Although Social Security (SS) remains a crucial benefit for millions of seniors, the program was designed to serve an American society of 75 years ago. Much has changed since its inception: Americans are living longer, women¿s participation in the labor force has significantly increased, and with a rise in the divorce rate, household composition has changed. In addition, the labor force is growing more slowly and the nature of work and compensation has altered in ways that affect workers¿ ability to save for retirement. This report outlines the challenges currently facing SS¿s retirement program and highlights options for addressing program solvency, benefit adequacy, and retirement income security for economically vulnerable groups. Illustrations.

Although Social Security remains a crucial benefit for millions of seniors, the program was designed to serve an American society of 75 year ago. Much has changed since its inception: Americans are living longer, women's participation in the labour force has significantly increased, and with a rise in the divorce rate, household composition has changed. In addition, the labour force is growing more slowly and the nature of work and compensation has altered in ways that affect workers' ability to save for retirement. As a result, under its current design, Social Security may not be as effective as it could be in addressing the needs of our society both now and in the future. This book explores the modernisation of the Social Security program to reflect America's evolving demographics which is vital to ensuring that benefits are adequate and equitable for generations to come.

The second edition of this important text reviews policy developments since 1997. The chapters have been extensively updated and there are new chapters on social security reform, inequalities and social security, and the new 'welfare market'.

" Services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) touch the lives of virtually every American. To support the delivery of these services, the agency uses information technology (IT) systems that are increasingly costly and difficult to maintain. To meet these challenges, SSA has committed to modernizing its IT environment. In addition, SSA recently realigned most of the responsibilities of its Chief Information Officer (CIO) to its Office of Systems. GAO was asked to (1) determine SSA's progress in modernizing its IT systems and capabilities, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the agency's plans and strategy for modernizing its systems and capabilities, and (3) assess whether the realignment of the agency's CIO responsibilities allows for effective oversight and management of the systems modernization efforts. To accomplish these objectives, GAO evaluated relevant agency program plans and documentation and interviewed agency officials. "

The government reform expert and acclaimed author of The Solution Revolution presents a roadmap for navigating the digital government era. In October 2013, HealthCare.gov went live—and promptly crashed. Poor website design was getting in the way of government operations, and the need for digital excellence in public institutions was suddenly crystal clear. Hundreds of the tech industry’s best and brightest dedicated themselves to redesigning the government’s industrial-era frameworks as fully digital systems. But to take Washington into the 21st century, we have to start by imagining a new kind of government. Imagine prison systems that use digital technology to return nonviolent offenders promptly and securely into society. Imagine a veteran’s health care system built around delivering a personalized customer experience for every Vet. We now have the digital tools—such as cloud computing, mobile devices, and analytics—to stage a real transformation. Delivering on Digital provides the handbook to make it happen. A leading authority on government reform, William D. Eggers knows how we can use tech-savvy teams, strong leadership, and innovative practices to reduce the risks and truly achieve a digitally transformed government.