Social Security Data Transparency Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6367
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Social Welfare
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-02: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-05T16:07:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Social Security Data Transparency Act (H.R. 6367) aims to increase public access to performance data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It requires the SSA Commissioner to publish specific operational statistics on a publicly accessible website to promote transparency in how the agency handles claims, customer service, and internal systems.
Key Provisions
- Publication Timeline and Scope: Within 90 days of enactment, and monthly thereafter, the SSA must post the latest available data on its website, covering:
- First Contact Resolution: Percentage of claimant interactions resolved on the first try.
- Customer Satisfaction: Percentage of claimants satisfied with each service channel (e.g., in-person, phone via the 800 number, or other methods).
- 800 Number Metrics: Detailed phone service stats, including total customers served, average daily call volume, wait times, speed of answer, percentage reaching a representative, average service time, agent busy rate, and callbacks handled.
- Old Age and Survivors Benefits (Non-Disability): Data on claims under Title II of the Social Security Act, such as percentage receiving benefits within 2 weeks, average processing time, approvals/denials, pending claims, appointment scheduling within 28 days, and online filings.
- Disability Determinations: For disability insurance benefits under Section 223, including average processing times, payment times, pending determinations, receipts, approvals/denials, appointment scheduling, online filings, and processing at initial, reconsideration, and hearing levels.
- Disability Reconsiderations: Average appeal processing time and number of appeals filed/decided.
- Hearings: Average wait time for hearings, number conducted (in-person, phone, or virtual), and pending hearings.
- Live Tracker for 800 Number: A real-time online tool showing current call wait times, callback wait times, callers on hold, and those awaiting callbacks.
- System Outages: Monthly reports on outages that prevent SSA staff from performing duties.
- Definitions: The "800 number" refers to the SSA's toll-free national phone line or any successor.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill reinstates the publication of performance statistics that were previously available but may have been discontinued. It mandates ongoing, detailed, and real-time disclosure of SSA operational data, which was not previously required at this level of frequency or specificity under current law. No alterations to benefit eligibility, processing rules, or funding are made; the focus is solely on transparency.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The SSA will face increased administrative burdens to collect, update, and maintain this data monthly, potentially requiring IT upgrades or staff resources. It could enhance internal accountability and oversight by Congress.
- Citizens: Claimants and beneficiaries gain better insight into SSA service quality, wait times, and efficiency, empowering them to make informed decisions about applying or appealing. This may indirectly improve service by highlighting delays or issues publicly.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill is domestic and focused on U.S. social security operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Social Security Administration (SSA): Primary entity responsible for implementation and compliance.
- Claimants and Beneficiaries: Individuals applying for or receiving retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, who rely on SSA services.
- Congress and Oversight Bodies: Lawmakers (e.g., Committee on Ways and Means) benefit from data for monitoring agency performance.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations supporting seniors, disabled individuals, or transparency in government may use the data for advocacy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens administrative transparency requirements under federal law, aligning with broader open government initiatives (e.g., Freedom of Information Act principles). Non-compliance could lead to congressional enforcement but includes no penalties specified.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it supports First Amendment values of public access to government information without infringing on privacy (data is aggregated, not individual-specific).
- Political: Promotes bipartisan accountability for a key federal program serving millions, potentially reducing public frustration with SSA backlogs. It could influence future funding debates by providing evidence-based performance metrics, though it avoids partisan reforms to benefits themselves.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-02: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 2025-12-02: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Social Security Data Transparency Act — issued 2025-12-02 — PDF (6 pages)