Summary: The Social Security Administration (SSA) is ahead of many federal agencies in developing strategic plans; measuring its service to the public; and producing complete, accurate, and timely financial statements. This gives SSA a sound foundation from which to manage significant current and future challenges. The aging of the baby boomers, coupled with longer life expectancy and the declining ratio of contributing workers to beneficiaries, will place unprecedented strains on the social security program in the 21st century. SSA, however, has yet to do the research, analysis, and evaluation needed to inform the public debate on the future financing of social security--the most critical long-term issue confronting the agency. Also challenging SSA have been disability caseloads that have soared by nearly 70 percent during the past decade. At this critical juncture, leadership is essential so that SSA can take the following steps to ensure success in the years ahead: inform the national debate on social security financial issues; complete its redesign of the disability claims process and promote return to work in its disability programs; enhance efforts to ensure program integrity, while quickly and effectively implementing many reforms; and make the technology enhancements and workforce decisions needed to meet increasing workloads with fewer resources.
