Press Release (En español)
For Immediate Release
press.office@ssa.gov
Social Security Announces Cost Reduction and Enhancements Plan
Efforts Will Combat Identity Fraud
In response to stakeholder feedback and a recent audit by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Social Security Administration (SSA) is pleased to announce a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing costs and enhancing the Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service. This initiative is designed to ensure the continued viability of the eCBSV service while addressing the needs of customers, including the financial industry and various governmental bodies.
"We are committed to enhancing the eCBSV service to better serve our stakeholders and effectively combat identity fraud,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “By reducing costs and improving our processes, we aim to provide a more accessible and efficient tool for financial institutions and other entities."
Since its inception, the eCBSV service has garnered significant interest from stakeholders, including the financial industry, the Big Tent Coalition (BTC), and congressional committees. The GAO's audit, released in September 2024, highlighted key areas for improvement, including cost estimation, user participation, and service limitations. In response, SSA has committed to implementing several recommendations to enhance the service's effectiveness in combating synthetic identity fraud.
Key Components of the Plan:
- Cost Reduction Initiatives:
- A phased approach will be adopted to reduce operating costs by up to approximately 40 percent going forward, focusing on critical functions necessary for maintaining the eCBSV system.
- Annual fees charged to participating entities will be reduced by approximately 25 percent, allowing for greater accessibility while still meeting cost recovery requirements.
- Enhancements to eCBSV Services:
- The agency will work to enhance the no-match results provided by eCBSV, responding to stakeholder requests for more detailed information to aid in decision-making.
- A future phase will explore the integration of Consent Based SSN Verification (CBSV) with eCBSV, streamlining processes and expanding the user base.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Ongoing initiatives will continue to involve stakeholders in the development and implementation of the eCBSV service, including regular meetings and feedback solicitation.
Next Steps:
The implementation of this three-phase plan will begin immediately, with a focus on reducing operating costs and enhancing service offerings. The agency is dedicated to ensuring that the eCBSV service remains a valuable tool for financial institutions and other stakeholders in verifying Social Security numbers and addressing identity fraud.
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