Trump Signs Proclamation Honoring Agency’s Legacy as Digital Transformation Shows Results
The Social Security Administration celebrated its 90th anniversary today with President Donald Trump signing a presidential proclamation recognizing the program’s enduring importance to American families. The milestone comes as the agency reports significant improvements in customer service under new leadership.
Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on August 14, 1935, the program has evolved into one of America’s most trusted institutions, now serving 72 million beneficiaries who will receive over $1.6 trillion in payments this year.
Commissioner Leads Digital-First Transformation
Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, who took office on May 7, 2025, has spearheaded a comprehensive modernization effort focused on improving service delivery. During the Oval Office ceremony, Bisignano emphasized the agency’s commitment to both honoring its legacy and embracing innovation.
“For 90 years, Social Security has stood as a promise kept, ensuring that older Americans, people with disabilities, and families facing loss have the support they need,” Bisignano said. “As we honor this legacy, we are also building a future where service is faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever before.”
Dramatic Service Improvements in First 100 Days
The agency has achieved notable improvements in customer service within Bisignano’s first 100 days as commissioner:
Online Services: The personal my Social Security account system now operates 24/7, processing more than 500,000 transactions in its first three weeks. Previously, the website was offline 29 hours per week.
Phone Service: Average wait times on the National 800 Number have dropped from 30 minutes last year to single digits last month. Field offices have received upgraded phone systems, enabling 30% of calls to be handled instantly through technology, with 90% of calls now resolved through self-service or callbacks.
Office Wait Times: Field office wait times have been reduced by 30%, while the agency is booking more appointments than ever before.
Disability Claims: The initial disability claims backlog has decreased by 26%, falling from 1.2 million to 940,000 cases. Hearing wait times have been reduced by 60 days, reaching historic lows.
Accelerated Payments: The agency sent over 3.1 million payments totaling $17 billion to eligible beneficiaries five months ahead of schedule under the Social Security Fairness Act.
Focus on Security and Innovation
The modernization agenda emphasizes operational efficiency and data security. Bisignano has prioritized strengthening cybersecurity measures following past breaches, implementing firm commitments to safeguard beneficiary information and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse.
The transformation includes workforce optimization to increase frontline capacity while maintaining service excellence, alongside the integration of technology to streamline inquiries and reduce errors.
Looking Forward
“Our strategy is clear: serve customer needs quickly and completely, no matter how they contact us,” Bisignano stated. “We are empowering our workforce and embracing innovation to ensure Social Security properly supports the American people and remains strong for the next 90 years.”
The agency continues working with Congress, advocacy groups, and the public to strengthen Social Security’s long-term sustainability while delivering on the administration’s commitment to protect and preserve the program for future generations.
As Social Security enters its tenth decade of service, it remains a cornerstone of retirement security, providing crucial support to retired workers, survivors, and people with disabilities across the United States.
