Data Exchange Overview

Privacy Information

Security Information

Data Exchange Applications

Online Services

Glossary

Technical Support

How To Request A Data Exchange

Requesting SSA’s Death Information

Mission

Provide SSA-wide leadership and direction for the Agency’s electronic data sharing services.

Overview

Data exchange is primarily the one or two-way electronic sharing of individual or aggregated Personally Identifiable Information (PII) with a government or private entity.  An outgoing agreement covers data flowing out of SSA.  An incoming agreement covers data flowing into SSA.  The difference between an exchange and an agreement is that an exchange represents the data being shared and an agreement documents the terms and conditions under which an exchange will occur.  SSA is a government leader in data exchange with numerous computer matches and real-time exchanges.

The Office of Data Exchange and International Agreements (ODXIA), under the Office of Data Exchange, Policy Publications, and International Negotiations (ODEPPIN) is the centralized office that governs the electronic data exchange process by providing vital coordination, oversight, strategic decision-making, and policy and procedures. 

ODXIA manages the data exchange agreements process with support from agency business sponsors to ensure that the exchange meets our program and business needs.  SSA engages in various forms of electronic exchanges from SSN verifications to computer matches, depending on the partner agency's business needs.  There are several factors considered in SSA's decision-making policy on whether to engage in a data exchange.

1. Legal authority – All disclosures from SSA must be in accordance with the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, section 1106 of the Social Security Act, and SSA’s disclosure regulations.  Additional legal authority may also control how and when SSA may disclose certain data maintained by the agency.  We review all requests for information to determine whether SSA has applicable legal authority for the disclosure requested.
2. Disclosure Policy – If there is a business need, SSA may verify SSNs, benefit amount, or fact of eligibility based on what the law will allow us to disclose. The Privacy Act, other federal law, and SSA disclosure regulations control disclosures. A data exchange agreement is required for all data exchange activity.
3. Systems feasibility – Is there a viable systems option available to make an exchange?   Does this exchange require systems development? Development of a new process increases cost.
4. Systems security – FISMA guidance requires SSA to enforce security requirements on outside entities with access to federal information and/or federal systems - regardless of the method of access. SSA meets this requirement by ensuring that outside entities comply with SSA's Information System Security Guidelines for federal, state, and local agencies receiving electronic information from SSA.
5. Cost – SSA will look at the return on investment for any data exchange. Reimbursement is usually required.

Data Exchange Partners

All states
Prisons (federal, state, and local)
Foreign governments
Private sector

If your Federal, State, or local agency, tribal organization or private entity is interested in entering into a data exchange agreement with SSA for programmatic or research data, complete the data exchange request form (SSA-157) and email it to ORDP.Data.Exchange@ssa.gov. 

See State Agreements for Electronic Data Exchanges with the States.

A Data Exchange Liaison will respond to your email as soon as possible.