For example, as a pilot agency under GPRA, SSA has worked to strengthen its strategic management process and to identify and develop performance measures that help its managers, the Congress, and the public assess its performance. Meanwhile, the ratio of contributing workers to beneficiaries will decline. By 2015, an estimated 2.6 workers will be paying taxes into the Social Security system per beneficiary; in 1950, 16.5 workers were paying Social Security taxes per beneficiary. Given the magnitude of the financial problems facing the Social Security system and the nature of the proposals for changing the system, we can expect the debate over the financing and structure of the Social Security system to continue and intensify in the coming years. SSA Is Redesigning Its Disability Claims Process but Has Placed Little Priority on Return-to-Work Efforts

In recent years, disability caseloads have faced unprecedented growth. Although SSA has begun many of its planned initiatives, none is far enough along for SSA to know whether specific proposed process changes will achieve the desired results. SSA Must Manage Growing Workloads With Reduced Resources

As the baby boom generation ages, more and more people will be applying for and receiving SSA program benefits. This important issue needs serious consideration. Leadership Needed to Manage Challenges

services delivered. First, SSA must step up to its role as the nation’s expert on Social Security issues; it is uniquely positioned to inform the public policy debate on the future financing and structure of Social Security. Second, SSA must redesign the disability claims process and place greater emphasis on return to work in its disability programs.
Why GAO Did This Study

GAO discussed the Social Security Administration's (SSA) efforts to address future policy changes and program issues.

What GAO Found

GAO noted that: (1) SSA is strengthening its strategic management process, developing performance measures, measuring customer satisfaction, and producing accurate financial statements; (2) SSA has not performed the research, analysis, and evaluation needed to inform the public on the future of social security financing; (3) by 2015, 50 million people will be receiving social security benefits and 2.6 workers will be paying taxes into the social security system; (4) the aging of the baby boom generation, coupled with increasing life expectancy and the declining ratio of contributing workers to beneficiaries, will place unprecedented strains on the social security system; (5) SSA disability caseloads have grown by 70 percent in the last decade; (6) SSA has attempted to redesign its disability claims process, but it is unable to determine whether specific process changes will achieve the desired results; (7) SSA has not sufficiently promoted return-to-work initiatives in the disability program; (8) SSA faces significant challenges in modernizing its information systems, managing increasing workloads with a reduced workforce, and delivering its services; and (9) SSA needs effective leadership to inform the national debate on social security financing issues, complete the redesign of the disability claims process, promote return to work programs, enhance program integrity, and make technological enhancements.