Crapo, Wyden Seek Details on AI Safeguards in Social Security

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Chair Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O’Malley, requesting information about the Administration’s use of artificial intelligence (AI), especially in decisions about benefit eligibility or payment amounts.  The letter builds on Crapo and Wyden’s ongoing oversight of federal agencies’ use of AI to ensure it is used appropriately.

The SSA, which is responsible for distributing more than $1 trillion in Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments to millions of seniors, individuals with disabilities and their families each year, has used AI systems for more than 20 years.  These systems help with important tasks such as reviewing and expediting certain disability claims, identifying possible fraud or abuse and flagging cases with high expected overpayment for additional review.  However, as the senators noted in their letter, AI is not a cure-all that can address all challenges facing the agency. 

“Without the proper structure and guidelines for the procurement, deployment, and monitoring of AI systems, SSA’s use of AI could reduce the effectiveness of its benefit administration processes, exacerbate improper payments, and jeopardize beneficiaries’ financial security,” the senators wrote.  “To mitigate the risks associated with deploying AI across its programs, SSA must have strong governance frameworks in place that, among other important aspects, clarify the role of human discretion.”

Crapo and Wyden requested Commissioner O’Malley provide information on the SSA’s use of AI, including SSA’s risk management frameworks for AI, positions for qualified personnel to develop and oversee AI and the processes used to expedite disability determinations and appeals.

The full letter is here.