NCJ Number
65522
Date Published
1979
Length
37 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT DISCUSSES PROBLEMS WHICH REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) IN RECOVERING OVERPAYMENTS FROM RETIREMENT, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFICIARIES.
Abstract
THE AMOUNT OF OVERPAYMENTS MADE BY THE SSA TO SUCH BENEFICIARIES IS HIGH AND CONSTANTLY RISING. THE SSA, DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE PROGRAM, WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOME OVERPAYMENTS, BUT IT MUST NONETHELESS FULFILL ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO RECOVER ANY OVERPAYEMNTS. MANAGERIAL ATTENTION IS NEEDED AT ALL LEVELS WITHIN THE AGENCY TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN AN EFFECTIVE RECOVERY PROGRAM. THE SSA COMMISSIONER IS INITIATING ACTION TO ASSURE THAT SSA'S RECOVERY PROGRAM IS AS EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE. SSA SHOULD IMPROVE THE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE PROVIDED TO RECOVERY PERSONNEL, DEVELOP MORE COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL DATA TO PROPERLY EVALUATE THE SCOPE OF THE RECOVERY PROGRAM, REEXAMINE AND ADHERE TO POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO PROPER RECOVERY METHODS, AND ASSURE THAT RECOVERY PERSONNEL USE ONLY THE MOST EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE RECOVERY TECHNIQUES. ALSO, THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE SHOULD REQUIRE THE SSA COMMISSIONER TO DETERMINE TO WHAT EXTENT FULL-TIME SPECIALISTS IN DISTRICT OFFICES COULD IMPROVE RECOVERY EFFORTS; REQUIRE MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE GREATER DIRECTION, SUPERVISION, AND FEEDBACK TO SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES; REFINE SYSTEM OUTPUT TO DEFINE EXACT COMPOSITION OF OUTSTANDING BALANCE ON UNSETTLED ACCOUNTS; ASSURE THAT THE TASK FORCE REPORT ON RECOVERY REVIEWER ALTERNATIVES RECEIVES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION; EXAMINE THE CLAIMS MANUAL TO CLARIFY PROCEDURES AND ELIMINATE INCONSISTENCIES; AND REEVALUATE THE COMPUTER PROGRAM PROVISION. APPENDIXES LIST VARIOUS RECOVERY PROCEDURES. TABULAR DATA ARE INCLUDED. (MJW)