East Idaho Times

U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Chair Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) have sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O’Malley, seeking information on the Administration’s use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in decisions regarding benefit eligibility or payment amounts. This request is part of Crapo and Wyden’s ongoing oversight of federal agencies' AI usage to ensure appropriate application.

The SSA, responsible for distributing over $1 trillion in Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments annually to millions of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families, has utilized AI systems for more than two decades. These systems assist in tasks such as reviewing and expediting certain disability claims, identifying potential fraud or abuse, and flagging cases with high expected overpayment for additional review. However, the senators emphasized that AI is not a comprehensive solution to all challenges faced by 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 have requested Commissioner O’Malley provide details on SSA’s use of AI, including risk management frameworks for AI, positions for qualified personnel to develop and oversee AI systems, and processes used to expedite disability determinations and appeals.

The full letter is available here.