Summary: In response to frequent allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in the supplemental security income (SSI) program, Congress has become concerned that ineligible persons may be receiving disability benefits. For example, GAO confirmed that ineligible, non-English-speaking applicants were illegally obtaining benefits through the use of middlemen, who provide translation or other services for a fee to help individuals apply for benefits. (See GAO/HEHS-95-116, August 1995.) Concerns about this program also stem from sharp rises in the number of SSI recipients in recent years. This report examines the Social Security Administration's (SSA) strategy for conducting legally required continuing disability reviews on SSI recipients. GAO answers the following questions: What steps is SSA taking to conduct these reviews in fiscal years 1996 through 1998? What resources has SSA committed to meeting this requirement, and what additional resources, if any, are needed? How does SSA select recipients for SSI continuing disability reviews? What are the potential benefits of conducting these reviews on the SSI population? What options exist for improving the review process?
