# The Social Security Administration’s Mail Processing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
> **Audit** by Social Security Administration OIG · 2022-05-13
> *About: Social Security Administration*
## Report
- **Title:** The Social Security Administration’s Mail Processing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- **Submitting OIG:** Social Security Administration OIG
- **Component agency:** Social Security Administration
- **Type:** Audit
- **Publication date:** 2022-05-13

## Summary

Objective: To determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) had adequate controls over mail processing during the COVID-19 pandemic.


## Recommendations

- **Rec 1** (Closed): If cost-effective, invest in software and equipment to reduce manual processing of incoming mail.
- **Rec 2** (Closed): Expand the use of Post Office Boxes for long-term, high-volume workloads.
- **Rec 3** (Closed): If cost-effective, outsource additional mail duties to contractors.
- **Rec 4** (Closed): Incorporate centralized printing of forms and notices into SSA’s systems modernization efforts.
- **Rec 5** (Closed): Implement policy and operational changes, where appropriate, to decrease reliance on original documents.
- **Rec 6** (Closed): Implement options for customers to submit the most frequently used forms online.
- **Rec 7** (Closed): Implement capabilities for employees to securely correspond with the public electronically.
- **Rec 8** (Closed): Implement online versions of the most frequently sent notices.
## Source
- [oversight.gov report page](https://www.oversight.gov/reports/audit/social-security-administrations-mail-processing-during-covid-19-pandemic)
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