Social Security Disability: Management Action and Program Redesign Needed
to Address Long-Standing Problems (Testimony, 08/03/95,
GAO/T-HEHS-95-233).

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.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  T-HEHS-95-233
     TITLE:  Social Security Disability: Management Action and Program 
             Redesign Needed to Address Long-Standing Problems
      DATE:  08/03/95
   SUBJECT:  Claims processing
             Social security benefits
             Disability benefits
             Beneficiaries
             Productivity
             Eligibility determinations
             Handicapped persons
             Administrative law judges
             Supplemental security income program
             Medical examinations
IDENTIFIER:  Social Security Disability Insurance Program
             Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund
             SSA Project Network
             Medical Care Cost Recovery Fund
             Medicare Program
             
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