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Social Security I.G.: Audit Finds Errors in Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding Process
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Errors in Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding Process
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG)issued an audit report finding SSA made errors in processing administrative sanctions and recovering related overpayments tied to fraud and other sanctionable conduct.
Administrative sanctions are designed to deter fraud and abuse by temporarily withholding benefits from individuals who make
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Errors in Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding Process
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG)issued an audit report finding SSA made errors in processing administrative sanctions and recovering related overpayments tied to fraud and other sanctionable conduct.
Administrative sanctions are designed to deter fraud and abuse by temporarily withholding benefits from individuals who makefalse statements or fail to report information affecting eligibility or payment amounts.
The audit, Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding (042303), reviewed SSA's handling of sanctions cases referred between June 2017 and May 2022.
SSA OIG found SSA employees and systems made errors in 75 percent of the sampled cases reviewed. Based on projections from the sample, auditors estimate SSA improperly processed sanctions for approximately 454individuals, resulting in an estimated $49.6 million in improper payments.
Among the issues identified, SSA:
* Withheld benefits for the wrong months, for an inappropriate duration, or before appeal rights expired.
* Should have suspended benefits to impose sanctions for individuals who were receiving benefits but did not.
* Did not adequately document sanctions' development, determinations, and approvals or add required language to SSA records about imposed or deferred sanctions.
* Did not send correct and/or complete initial sanction determination notices or benefit suspension notices.
* Did not recover overpayments in accordance with policy for individuals whom SSA overpaid because of a sanctionable event, such as failing to report a marriage or income.
The audit found many of the errors stemmed from complex manual processes, inconsistent documentation practices, and limitations in SSA's systems used to process sanctions and overpayment recoveries.
"Administrative sanctions are an important tool for protecting the integrity of Social Security programs and deterring fraud," said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit performing the duties of the Inspector General. "SSA can strengthen these efforts by improving oversight, modernizing systems controls, and ensuring employees consistently follow policies related to sanctions and overpayment recovery."
The report noted SSA began implementing improvements to its system in 2025, including enhanced tracking and additional processing reminders. However, auditors found further action is needed to improve automation, documentation, notice accuracy, and recovery of overpayments tied to fraud or similar fault.
The OIG made seven recommendations to SSA, including updating policies, strengthening system controls, improving employee documentation requirements, enhancing notice review procedures, and ensuring full recovery of overpayments when appropriate.
SSA agreed with the recommendations and stated it plans to take corrective action.
Read the full report here (https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/042303.pdf).
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Original text here: https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2026-07-02-audit-finds-errors-in-administrative-sanctions-and-benefit-withholding-process/
IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
* Immediate humanitarian assistance, including $350,000 from the IDB, contributions from IDB member countries currently estimated at $300,000-$400,000, and $100,000-$200,000 raised through the IDB Group's internal "Together for Venezuela" solidarity campaign, with employees' contributions matched by the Bank.
* Assessment of damage and losses, with $150,000 from the IDB to guide early recovery
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WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
* Immediate humanitarian assistance, including $350,000 from the IDB, contributions from IDB member countries currently estimated at $300,000-$400,000, and $100,000-$200,000 raised through the IDB Group's internal "Together for Venezuela" solidarity campaign, with employees' contributions matched by the Bank.
* Assessment of damage and losses, with $150,000 from the IDB to guide early recoveryand the restoration of essential public services.
The humanitarian-assistance component will be implemented in coordination with Caritas Venezuela, a nonprofit organization with nationwide reach and extensive experience in emergency response, as well as with other multilateral organizations involved in the response, ensuring rapid and effective delivery of aid to affected communities.
"The IDB Group stands with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time," said IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn. "This grant package will help meet urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening the country's damage assessment for emergency response. We will work closely with the government and our partners to support recovery efforts, mobilize resources, and help the affected communities rebuild."
The IDB is providing its support through a non-reimbursable emergency technical cooperation, the financial instrument available to support borrowing members facing urgent needs due to extraordinary natural events. Additionally, this technical cooperation has been designed to facilitate further resource mobilization.
In addition, the IDB Group's internal fundraising campaign "Together for Venezuela," launched in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Director for Venezuela and the Bank's employee associations, will support Caritas to provide emergency assistance and help affected communities recover and rebuild.
The IDB Group will continue working with the government of Venezuela and partners, including United Nations agencies and other humanitarian stakeholders, to support recovery efforts and help strengthen the country's resilience.
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-group-providing-grants-least-1-million-support-venezuelas-emergency-response-earthquakes
Audit Finds Social Security Administration's Employees Did Not Always Document Reasons for Removing Beneficiaries' Incorrect Death Postings
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Social Security Administration's Employees Did Not Always Document Reasons for Removing Beneficiaries' Incorrect Death Postings
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an audit report, Beneficiaries Incorrectly Recorded as Deceased (032311). The audit examined whether SSA employees complied with Agency policies when correcting the records of living beneficiaries who were incorrectly recorded
... Show Full Article
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
* * *
Audit Finds Social Security Administration's Employees Did Not Always Document Reasons for Removing Beneficiaries' Incorrect Death Postings
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an audit report, Beneficiaries Incorrectly Recorded as Deceased (032311). The audit examined whether SSA employees complied with Agency policies when correcting the records of living beneficiaries who were incorrectly recordedas deceased.
To administer the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Income programs, SSA collects death information using the Numident as its official source of death information. SSA's Numident is SSA's master database of Social Security number assignments and associated identity records. SSA records all recipients' deaths in its Death Master File (DMF). As required by law, SSA shares the DMF with other Federal agencies and external entities, which use the DMF to match records and prevent fraud. SSA reported it posted approximately 5.6 million death records to the DMF in Calendar Year 2025. Of those, SSA subsequently determined that 12,504 records--or 0.22 percent--were erroneous.
SSA records incorrect deaths when (1) a technician makes an administrative error, such as manually inputting a wrong Social Security number or beneficiary identification codes from legitimate death reports; or (2) the Agency receives erroneous death reports, such as are port from a beneficiary's representative payee or relative, someone acting on the beneficiary's behalf, other government agencies, or financial institutions.
The OIG reviewed a random sample of beneficiaries whom SSA recorded as deceased between January 2020 and December 2024 and later removed the death records from the Numident (and thereby removing such records from the DMF). Auditors found that, when SSA technicians corrected 45 percent of the incorrect death records, they did not document why the deaths were recorded in the first place, or why they were subsequently removed, as required by Agency policy.
When technicians do not adequately document SSA's records, the Agency does not have information to respond to beneficiaries' inquiries or address future actions on the beneficiaries' records, such as subsequent death reports. SSA also cannot identify trends or root causes for why it recorded living beneficiaries as deceased so it can develop corrective actions to prevent future errors.
"Strengthening guidance and ensuring consistent documentation are essential for SSA to enhance its accountability, transparency, and service to beneficiaries," said Michelle L . Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant. "The audit demonstrates that the Agency should clarify all policies and procedures related to when and where its employees must document the reasons for death removals and any associated actions taken to remove incorrect death records."
The full report can be found here (https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/032311.pdf).
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Original text here: https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2026-07-02-audit-finds-social-security-administration%E2%80%99s-employees-did-not-always-document-reasons-for-removing-beneficiaries%E2%80%99-incorrect-death-postings/
SBA Relief Still Available to Oregon Businesses, Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by Adverse Weather Conditions
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Oregon Businesses, Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by Adverse Weather Conditions
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Honor America's 250th anniversary by taking the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge. Sign up now to get your free certificate.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/07/02/sba-relief-still-available-oregon-businesses-nonprofits-residents-affected-adverse-weather
SBA Relief Still Available to Georgia Businesses, Private Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by Wildfires
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Georgia Businesses, Private Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by Wildfires
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Honor America's 250th anniversary by taking the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge. Sign up now to get your free certificate.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/07/02/sba-relief-still-available-georgia-businesses-private-nonprofits-residents-affected-wildfires
GSA Rolls Out Red, White and Blue Displays Across Federal Buildings Nationwide
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Rolls Out Red, White and Blue Displays Across Federal Buildings Nationwide
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Patriotic displays featured at 263 GSA-managed locations, including 27 in the District of Columbia
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a nationwide effort to install patriotic displays in more than 250 federal buildings and leased spaces across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
"GSA is proud to support President Trump, the Freedom 250
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Rolls Out Red, White and Blue Displays Across Federal Buildings Nationwide
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Patriotic displays featured at 263 GSA-managed locations, including 27 in the District of Columbia
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a nationwide effort to install patriotic displays in more than 250 federal buildings and leased spaces across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
"GSA is proud to support President Trump, the Freedom 250Task Force, and our nation's Independence Day celebrations by exhibiting Freedom 250 decorations across the country," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "From small-town courthouses to iconic landmarks in our biggest cities, GSA is elevating the 250th anniversary for all freedom-loving Americans."
In less than six months, GSA partnered with industry, designers, historians, suppliers, client agencies, and local teams to design, produce, and install patriotic banners, bunting, and flags at locations serving communities every day across the U.S.
This showcase is part of Freedom 250 efforts to inspire renewed admiration for American history and spotlighting federal buildings as enduring symbols of public service and civic pride.
Earlier this year, GSA introduced its 250 Commemorative Star Mark and a Freedom 250 cornerstone in the U.S. Courthouse in Huntsville, Alabama.
For more information, visit GSA's Freedom 250 web page.
Photo gallery
GSA headquarters at 1800 F Street, Washington, D.C.
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GSA headquarters at 1800 F Street, Washington, D.C.
Download full resolution [PNG - 3 MB]
GSA headquarters at 1800 F Street, Washington, D.C.
Download full resolution [PNG - 4 MB]
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-gsa/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-rolls-out-red-white-and-blue-displays-across-federal-buildings-nationwide-07022026
EPA Final Settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer to Comprehensively Resolve Mishandling of Hazardous Waste at Louisiana Facility
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Final Settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer to Comprehensively Resolve Mishandling of Hazardous Waste at Louisiana Facility
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a settlement agreement with Denka Performance Elastomer, LLC that comprehensively resolves its failure to properly manage and handle chloroprene waste at the company's (currently not operational) neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. Among the alleged Resource Conservation
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Final Settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer to Comprehensively Resolve Mishandling of Hazardous Waste at Louisiana Facility
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a settlement agreement with Denka Performance Elastomer, LLC that comprehensively resolves its failure to properly manage and handle chloroprene waste at the company's (currently not operational) neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. Among the alleged Resource Conservationand Recovery Act (RCRA) violations, Denka improperly operated its facility to allow high chloroprene emissions, treated and stored chloroprene waste without a permit, and failed to dispose of it properly. The excessive and dangerous levels of chloroprene emissions reaching workers within the facility and into the community were the subject of a previous EPA administrative order and Clean Air Act litigation. This settlement resolves the problems and ensures that if the facility returns to operation, it complies with the law.
"Denka's mishandling of hazardous chloroprene waste and its many violations of the law exposed workers and the surrounding community to excessive chloroprene and potentially serious health risks," said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Although this facility has suspended operations for business reasons separate from these enforcement actions, this order ensures that if the facility resumes operation, it will be in compliance with the law. The substantial penalty and comprehensive controls required demonstrate that this EPA will hold polluters accountable and solve environmental problems while respecting the rule of law. We need not stretch the bounds of the law to protect American workers and communities."
"EPA's hazardous waste regulations are clear - companies are responsible for protecting workers, communities, and the environment from exposure to harmful materials they handle and produce," said EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason. "EPA protected the LaPlace community and held Denka accountable for reducing harmful chloroprene emissions by following the law and bringing its waste handling practices into compliance."
This action follows a December 20, 2022, settlement agreement with EPA, under which Denka agreed to come into RCRA compliance regarding the treatment, storage, and disposal of "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste," a chloroprene waste generated from the manufacture of neoprene at the La Place facility. Chloroprene, classified by EPA as a likely carcinogen, is used as an ingredient to create products such as wetsuits, gaskets, hoses, and adhesives. The "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste" contributed to emissions of chloroprene during operations that involved the transfer of the waste into an outside, open-air brine pit. Under the December 2022 settlement, to come into compliance with RCRA, Denka modified its waste management practices and was prohibited from placing "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste" into an open brine pit. These actions resulted in a reduction of 1 ton of chloroprene emissions per year at the facility.
EPA also previously sued Denka under Section 303, the "Emergency Powers" provision, of the Clean Air Act in February 2023. The Trump Administration dismissed that lawsuit because it relied on an expansive and improper legal theory. Now, this settlement demonstrates that EPA is solving the environmental problem by holding Denka accountable for clear violations of the law.
EPA conducted onsite inspections in April and May of 2022, and again in May 2023, where EPA observed Denka's waste management practices at the facility. The EPA inspection in May 2023 verified compliance with the December 2022 settlement. The Agency also conducted waste sampling on the "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste" that confirmed the waste to be an ignitable hazardous waste. Other violations identified during these inspections are resolved by EPA's current settlement agreement with Denka. EPA's inspections were conducted in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
The terms of the current settlement require Denka to certify the clean-out and removal of residual liquid and solid waste in the outside brine pit and its ancillary equipment. The facility is also required to comply with RCRA disposal requirements for the liquid and solid waste generated during waste removal. The agreement includes a requirement that Denka pay a civil penalty of $996,703.
In May 2025, Denka announced a suspension of operations. Currently, no chloroprene inventory is onsite. Should Denka resume operations at any time, the settlement requires the company establish and maintain an inventory of all solid waste streams for proper hazardous waste determinations and update any changes to its permit regarding newly identified waste codes and associated units. Denka will also be required to:
* Upgrade the waste handling areas and equipment;
* Certify tank integrity;
* Store and treat chloroprene-related waste in compliant containers;
* Control container waste emissions;
* Ensure worker training and the use of personal protective equipment; and
* Transport and dispose of chloroprene-related waste in accordance with hazardous waste program requirements.
The December 20, 2022 consent agreement and the current consent agreement will terminate following Denka's certification of compliance, subject to EPA approval.
The Denka Consent Agreement and Final Order is available on EPA's Denka Performance Elastomer, LLC LaPlace, LA, RCRA Settlement Summary webpage.
For more information, visit EPA's Resource and Conservation Recovery Act Compliance Monitoring webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-final-settlement-denka-performance-elastomer-comprehensively-resolve-mishandling
