Press Release (En español)
For Immediate Release
press.office@ssa.gov
Social Security Administration Marks the 25th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks
Baltimore, MD – The Social Security Administration (SSA) today honors the memory of those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, and recognizes the survivors, families, and first responders whose courage and resilience continue to inspire the nation.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York, the Washington, D.C. area, and Pennsylvania. They were family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors — individuals going about their daily lives, federal employees beginning their workday, and first responders who rushed toward danger. SSA joins the nation in remembering each of them on this solemn anniversary.
“On this anniversary, we remember the lives lost, the families changed forever, and the heroes whose actions inspired a nation,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “We also reaffirm SSA’s commitment to serving the American people with the same dedication our employees demonstrated in the days and months after September 11.”
Following the attacks, SSA employees responded immediately to support families affected by the tragedy. The agency activated special emergency procedures to ensure survivor claims could be processed as quickly as possible. These measures allowed SSA to accept alternative forms of verification, including airline manifests and employer records, when death certificates were not yet available. SSA staff worked at assistance centers in New York and throughout the country, helping families understand their benefits and complete applications during an extraordinarily difficult time.
Within days, SSA launched nationwide outreach efforts to reach families of victims, provide information on available benefits, and ensure timely processing of claims. The agency coordinated with local and federal partners, employers, uniformed services, and consulates to identify survivors and verify eligibility. By December 2001, SSA had processed more than 5,000 disaster related claims, including survivors’ benefits, children’s benefits, lump sum death payments, and disability applications. These efforts reflect SSA’s mission to provide support and stability when Americans need it most.
Commissioner Bisignano also reflects on the personal impact September 11 had on his life and career. On the morning of the attacks, he was at Citigroup in lower Manhattan, where he witnessed the devastation firsthand. In the immediate aftermath, he led efforts to relocate more than 16,000 displaced employees, ensuring their safety and continuity of operations during an unprecedented crisis. In the years that followed, Bisignano served as a founding member and board leader of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, honoring the victims and supporting families and communities deeply affected by the tragedy. Nearly a decade later, he faced his own health challenges, developing throat cancer attributed to time spent at Ground Zero, which he overcame with resilience and the support of loved ones.
“September 11 changed the course of my life,” said Commissioner Bisignano. “I saw courage, loss, and extraordinary acts of humanity up close, and those experiences have shaped how I view leadership and public service. At SSA, our mission is rooted in helping people through their hardest moments. This commitment has only deepened for me because of what I experienced that day and in the years that followed.”
As commemorations take place across the country, SSA encourages all Americans to reflect on the unity, courage, and shared purpose that emerged in the wake of the attacks. The agency remains committed to supporting the American people and honoring the legacy of those lost by continuing to serve with dedication and compassion.
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