Gao-05-1016t Social Security Numbers


Book Description

GAO-05-1016T Social Security Numbers: Federal and State Laws Restrict Use of SSNs, yet Gaps Remain




Social Security Administration


Book Description

Each day thousands of people contact the Soc. Sec. Admin. (SSA) to file claims, update records, & request info. from its field offices, website, & nat. toll-free 800 no. Implemented in 1989, SSA's 800-no. has become a principal contact point for millions of individuals seeking agency services. This report reviewed the quality of SSA's 800 no. in terms of caller access & agent accuracy of response & courtesy. SSA should take steps to: increase callers' access to agent services; determine why agents fail to comply with SSA require. when handling calls; & establish uniform procedures for documenting & assessing customers' agent-related complaints. Also includes testimony of Barbara Bovbjerg, Educ., GAO, before the NY State Assembly.










Identity Theft: Governments Have Acted to Protect Personally Identifiable Information, But Vulnerabilities Remain


Book Description

The loss of personally identifiable information, such as an individual's Social Security number, name, and date of birth can result in serious harm, including identity theft. Identity theft, a serious crime that impacts millions of individuals each year, occurs when such information is used without authorization to commit fraud or other crimes. While progress has been made protecting personally identifiable information in the public and private sectors, challenges remain. This testimony summarizes: (1) the problem of identity theft; (2) steps taken at the fed., state, and local level to prevent potential identity theft; and (3) vulnerabilities that remain to protecting personally identifiable information, including in fed. information systems. Illustrations.




Bankruptcy and Child Support Enforcement


Book Description

Recognizing the importance of child support (CS), the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 requires that if a parent with CS obligations files for bankruptcy, a bankruptcy trustee must notify the custodial parent and state CS enforcement agency so that they may participate in the case. The act also required a study of the feasibility of matching bankruptcy records with CS records to assure that filers with CS obligations are identified. This report: (1) identified the percent of bankruptcy filers with obligations nationwide; (2) examined the potential for routine data matching to facilitate the identification of filers with CS obligations; and (3) studied the feasibility and cost of doing so. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.