Here’s a concise update on the latest news about the Department of Social Security (SSA).
- The SSA continues to roll out its modernization and fraud-prevention measures, including updates to identity verification and benefit integrity efforts. These efforts aim to improve accuracy in payments and reduce improper benefits. [source: SSA press materials and industry coverage]
- There have been ongoing discussions in Congress about access to death records to aid in fraud prevention and program integrity, with recent bills moving through committees or chambers to grant permanent access for cross-checking beneficiary data. This reflects a broader push to tighten safeguards while maintaining timely benefit delivery. [source: Nextgov coverage of related legislation]
- Staffing, retirements, and field-office transitions have been in focus as the SSA reshapes its operations to emphasize frontline customer service, with measures like voluntary retirement options and reassignment programs. These changes accompany continued efforts to modernize the agency’s IT infrastructure and payment systems. [source: Verisk SSA updates; Nextgov summaries]
- The SSA has publicly discussed cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and planned benefit changes tied to annual updates, including automation of payments and continued use of electronic payments as part of modernization. [source: CBS News/SSA-related press releases and coverage]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest SSA press releases or provide a brief briefing on a specific topic (COLA, fraud prevention, IT modernization, or field office changes) with links to primary sources. I can also summarize the newest developments with direct citations.
Sources
The Social Security Administration says it has processed 2.5 million retroactive payments to people previously locked out of retirement benefits. Spike in early Social Security claims this year points to growing concerns about the health of the Social Security system, experts say. In recent weeks, Social Security has been plagued by problems related to technology, system errors, and even the marking of living people as dead. … The Social Security Fairness Act is expected to be signed Monday,...
www.cbsnews.comCiting the shutdown, the Social Security Administration postponed its announcement of the annual payment bump beneficiaries will receive in 2026. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Bisignano will continue to lead the Social Security Administration while also taking on the new IRS role. The Social Security Administration is transitioning to electronic payments next week after 85 years of issuing paper checks to U.S. retirees. A 2.7% COLA increase would raise the average monthly Social...
www.cbsnews.comListing of press releases from the Social Security Press Office.
www.ssa.govlist of press releases
www.ssa.govSocial Security Administration (SSA) updates June 2025: staffing, field offices, modernization, fraud prevention, fairness act, Bisignano
www.verisk.comBy Natalie Alms January 13, 2026 … By Natalie Alms November 25, 2025 Exclusive
www.nextgov.comlist of press releases
www.ssa.gov