Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act

The bill would require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to establish procedures giving identity theft victims a single point of contact throughout the resolution of their case. That contact would consist of a team or subset of specially trained employees who can coordinate with other SSA units, are accountable for the case until it is closed, and must track the case to completion. Coverage extends to anyone whose Social Security number was misused to fraudulently obtain benefits, to alter SSA records, to prompt issuance of a new Social Security number, or whose Social Security card was lost during mailing.

The bill would not itself create new SSA enforcement authority or remedies for victims — it focuses solely on improving internal case coordination and communication. Team membership may rotate as SSA needs change, provided that record continuity is maintained and the individual is notified when appropriate.

Individuals who are victims of Social Security number misuse — including those whose numbers were used to fraudulently claim benefits or alter SSA records, those who needed a new Social Security number as a result, and those whose Social Security card was lost during transmission. The Social Security Administration and its employees responsible for handling identity theft cases would also be directly affected.

Identity theft victims navigating SSA often face fragmented, repeated contacts with different agency units, prolonging resolution and increasing frustration. A mandatory single point of contact with accountability requirements could reduce case delays and miscommunication for an estimated millions of Americans whose Social Security numbers are misused each year.

Within 180 days of enactment, SSA's Commissioner would be required to design and implement the single-point-of-contact procedures. The Commissioner must ensure that assigned teams have cross-unit coordination authority and are accountable through case closure. Procedures must also guarantee continuity of case records and history when team membership changes, and must require that affected individuals be notified of relevant changes. The bill does not specify rulemaking, but the Commissioner would determine the operational details administratively.