US Social Security Administration data initiatives

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has transitioned from promoting digital accessibility to conducting large-scale data integrity operations. Initially, the agency focused on expanding its digital footprint through an Open Data Portal for public datasets—including disability claims, retirement statistics, and a baby names database dating back to 1880—and an online service for requesting replacement Social Security cards.

Following these digital service initiatives, the SSA launched the most extensive cleanup of its Social Security Number (SSN) database in its 91-year history. This operation involves updating death dates for 17 million Social Security Numbers and correcting citizenship information for millions of records using data from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE service.

As of recent reports, the cleanup has addressed nearly 15 percent of all active SSNs, including the correction of approximately 25 million records lacking citizenship information and 8.5 million records with inaccurate citizenship status. Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano stated the goal is to “strengthen the foundation of identity data used across the government and the economy” and noted that accurate records are essential for “maintaining the integrity of government services and supporting the proper administration of benefits.” To mitigate future errors, the agency is also implementing stricter internal controls to address manual data entry inaccuracies.