Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has serious problems managing its disability insurance and supplemental security income programs. First, the lengthy and complicated decision-making process results in untimely decisions, especially for those who appeal, and shows troubling signs of inconsistency. Second, SSA has a poor record of reviewing beneficiaries to determine whether they remain eligible for benefits and an even worse record of providing rehabilitation to help move people off the disability rolls and into employment. This reinforces the public perceptions that SSA pays disability benefits to persons who are not entitled to them. Third, SSA needs to make better decisions about work capacity to restore public confidence and to better serve beneficiaries. Although these problems are serious, solutions do exist. GAO believes that relatively quick action could be taken to reduce inconsistent decision-making, step up review of beneficiaries who may be able to return to work, and improve rehabilitation outcomes. In some cases, SSA has the authority to take action, in others, decisionmakers may need to rethink the goals and objectives of the disability programs.