Recommendations for Executive Action

1. Status: Closed - Not Implemented

   Comments: SSA has been authorized to use a wide range of debt collection tools previously denied to it. This should enhance its ability to collect more debt and obviate the need to centralize the debt collections activities.

   Recommendation: The Commissioner of Social Security should assign central responsibility for debt management to the Deputy Commissioner for Finance, Assessment, and Management (DCFAM).

   Agency Affected: Social Security Administration

2. Status: Closed - Not Implemented

   Comments: After investigating whether to reorganize all debt management activities under the Deputy Commissioner for Finance, Assessment, and Management, SSA has decided not to adopt the GAO recommendation.

   Recommendation: The Commissioner of Social Security should require the debt collection units in the program service centers and others involved in the recovery of overpayments to report to, and be accountable to, DCFAM for all debt management matters.

   Agency Affected: Social Security Administration

3. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: SSA has developed a new system to track the recovery of overpayments. It has also implemented a new management information system to provide management with the necessary information to fully track and control debt as it proceeds through the system.

   Recommendation: The Commissioner of Social Security should accelerate completing the management information system needed to support effective debt management.

   Agency Affected: Social Security Administration

4. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: Legislation has been enacted giving SSA authority to use a wide range of debt collection activities. This should help SSA to collect more debt and to collect debt timely.

   Recommendation: The Commissioner of Social Security should adhere to the federal claims collection standards and SSA policies governing timely action on debt recovery, establishing appropriate plans for repayment, and using credit bureaus to locate delinquent debtors.

   Agency Affected: Social Security Administration

5. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: SSA has set specific collection objectives for agencywide debt collection efforts as part of its implementation of the Results Act. These collection goals will specifically target collections from former beneficiaries.

   Recommendation: The Commissioner of Social Security should establish specific dollar collection goals for recovering debts owed by former beneficiaries.

   Agency Affected: Social Security Administration

6. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: OMB has directed VA to assess interest and penalties in accordance with the recommendation.

   Recommendation: To improve overpayment recovery, the Director, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), should direct that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs assess interest and administrative costs on overpayments, as required by the Veterans Rehabilitation and Education Amendments of 1980.

   Agency Affected: Executive Office of the President: Office of Management and Budget

7. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: OPM collected overpayments through Internal Revenue Service tax refund offset beginning in 1993.

   Recommendation: To improve overpayment recovery, the Director, OMB, should direct the Director, OPM, to collect overpayments through deductions from taxpayer income tax refunds, as required by the Deficit Reduction Act.

   Agency Affected: Executive Office of the President: Office of Management and Budget

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