Modernization

SSA displays online interactive map on furloughs in 19 states

The Social Security Administration has started an interactive map that shows 19 states where governors furloughed workers who do initial disability benefit determinations for the SSA.

Modernization

SSA misses target for retirement applications online

The Social Security Administration released its performance report for fiscal 2010 listing the targets it met and missed.

Modernization

SSA applicants like new online claim form, IG says

Half of the applicants who used the Social Security Administration's online iClaim scored it as "excellent," according to a new report from SSA's inspector general.

Digital Government

Government shutdown looms as lawmakers debate funding bill

At least one government agency is making plans for a government shutdown -- including employee furloughs -- and lawmakers debate whether such a shutdown is likely.

Modernization

SSA data center nearing 'catastrophic failure'

Tangled telecommunications and electrical cables underneath the data center floor, an out-dated HVAC system, clogged pipes and an antiquated uninterruptible power system -- the SSA's National Computer Center is teetering on thin ice.

Modernization

SSA creates new e-mail account for public comments on regulation

The Social Security Administration is putting out a broad invitation to the public to submit comments by e-mail on how to improve its regulations.

Modernization

SSA has troubles with VOIP contract, IG says

The Social Security Administration's inspector general made six recommendations to fix initial problems with the SSA's voice-over-IP contract.

Digital Government

SSA seen going 90 percent electronic

An advisory panel to the Social Security Administration strongly recommends expanding the agency's electronic transactions.

Digital Government

SSA will overhaul medical coding systems

The Social Security Administration received a good report card on its low rate of medical coding errors, but now it looks like a complete redo of the coding system is in the works.

People

SSA faces IT management problems, IG says

The Social Security Administration's inspector general targets eight major management IT problem areas for improvement.

Modernization

SSA introduces revamped site

The Social Security Administration launched a redesigned website today after a recent report of mixed scores on customer satisfaction.

Cybersecurity

SSA has problems with unauthorized software, IG says

The Social Security Administration needs to improve its controls over employees and contractors who install unapproved software on agency computers, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

3 case studies in social media experimentation

Agencies and government contractors are notoriously reluctant to take risks, but some are venturing into the world of social networks, multimedia and interactive blogging and finding success.

People

SSA to create dozens of new datasets

Social Security Administration said it will be protecting against release of any personally identifiable information as it extracts new datasets for open government and transparency projects.

Digital Government

And then there’s that business about Social Security …

Well, it’s official now—for the second year in a row, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries won’t be getting a cost-of-living adjustment.

People

Low participation in SSA video contest is latest in a lackluster series

News analysis: A public relations expert offers remedies for recent video contests sponsored by the Social Security Administration and other agencies that generated relatively few entries.

Acquisition

SSA's tracking of computer buys is a mess, IG says in report

It's not possible to know if the Social Security Administration overpaid or underpaid for some computers because the recordkeeping is so poor, according to a new report.

Modernization

SSA disagrees with IG on data center site recommendations

The Social Security Administration accepts half of its inspector general's advice for site selection for a new data center.

Digital Government

How secure is your facility?

Two federal judges--one who decides Social Security cases, and another who presides over immigration cases--this week detailed the growing threat of violence that they, along with their families, face.