in these areas, we welcomed the challenge.
In advancing the principles of Open Government, we are sharing more data, expanding opportunities for public dialogue and participation, and using technology to collaborate in ways we could not have imagined a few years ago.
Answers on the Run
Posted: September 14, 2011
These days, people seem to be busier than ever. Thanks to smart phones and mobile devices,
we're able to stay in the know even when we're on the run. For example, any time you have a
question about Social Security, it's easy to get a quick answer using our mobile-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions page. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/faq
from your mobile device. Turn that delayed flight or wait in a grocery store line from
wasted time to productive time and get answers to your Social Security questions at
www.socialsecurity.gov/faq.
Electronic Payment of All Benefits
Posted: September 6, 2011
Just a reminder that electronic payments are not simply the best way to receive Federal benefits — they will soon be the only way. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's new rule phases out paper checks for Federal benefit and non-tax payments by March 1, 2013. In fact, effective May 1, 2011, all new recipients of Federal benefits, including those filing for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), must receive their payments electronically unless they meet one of the very limited exceptions.
Electronic payments are safer, easier, more reliable, less costly, and good for the environment. If you have clients who still get Federal benefit checks in the mail, have them visit www.godirect.org today to sign up for direct deposit or Direct Express.
Social Security Releases Final Plan to Implement Executive Order 13563
Posted: August 23, 2011
Earlier this year, President Obama outlined his plan to create a 21st-century regulatory system that is simpler and smarter and that protects the health and safety of the American people in a pragmatic and cost-effective way. As a key part of that plan, he called for an unprecedented government-wide review of rules already on the books in order to remove those that are out-of-date, unnecessary, excessively burdensome, or in conflict with other rules.
Social Security Benefits Will Be Paid On Time
Posted: August 2, 2011
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced today that Social Security payments for August 3rd will be made on time and as scheduled. Payments for August 10th, 17th, and 24th also will be made as scheduled.
“I am happy to announce there will be no delay in the payment of August Social Security benefits,” Commissioner Astrue said, “which should be a relief to those people who were concerned about their benefits. I’m pleased the President and Congress were able to come together in a bipartisan fashion to avoid an interruption in payments.”
People still receiving paper checks from Social Security should consider signing up for Direct Deposit, the secure and convenient way to receive Social Security payments. All current beneficiaries must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013.
Social Security to Hold Public Forums for Section 504 Evaluation
Posted: August 2, 2011
We have scheduled public forums on August 17, 2011 and September 20, 2011 as part of our Section 504 Self-Evaluation. Section 504 requires Federal agencies to provide meaningful access to their programs, activities, and facilities for qualified persons with disabilities. The purpose of the public forums is to help us evaluate the current level of accessibility of our programs, activities, and facilities and to gather comments for ways that we might improve accessibility. The forums will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT at One Skyline Tower, 5107 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. In addition, we will stream the forums over the Internet. If you are interested in speaking at the forums or observing the forums in Falls Church, please go to the link below for more information and to register. If you are interested in submitting written comments, please follow the instructions in the Federal Register notice that is also accessible through the link below.
Learn more about Section 504 and register for the forums
Budget Cuts Force Reduced Public Hours
Posted: August 1, 2011
Beginning August 15, 2011, Social Security field offices nationwide will close to the public 30 minutes early each day. That means a field office that is usually open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. will close at 3:30 p.m. each day.
Learn more about the schedule changes
Social Security to Announce the Addition of 12 New Conditions to the Compassionate Allowances List
Posted: July 13, 2011
Social Security will announce the expansion of the list of conditions that qualify under the Compassionate Allowances program at an event on Thursday, July 14, 2011, 10:00 a.m. in Room 106 at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, located at Constitution Ave. and 1st St., NE in Washington, DC.
Learn more about compassionate allowances and the event
Social Security Launches First-Ever Mobile Application: the "Baby Name Playroom"
Posted: June 14, 2011
In case you missed it, the Social Security Administration recently launched the “Baby Name Playroom” iPhone app, shortly after publishing the 2010 list of the most popular Baby Names. This new app provides users with the 1000 most popular baby names for each year since 1880, based on Social Security Number registrations. In addition to offering some fun activities, it also points parents, grandparents and guardians to critical information about getting a newborn’s Social Security number; applying for children’s benefits, disability, retirement and Extra Help with prescription drug costs; planning for a secure financial future for the family; and learning about the future financial status of the Social Security program. Users can share all of this information through Twitter, Facebook, or email directly from their iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
Download the Baby Name Playroom app
Participate in an Upcoming Listening Session on Accessible Technology
Posted: June 3, 2011
In order to better understand the needs of diverse communities and provide better solutions, the Federal CIO Council's Accessibility Committee will host a listening session on Friday, June 17, 2011 from 1:30 to 5:00 pm (PDT) at Stanford University. Representatives from technology companies, persons with disabilities, their advocates, and government employees are invited. Participation is in-person only.
Learn more and register for the event
Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
Posted: May 26, 2011
Earlier this year, President Obama outlined his plan to create a 21st-century regulatory system that is simpler and smarter and that protects the health and safety of the American people in a pragmatic and cost-effective way. As a key part of that plan, he called for an unprecedented government-wide review of rules already on the books in order to remove those that are out-of-date, unnecessary, excessively burdensome, or in conflict with other rules.
Social Security Releases Popular Baby Names for 2010
Posted: May 6, 2011
Just in time for Mother's Day, the Social Security Administration released its top baby names for 2010. Since 1998, the Social Security Administration has published information on the distribution of given names of Social Security number holders. The popular feature drives a lot of traffic to the Social Security website and helps to promote other important information about Social Security programs and services.
Background information about the baby names data
Social Security Makes Help America Vote Act Data Available
Posted: May 4, 2011
On May 4, 2011, Social Security released data showing the verifications completed for states under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002. Under HAVA, most States are required to verify the last four digits of the Social Security number for individuals registering to vote who do not possess a valid State driver's license. Making this data publicly available shows how often States utilize HAVA verifications.
Help America Vote Verification fact sheet and data
Social Security Celebrates Earth Day
Posted: April 22, 2011
On Earth Day, and throughout the year, Social Security is committed to conserving energy and reducing waste. We have buildings with high-efficiency lighting, solar hot water heating systems, high-performance windows, solar lighting in parking lots, improved HVAC systems, and chilled water system improvements. What's more, we offer many of our popular services online. Check out our Earth Day page to learn more.
SSA's Open Government Plan: One Year Later
Posted: April 7, 2011
On April 7, 2010, we joined numerous agencies across the federal government in publishing our first-ever Open Government Plan. In it, we laid out specific milestones for increasing transparency, participation and collaboration at Social Security. We have worked actively throughout the past year carrying out key open government activities to make Open Government (OG) more sustainable at Social Security. We will continue our efforts as we move forward to carry out our plan.
A summary of our achievements and lessons learned from our first year
A pictorial display of our journey so far
Social Security: What's in it for You?
Updated: April 5, 2011
On March 10th at 3pm EST, Social Security hosted a webinar for college students and young workers, called “Social Security 101: What’s in it for me?” Participants learned answers to questions like “what’s that FICA tax that comes out of my paycheck?,” “how can Social Security help me at my age?” and “why should I worry about planning for retirement now?” Following the presentation, the audience had an opportunity to pose additional questions during an interactive session.
Watch recording of the webinar
Sunshine Week and Freedom of Information Day spotlight transparency efforts
Posted: March 16, 2011
March 13 to March 19 is Sunshine Week, when we celebrate open government and freedom of information. The Office of the CIO and the Office of General Counsel are pleased once again to join forces to raise awareness of these two important areas of government. In addition, today is National Freedom of Information Day.
Working with many others at SSA, we took steps in 2010 to strengthen our transparency, participation and collaboration to make SSA a more open agency, and 2011 is off to a good start.
During Sunshine Week, we invite you to explore our Open Government Plan and the information available here at our Open Government Portal. Also, feel free to send us your thoughts on open government through the dedicated email box open.government@ssa.gov.
Stay tuned as we continue making information easier to find and more accessible to the public.
Social Security meets major program targets, identifies funding challenges
Posted: February 23, 2011
On February 15, 2011, Social Security Administration published its annual Summary of Performance and Financial Information, which highlights key performance and financial information from the FY 2010 Performance and Accountability Report. In the report, all key performance indicators show improvement, with all but one performance target met. In addition, the summary report shows progress made on identified management challenges and identifies funding challenges for future years. The full Performance and Accountability Report is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/finance.
Read the FY 2010 Summary of Performance and Financial Information report
Social Security Invites the Public to Comment on its Regulations
Posted: January 25, 2011
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced a new way for members of the public to participate in open and transparent government. In response to President Obama’s executive order on improving regulations and regulatory review, Social Security is inviting people to provide direct feedback on its rules and regulations. Ideas and comments may be emailed to RegsReview@ssa.gov.
For information about what Social Security is doing to improve its regulations and how you can help, go to: www.socialsecurity.gov/open/regsreview/.
Q&A: Social Security CIO On What's Next In Online Engagement
Posted: January 6, 2011
Frank Baitman, the Chief Information Officer at the Social Security Administration was recently interviewed by Nick Hoover, a government reporter for Information Week. Among other things, Mr. Baitman describes how social media, digital credentials, and behavior modeling are being employed to get more Americans to use the web to apply for retirement benefits.
Read the full interview on Information Week's website
Social Security publishes new data sets on Data.gov
Posted: January 4, 2011
Meeting its commitment to make high-value information available to the public, Social Security published five new datasets on its Open Government portal and the government-wide Data.gov website. These postings contain data on internet applications for retirement, disability, Medicare replacement cards, direct deposit and change of address.
Go to SSA's catalog on Data.gov
Designing for Democracy: ExpertNet
Posted: December 10, 2010
The White House Open Government Initiative and the General Services Administration, working closely with the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Performance and Personnel Management, have launched a public consultation (through January 7, 2011) to obtain input on a design concept for a government-wide software tool and process to elicit expert public participation. In addition to making government more open and accountable to the public, this also advances the Administration’s objective of strengthening problem-solving networks to improve outcomes and reduce costs, one of three key performance management strategies laid out in the President’s FY2011 budget.
The proposed concept is intended to be complementary to two of the ways the Federal government currently obtains expertise to inform decision-making, namely by convening Federal Advisory Committees and announcing public comment opportunities in the Federal Register.
To provide feedback by January 7, 2011, please go to http://expertnet.wikispaces.com where you will find a draft description of ExpertNet. (ExpertNet is a working title. You’ll find a page to suggest a better name.) Also, you can discuss the concept on a discussion forum or edit the document on the editable Wiki.
The Administration wants to hear from you about:
- Any refinements or suggestions to improve the process as described;
- Any issues (legal, policy, technical) raised by the features described;
- Information about any tools that perform the process described;
- Pointers to organizations (public or private) that have a similar platform or process in place.
If you prefer not to access the wiki, you can post your comments on the discussion forum or email them to OSTP at expertnet@ostp.gov.
Tuesday Talks: One-Year Anniversary Of The Open Government Directive
Posted: December 6, 2010
On December 8, 2009, the White House issued an unprecedented Open Government Directive requiring federal agencies to take steps to achieve key milestones in transparency, participation, and collaboration. On the one-year anniversary of the Directive, the White House is answering your questions on the Administration's progress and the ideas and practices that are being implemented at the White House and across the agencies in a live video chat on WhiteHouse.gov.
You're Invited to the Future Systems Technology Advisory Panel Meeting
Posted: December 2, 2010
Commissioner of Social Security Michael J. Astrue established the Future Systems Technology Advisory Panel under the Federal Advisory Committee Act on February 8, 2008. The mission of the Panel is to provide independent advice and recommendations on the future of systems technology and electronic services at the Social Security Administration (SSA) five to ten years into the future. The recommendations of the Panel will provide SSA a roadmap of future systems technologies needed in carrying out its statutory mission. Advice and recommendations will relate to areas of future internet applications, customer service, privacy and other arenas vital to the SSA's ability to serve the American people.
The Future Systems Technology Advisory Panel will have its next meeting on December 13, 2010. This meeting is open to the public.
Comments Wanted! Self-Evaluation of Efforts to Provide Meaningful Access to the Disabled
Posted: November 18, 2010
Social Security is conducting a self-evaluation of policies and practices supporting section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires federal agencies to provide meaningful access to their programs and activities to qualified persons with disabilities.
Social Security is interested in any ideas and suggestions you have about how to conduct the self-evaluation. In particular, the agency wants to hear ideas and suggestions from persons with disabilities, their family members, and those who work with or advocate for persons with disabilities. The comment period closes on December 6, 2010.
Read the full Federal Register notice
Submit a comment at Regulations.gov
Social Security Publishes Report on Fiscal Year 2010 Performance
Posted: November 16, 2010
On November 15, 2010, Social Security published its annual Performance and Accountability Report (PAR), which combines the agency's annual performance report with its audited financial statements to provide full disclosure of financial and programmatic operations. The PAR describes Social Security's programs and organization, and how the agency benefits the public and achieves its mission.
Got Questions? Just Ask!
Posted: November 16, 2010
Social Security's Online Answers helps millions each month find answers to their questions about Social Security's programs. Online Answers' mobile interface is also optimized for the Android, Blackberry 9800 series and higher (i.e., the Torch), iPhone, and the Palm WebOS operating systems.
Last month, RightNow Technologies presented SSA with the 2010 RightNow Customer Innovation Award, during their October's Customer Conference, for being the first federal government customer to go live with a mobile interface to Online Answers.
Visit our Online Answers website
Impact of State Disability Determination Services (DDS) Furloughs
Posted: October 27, 2010
The Social Security Administration has unveiled a new website titled Impact of State Disability Determination Services (DDS) Furloughs. The website incorporates an interactive map and timeline to visually portray the damaging effect that furloughing state DDS employees has on the processing of disability claims and the payment of initial monthly disability payments to states' disabled citizens.
Social Security Publishes "Data Inventory and Plan for Releasing High-Value Data"
Posted: September 30, 2010
The Social Security Administration has published its Data Inventory and Plan for Releasing High-Value Data on the September 30, 2010. The inventory identifies high-value data holdings and plans for releasing data that will improve public knowledge of our programs and operations.
Click here to review the inventory
Social Security Announces "How Social Security Has Made a Difference in My Life" Video Contest Winner
Updated: September 17, 2010
Congratulations to Erica Solway, Lindsay Trapnell, Laura Hunt, Alex Butterwick, and Kate Schriver, whose video, "Social Security: Real Stories," has won our "How Social Security Has Made a Difference in My Life" video contest!
Thank you to all who participated!
View "Social Security: Real Stories" on YouTube
View the other video contest submissions
Social Security Posts Video Highlights from Open Government Employee Awareness Day
Posted: August 24, 2010
On July 14 2010, the Chief Information Officer hosted an Open Government Employee Awareness Day Event at Social Security's Headquarters in Baltimore, MD. The purpose? To Increase employees' understanding of the principles of open government and how they can become involved in activities to help SSA become more transparent, participatory, and collaborative.
View speaker videos and presentations
Watchdog Group Praises Social Security for "Making Dramatic Improvements" in Open Government Planning
Posted: July 20, 2010
"Open the Government", an independent open government watchdog group released a new audit of 39 Federal agencies' transparency plans. According to "Open the Government", Social Security moved up in ratings to be included in the 10 highest-scoring agencies.
Click here to read the full article from Federal Computer Week
Agency CIO Discusses Social Security in the Gov 2.0 Age
Posted: July 19, 2010
Last week, O’Reilly Radar’s Gov 2.0 reporter, Alex Howard, visited the Social Security Administration headquarters outside of Baltimore to speak about social media and government at our Open Government Employee Awareness Day. Before his presentation, he sat down with Frank Baitman, the agency’s chief information officer, to talk about Gov 2.0, open government and technology.
Click here to view the full interview with video
Social Security Posts Updated Open Government Plan
Posted: June 24, 2010
Today we posted our updated Open Government Plan. Your feedback and comments were very helpful throughout the plan development process.
We have also published:
- Your top ideas from the OpenSocialSecurity dialogue,
- Frequently requested information about Social Security, and
- Our Open Government Plan progress report
Agency Gathers Open Government Plan Input Through Online Dialogue
Posted: May 19, 2010
We want to thank everyone who offered comments about our Open Government Plan. Your feedback has been very helpful to us. Soon, we will publish our final plan on this web page.
This dialogue has ended, but we will launch dialogues on other topics in the near future. Come back and share your ideas!
- 2012 Open Government Plan 2.0
- 2012 Open Government Plan 2.0 Implementation Progress
- 2010 Open Government Open Government Plan
- 2010 Open Government Plan Implementation Progress
- 2010 Open Government Plan Self-Evaluation
We used our idea-sharing tool, "OpenSocialSecurity," to capture your ideas for creating our Open Government Plan. We received many ideas on how we could increase our transparency, participation, collaboration and innovation.
- Press Releases
- Radio Public Service Announcements
- Television Public Service Announcements
- Social Security Update Newsletter
- eNews
- Legislative & Congressional Affairs
Under certain circumstances, Social Security can provide a speaker to discuss our programs, benefits, and services. We provide speakers free of charge, and they are generally available during business hours only. Please note that we are not able to fulfill all requests.
The Administration is committed to creating an open and transparent government through the following initiatives:
- Data.gov
- USASpending.gov
- Regulations.gov
- Recovery.gov
- WhiteHouse.gov's OpenGov
- Federal Government Web Reform
- Open Government Documents
Alan Lane
Associate Commissioner for Open Government
Address:
6401 Security Blvd
West High Rise Rm. 1126
Baltimore, MD 21235
Email: open.government@ssa.gov