Customer Experience

‘Over half’ of federal websites got better in the past year, OMB official says

Metrics released by the Office of Management and Budget offer insight into how agencies are implementing the 21st Century IDEA Act.

IRS Direct File to open a week after Trump’s inauguration

Republicans on Capitol Hill have asked the incoming president to scrap the free tax filing service developed during the Biden administration.

Government spending bill would also codify VA’s customer experience office

The continuing resolution to keep the government funded through March 14 would, in part, formalize a VA office that gathers feedback to improve veteran services.

SNAP theft reimbursements could end for many without congressional action by Friday

Senators are also urging the Agriculture Department to speed up its rulemaking around card security that could help prevent the problem.

SSA opens online application for core disability program

The online version of the form is limited to certain applicants.

Republican lawmakers ask Trump to kill IRS Direct File

The new program intended to enable free, online tax filing directly with the government has garnered controversy and praise since its inception.

Education launches 2025-26 FAFSA following weeks of testing

The public release of the online form follows a delayed and glitchy version released last year.

Satisfaction with government hits record high just before a new Trump admin 

The incoming Trump administration casts an uncertain light on the customer experience gains made in recent years.

Cutting red tape is key to financial inclusion, Treasury says

A new Department of Treasury strategy calls on those delivering government programs to make them easier to access.

Bipartisan Senate duo seeks to push IRS customer service forward

The tax agency is already working on some of the items in the bill — like improving online accounts.

CX bill passes Senate committee

The proposal is one of many that moved through House and Senate committees this week, including a transparency bill that brings additional congressional oversight to the General Services Administration.

SSA has a plan, but wants more funding to get it done

The 2024 agenda’s top priorities for the remainder of the year stem from over 5,000 recommendations from employees.

IRS program to assist poor taxpayers rarely picks up the phone

TIGTA investigators were unable to leave a message at 16 local Taxpayer Advocate Service offices because their voicemail boxes were full.

Updated

Benefits.gov to shutter in September

The Labor Department’s benefits-focused website dates back to 2002.

Education says a new system will help borrowers — lawmakers aren’t so sure

“This new system lacks transparency,” four senators told the Department of Education.