U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) are requesting information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) about its use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in making decisions about benefit eligibility or payment amounts.

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The SSA has been using AI systems for more than 20 years to assist with important tasks such as reviewing and expediting certain disability claims, detecting potential fraud or abuse, and flagging cases with likely large overpayments for additional review.

However, as AI becomes more widespread, senators want to know the extent to which it is being used and the risks associated with it.

“Without the proper structure and policies for procuring, deploying, and monitoring AI systems, SSA’s use of AI could reduce the effectiveness of its benefit administration processes, exacerbate improper payments, and jeopardize the financial security of beneficiaries,” the senators wrote in a letter to SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “To mitigate the risks associated with deploying AI in its programs, SSA must have strong governance frameworks in place that clarify the role of human discretion, among other important considerations.”

Specifically, Crapo and Wyden O’Malley asked for information about the SSA’s use of AI, including the SSA’s risk management framework for AI, positions for qualified personnel to develop and oversee AI, and procedures for expediting disability determinations and appeals.

“As the Senate committee with jurisdiction over the Social Security and SSI programs, we have a responsibility to ensure that SSA pays the right amount of benefits to the right person at the right time, provides the public with the customer service it expects, and is a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, including overseeing SSA’s development and adoption of new technologies like AI,” they wrote. “To deepen our understanding of how SSA uses AI systems, we ask that you respond in writing to the attached questions by September 3, 2024.”