March 19, 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a new plan to cut costs and improve its Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service. This effort comes in response to feedback from stakeholders and recommendations from a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit. The goal is to make the system more efficient while strengthening protections against identity fraud.
A Commitment to Better Service
"We are committed to enhancing the eCBSV service to better serve our stakeholders and effectively combat identity fraud,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “By reducing costs and improving our processes, we aim to provide a more accessible and efficient tool for financial institutions and other entities."
Since its launch, the eCBSV service has been widely used by the financial industry, congressional committees, and advocacy groups like the Big Tent Coalition (BTC). However, the GAO’s September 2024 audit identified key areas for improvement, including cost efficiency, user participation, and service limitations.
Key Changes Under the Plan
Cost Reductions
- SSA will cut operating costs by up to 40% while ensuring essential services remain intact.
- Fees for businesses and other organizations using the system will be reduced by 25%, making it more affordable for participants.
Service Enhancements
- SSA will improve the "no-match" results provided by eCBSV, helping users make more informed decisions.
- Future updates will explore integrating Consent Based SSN Verification (CBSV) with eCBSV, simplifying processes and expanding access.
Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration
- SSA will continue working closely with stakeholders through regular meetings and feedback sessions to refine and implement improvements.
Next Steps
The SSA will roll out the changes in phases, starting immediately. The agency remains committed to ensuring the eCBSV service is a reliable tool for financial institutions and other organizations working to prevent identity fraud.
For more updates, visit SSA’s website.
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