Follow-up on Claims Denied Because Claimants Were Not Insured for Benefits

Date Issued

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Submitting OIG

Social Security Administration OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Social Security Administration

Report Number

052303

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

External Link

Open Recommendations

This report has 3 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	No	$0	$134,894
Take appropriate action to award retirement benefits to the 35 claimants identified in our audit.
2	Yes	$0	$2,876,803
To prevent future errors, establish controls to ensure employees request and document evidence of lag earnings when claimants allege such earnings.
3	No	$0	$0
To prevent future errors, establish controls to ensure employees review prior retirement claims for claimants who may be entitled to additional benefits based on prior claims.