President Trump has an opportunity to reform the Social Security Administration and improve its efficiency and fiscal responsibility. The administration should undo several Biden-era regulations that unnecessarily expanded spending on welfare and disability benefits without thorough analysis or clear benefits to the most disadvantaged citizens. Working with technology experts, the Trump administration should push for modernized information technology to enhance accuracy and speed, resolving the SSA’s service crisis.
The SSA continues to struggle with answering phones promptly, processing changes in beneficiary status, and managing a massive backlog of disability claims. These issues highlight the need for modern technology solutions. SSA also needs to overhaul its complex and costly disability program rules.
Improving SSA’s efficiency and technology
Using new statistical data on occupational requirements and modern labor market realities, SSA can create a more efficient process for adjudicating disability claims and continuing benefits. This new system could significantly reduce government spending while providing a more accurate assessment of the labor market for different claimants.
Potential policy changes could simplify return-to-work rules, streamline the use of claimant attorneys, and reassess the cost-effectiveness of current appeals processes. These measures would improve efficiency and fairness for both claimants and taxpayers. The Trump administration has the opportunity to implement these necessary changes, leveraging the Department of Government Efficiency to update how the federal government functions.
Prioritizing efficiency and fiscal responsibility will help protect taxpayers’ money and improve the services provided to SSA beneficiaries.