Social Security: Comments on S. 2453--The Social Security Restoration Act of 1990

GAO discussed potential improvements to S. 2453, the Social Security Restoration Act of 1990, which would: (1) streamline the appeals process; (2) establish minimum staffing levels; and (3) increase telephone access to the Social Security Administration (SSA). GAO found that: (1) the appeals process takes too long; (2) a comprehensive study is needed to determine actual SSA staffing needs; and (3) additional toll-free telephone systems are needed for direct access to local SSA offices. GAO believes that: (1) a modification to the proposed legislation is needed to experiment in selected states or areas with different appeals structures; (2) the current staffing floor will need adjustment to meet the new requirements; and (3) a balance is needed between providing direct phone access to SSA field offices and the efficiencies realized from more centralized phone systems.