Social Security Administration conducts largest SSN database cleanup

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched the most extensive cleanup of its Social Security Number (SSN) database in the agency’s 91-year history. The initiative aims to strengthen identity data integrity and prevent fraud across federal programs by correcting tens of millions of records.

According to the agency, the cleanup has addressed nearly 15 percent of all active SSNs. Key updates include adding missing dates of death to 17 million records using internal systems and Department of State data, and updating approximately 25 million records that lacked citizenship information via the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE service. The agency is also currently correcting 8.5 million records with inaccurate citizenship status.

SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano stated that accurate records are essential for maintaining the integrity of government services and supporting the proper administration of benefits. The agency has also implemented stronger internal controls to prevent future inaccuracies caused by manual data entry.