Social Security Administration launches biggest ever SSN data cleanup

The Social Security Administration has embarked on the largest data-cleaning operation in its history, targeting tens of millions of Social Security numbers. The initiative will add death dates to 17 million records, insert citizenship status for 25 million individuals, and correct errors in an additional 8.5 million files. Frank Bisignano, who serves as both SSA Commissioner and IRS CEO, praised the effort as essential for maintaining reliable identity information across federal programs and the broader economy.

The agency also announced new internal mechanisms designed to detect and fix inaccuracies proactively. Accurate SSN data, according to Bisignano, helps curb fraud and ensures proper benefit administration. The cleanup marks the first time the SSA has undertaken a project of this scale.