SSA OIG Flags $4.9 Billion in Cost Savings from Unimplemented Recommendations in Annual Oversight Report

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently released its annual report compilation of SSA OIG’s Office of Audit recommendations that SSA had not implemented as of January 29, 2026, identifying 183 unimplemented recommendations— representing approximately $4.9 billion in potential taxpayer savings and program improvements.

The report finds that 94 recommendations remain open and 89 were previously reported as closed by SSA but were not implemented at the time of OIG’s review.

SSA OIG estimates nearly $2.7 billion in cumulative questioned costs associated with these unresolved recommendations. Questioned costs include expenditures that may not comply with applicable laws or regulations, lack adequate documentation, or may be unnecessary or unreasonable. The report also identifies more than $2.2 billion in funds that could be put to better use if corrective actions are completed.

“These findings underscore the importance of timely implementation of audit recommendations to strengthen oversight and stewardship of American taxpayer funds,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant. “We will continue to monitor SSA’s progress and follow up on outstanding corrective actions.”

In a March 3, 2025, report, SSA OIG identified 183 recommendations that SSA had reported as open. As of January 29, 2026, SSA had closed 124 of those recommendations, and OIG agreed they were appropriately resolved. Those implemented actions were associated with more than $1.9 billion in questioned costs and $10.8 billion in funds put to better use.

The annual report is intended to inform the U.S. Congress and the public about the status of audit recommendations and ongoing efforts to improve program integrity and operational efficiency at SSA.

Read the full report here.

Download a PDF of the press release here.