The Inspector General Act of 1978 was passed in the wake of the Watergate scandal, as a means of ensuring integrity and accountability in the Executive Branch. The law created independent and objective organizations to conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to agency programs and operations.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Social Security Administration (SSA) was established on March 31, 1995, pursuant to the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994.
The OIG has the following responsibilities:
- Oversee the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the administration of SSA programs.
- Prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in SSA programs and operations.
- Inform SSA and Congress about agency problems and deficiencies and recommend corrective action.
The Inspector General (IG) is under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Social Security, but the IG may not be prohibited from initiating, carrying out, or completing any audit or investigation, or from issuing any subpoena.
Our Mission
Who We Are
The OIG is directly responsible for meeting the statutory mission of promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of SSA programs and operations and to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in such programs and operations. To accomplish this mission, we direct, conduct, and supervise a comprehensive program of audits, evaluations, and investigations relating to SSA's programs and operations. We also search for and report systemic weaknesses in SSA programs and operations, and make recommendations for needed improvements and corrective actions.
What We Do
We strive for continual improvement in SSA’s programs, operations, and management by proactively seeking new ways to prevent and deter fraud, waste, and abuse. We commit to integrity and excellence by supporting an environment that provides a valuable public service while encouraging employee development and retention and fostering diversity and innovation.
Why We Do It
By conducting independent and objective audits, evaluations, and investigations, we inspire public confidence in the integrity and security of SSA’s programs and operations and protect them against fraud, waste, and abuse. We provide timely, useful, and reliable information and advice to Administration officials, Congress, and the public.
Our Community
Our Inspector General is part of a large community of Inspectors General. We are a part of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), an independent entity within the executive branch whose purpose is to increase the professionalism and effectiveness of personnel by developing policies, standards, and approaches to aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the Offices of Inspectors General.
What Can You Do?
Fact Sheet: About Our Organization
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