Washington, DC – The Social Security Advisory Board (“Board”) announces the release of two publications: a public comment on assessing equity in Social Security’s programs, and a statement on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) dedicated accounts.
The comment in the Federal Register responds to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s request for information on how it can support federal agencies’ implementation of Executive Order 13985. Per the order, Social Security Administration (SSA) must assess whether its programs equitably serve all eligible people, particularly those historically underserved. The Board’s response encourages OMB and SSA to use evidence and engage stakeholders to inform decisions aimed at reducing public burden, citing past work where the Board found bipartisan agreement.
The Board’s most recent annual SSI statement examines dedicated account policy and its impact on SSI recipients and their families, representative payees, and SSA. It also summarizes available data on dedicated accounts, past recommendations to modify or eliminate them, and administrative flexibility available to the Commissioner to make changes to dedicated accounts absent legislative action. The statement will be included in SSA’s forthcoming 2021 Annual Report of the SSI Program.
Upon release of both publications, Board Chair, Bob Joondeph, stated:
“Equity and support for underserved communities are fundamental to Social Security’s provision of high-quality service to the public. Our ongoing advisory work aims to inform this discussion.’
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The Board’s mission is to advise the President, Congress, and Commissioner of Social Security on the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs. The Board is comprised of Presidential and Congressional appointees with professional staff.