SSA is responsible for SSI’s stewardship and must ensure that the public’s funds are responsibly expended. Taxpayers who support the SSI program must be confident that their tax dollars are accurately expended. Claimants and beneficiaries must know that program rules are followed correctly and that benefits are accurately paid. Although program integrity has improved, some recent data shows that the SSI program needs attention. Members of Congress and others who have studied SSA’s disability programs have recognized inconsistencies in decision-making.
The Board recommends that SSA consider changes to meet the following goals. All who are truly disabled and cannot work should receive benefits. Those who can work but need assistance to do so should receive it. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services should be readily available, and claimants and beneficiaries should be helped to take advantage of them. Claimants should be helped to understand the disability rules and the determination process. The disability system should provide fair and consistent treatment for all. The disability system should ensure high-quality decisions by well-qualified and trained adjudicators. The disability system should provide expeditious processing of claims.
The Statement is included in SSA’s 2003 Annual Report on the SSI Program. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 gives Board members the opportunity, individually or jointly, to include their views on SSI in SSA’s annual report to the President and Congress on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The Board or one of its members has submitted a statement every year since 1998, except for 2024 due to the lack of a quorum.