Information Integrity

Using Technology to Determine Eligibility to Work and Receive Benefits Gao ID: T-AIMD-95-99 March 7, 1995

To help prevent individuals from illegally working and improperly receiving benefits, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have been exploring various options, such as tamper-resistant identification cards and a telephone verification system. However, the success of these systems will depend on the integrity of the data used to obtain these cards and the accuracy and the reliability of the databases that support compliance efforts. This testimony discusses (1) the opportunities and the limitations of the technology that INS and SSA are considering, (2) a case study of a state that successfully used modern technology to introduce a one-stop eligibility management system, and (3) issues to consider in implementing cost-effective systems that meet program needs.



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