Larson, Davis Seek Update on Social Security’s New Occupational Information System

Washington, DC – Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (D-CT) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (D-IL) sent a letter to Acting Commissioner of Social Security Kilolo Kijakazi requesting information on the agency’s development of a new system of occupational information to be used in deciding applications for disability benefits.

“We write to request a detailed update on the Occupational Information System (OIS) being developed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to facilitate accurate and timely eligibility determinations for individuals who are applying for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits,” Larson and Davis wrote.

“SSA’s disability programs provide vital income for people who can no longer work at a substantial level because of a severe medical condition. Monthly benefits help severely disabled workers and their families to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, pay medical bills, and secure other basics. Social Security and SSI disability benefits are particularly important for people of color and women, who on average have fewer resources to fall back on in the event of a sudden career-ending impairment, and for children. It is impossible to overstate the importance of these SSA programs to the American people,” the Members continued.

“We are confident you will agree that SSA must get the OIS right… Social Security and SSI provide essential economic security, and it is vital to ensure that all applicants receive a correct decision in a timely manner. To support this goal, the OIS should be designed to meet the need to determine eligibility in accordance with the definition under the Social Security Act, and the information in the OIS must be accurate, up-to-date, and complete. In addition, any changes SSA makes to its policies to implement the OIS must be well-supported by evidence and designed to achieve decisional accuracy,” the Members noted.

You can find a copy of the letter here.

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