Welcome to Open Data at Social Security Administration (SSA)!

Background of Open Data

Open Data is the practice of making government data freely accessible to the public in a format that is easy to use and understand. This initiative promotes transparency, accountability, and innovation across federal agencies. A significant development in this area was the enactment of Title II of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act), known as the OPEN Government Data Act. This legislation established new requirements for data governance, management, and public engagement, building on previous open data policies.

On January 15, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget issued memorandum M-25-05: Phase 2 Implementation of the Evidence Act: Open Government Data Access and Management Guidance, which provides updated guidance on data management and dissemination under the Evidence Act. This memorandum emphasizes the importance of making data open by default, maintaining comprehensive data inventories, and ensuring that data is accessible for evidence-building and innovation while safeguarding privacy and security.

The OPEN Government Data Act and the new OMB guidance aim to strengthen the federal government's commitment to transparency and effective data management. By expanding public access to government data, these initiatives foster civic engagement, improve decision-making, and promote collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia.

About SSA Open Data

Since 2009, the SSA has actively identified and released priority public data that is of interest to the public. This data serves various purposes, including enhancing transparency, supporting economic growth, and aiding decision-making for citizens and organizations. However, it is important to note that much of the data managed by the SSA is sensitive and protected by privacy laws, the Internal Revenue Code, and other statutes. While some data can be anonymized for public release, a significant portion cannot be disseminated. The SSA is committed to balancing transparency with privacy and ensuring that all data released complies with legal requirements.

If you have suggestions for new datasets or questions about existing datasets on SSA webpages, please reach out to Open.Data@ssa.gov. You can also browse and access SSA data and documentation in SSA’s Enterprise Data Inventory Assets table below.

Resources and Links

Enterprise Data Inventory Assets

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