The 2023 SSI Statement continues the Board’s work on access to SSI for underserved populations, focusing on American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). On average, the AI/AN population experiences significantly worse socioeconomic circumstances and poorer health, including higher rates of poverty and disability, compared to the general population.
AI/AN people may also face barriers to accessing SSI when using SSA’s in-person, online, and telephone service options. The Board recommends more extramural research and outreach to Tribal populations. In its conclusion, the Board states that changes to the SSI application process or SSA’s service delivery should be driven by consultation, partnership with, and meaningful inclusion of Tribal governments and AI/AN people.
The Statement is included in SSA’s 2023 Annual Report of the SSI Program. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 gives Board members, individually or jointly, the opportunity to include their views on SSI in SSA’s annual report to the President and Congress. 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.