CNS News– The Social Security Administration (SSA) is gearing up for a significant overhaul aimed at curbing erroneous payments to beneficiaries. Facing mounting criticism for the retrieval of overpaid benefits, which reached a staggering $13.6 billion in the fiscal year 2022, the SSA is eyeing a transformative shift in its approach.
Proposing a landmark initiative termed Payroll Information Exchange (PIE), the SSA aims to revolutionize the way it gathers data, particularly from employers. By leveraging payroll information directly from employers, the SSA intends to mitigate reliance on self-reporting, a process prone to errors and inaccuracies.
At the heart of this initiative lies a quest for efficiency and accuracy. The SSA acknowledges that unreported, belatedly reported, or erroneously reported earnings often underpin overpayments in programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This move is expected to streamline the verification process, significantly reducing manual reporting errors.
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Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized the importance of this transition, describing it as a critical step towards reducing improper payments. While the proposed change is currently in the consultation phase, it underscores the SSA’s commitment to enhancing stewardship and safeguarding the integrity of its programs.
Public consultation on the proposed changes will remain open until April 15, allowing stakeholders to weigh in on this pivotal shift. Despite the potential for financial challenges posed by overpayments, the SSA remains steadfast in its responsibility to uphold the trust funds and ensure the equitable distribution of benefits.