Reducing Improper Payments

This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current policies or procedures.

Reducing Improper Payments / Introduction / Supplemental Security Income (SSI) / Agency Program Information

Agency Program Information

Background

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to aged, blind, and disabled persons who have limited income and resources. For more detailed information on the SSI program, please visit the following link:

Supplemental Security Income

We report improper payment findings (both overpayments and underpayments) from our stewardship reviews of the nonmedical aspects of the program on an annual basis.

Between fiscal years (FY) 2015 – 2019:

  • We paid approximately $283.4 billion* to SSI recipients.
    • $21 billion (7.0%) was estimated to have been overpaid.
    • $3.7 billion (1.3%) was estimated to have been underpaid.

*Total Payments represent estimated program outlays while conducting our payment accuracy reviews and may vary from actual outlays.