The Social Security Administration marks 91 years of service on August 14, 2026—the anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of the Social Security Act in 1935—with a year of transformative improvements that have reshaped how the agency delivers benefits to millions of Americans. This year, 75 million beneficiaries will receive over $1.6 trillion in payments, making the program a cornerstone of retirement security across generations.
Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano’s digital-first strategy has delivered historic double-digit improvements across all client-facing service metrics. The National 800 Number average speed of answer has plummeted from 34 minutes in fiscal year 2024 to 0.6 minutes in July 2026—a 98 percent reduction—while maintaining a 0 percent busy rate over the last four months.
Online services have become central to the agency’s transformation. The SSA has created over 104 million mySocial Security accounts, with beneficiaries completing 505 million online transactions in fiscal year 2026 to date—a 35 percent increase from the same period in 2024. These digital tools allow users to check earnings records, obtain benefit estimates, manage payments, and update personal information around the clock without visiting an office or calling.
Field office operations have also improved significantly, with average wait times shortened by 30 percent while the agency served 25 million visitors. More notably, the SSA has reduced its initial disability claims backlog by over 30 percent, dropping from a high of nearly 1.3 million cases in fiscal year 2024 to 884,000 by July 2026. Disability hearing wait times over 90 days have reached historic lows of 266 days in fiscal year 2026 year to date.
The agency’s operational improvements have yielded substantial financial benefits. The SSA has saved $16 billion through a strengthened control environment, which includes reconciling the Social Security Number database for the first time in agency history. This effort removed deceased individuals, updated citizenship data, and verified status across over 10 percent of all active Social Security numbers.
These improvements have translated into tangible savings for the public. The service and control enhancements have saved Americans nearly 50 million hours that would have been spent waiting for service in fiscal year 2024. The digital transformation reflects a broader shift in how the SSA operates, with technology enhancements including automated Medicare claims processing and interactive voice response systems handling nearly 40 percent of incoming calls.
The 91-year-old program continues to adapt to modern needs while maintaining its fundamental mission. The SSA’s renewed focus on the Supplemental Security Income program, including the appointment of a dedicated leader and launch of an SSI Improvement Team, signals an ongoing commitment to streamline processes and reduce improper payments across all benefit programs.
Sources
- Social Security Administration — official press release marking 91-year anniversary with service improvements and performance metrics
- Social Security Administration — detailed report on celebrating 91 years of service with operational improvements
- Social Security Administration — June 2026 press release on historic performance achievements and double-digit improvements
- Social Security Administration — organizational history and founding date of August 14, 1935
