The Social Security Admin. (SSA) has experienced processing delays and significant backlogs of disability claims at the hearings level. In May 2007, SSA began implementing a plan for eliminating the hearings backlog entitled Summary of Initiatives to Eliminate the SSA Hearings Backlog (the Plan). This report: (1) examined the Plan's potential to eliminate the hearings-level backlog; (2) determined the extent to which the Plan included components of sound planning; and (3) identified potential unintended effects of the Plan on hearings-level operations and other aspects of the disability process. This report analyzed SSA data, conducted a risk analysis, assessed the Plan and its update, interviewed SSA officials, and conducted site visits. Illus.

The fed. gov¿t. is the world's largest and most complex entity, with about $3 trillion in outlays in FY 2008. Reports on high-risk areas bring focus to areas needing attention due to their greater vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. These reports also identify areas needing transformation to address major economy, efficiency, or effectiveness challenges. This 2009 update presents the status of high-risk areas listed in 2007 and identifies new high-risk areas. Solutions to high-risk problems offer the potential to save billions of dollars, dramatically improve service to the public, strengthen confidence and trust in the performance and accountability of the U.S. gov¿t., and ensure the ability of gov¿t. to deliver on its promises. Illus.

Newly revised in 2011. Contains the auditing standards promulgated by the Comptroller General of the United States. Known as the Yellow Book. Includes the professional standards and guidance, commonly referred to as generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), which provide a framework for conducting high quality government audits and attestation engagements with competence, integrity, objectivity, and independence. These standards are for use by auditors of government entities and entities that receive government awards and audit organizations performing GAGAS audits and attestation engagements.