US SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)
This source description focuses on the Social Security Programs Throughout the World (SSPTW) reports.
Mission/Mandate:
“The Social Security Administration's mission is to advance the economic security of the nation’s people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing America's Social Security programs.“ (SSA Website, http://www.ssa.gov/aboutus, accessed on 8 May 2008)
“The Office of Policy serves as the Social Security Administration's focal point for policy analysis and research, evaluation, and statistics.“ (SSA Website, http://www.ssa.gov/policy, accessed on 8 May 2008)
“Previous editions of this report, which date back to 1937, were issued as one volume and were prepared by SSA staff. With the introduction of the four-volume format in 2002, however, the research and writing has been contracted out to the ISSA.“ The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is a “non-profit organization bringing together institutions and administrative bodies from countries throughout the world.“ SSA staff is “responsible for technical and editorial assistance and production“ of SSPTW reports (SSA Website, http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2006-2007/americas/index.html, accessed on 8 May 2008).
Target group:
SSA; policymakers; researchers; public.
Objective:
SSPTW reports are produced with the aim to provide “information for researchers and policymakers who are reviewing different ways of approaching social security challenges and adapting the systems to the evolving needs of individuals, households, and families“ (SSA Website; http://www.ssa.gov/policy/data_sub43.html, accessed on 8 May 2008).
Funding:
US government.
Scope of reporting:
The Office of Policy publishes the Social Security Programs Throughout the World Reports (SSPTW reports) highlighting “the principal features of social security programs in more than 170 countries“ (SSA Website, http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw, accessed on 8 May 2008).
Geographic focus: More than 170 countries throughout the world.
Thematic focus: Old age, disability and survivors; sickness and maternity; work injury; unemployment; family allowances.
Reporting methodology:
SSPTW reports are “the product of a cooperative effort between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).“ “ISSA conducts the research largely through its numerous country-based correspondents, as well as its Social Security Worldwide Database and a myriad of other types of data that must be drawn together to update this report.“ Members of the ISSA’s Information System and Databases Unit analyse the information and revise the publication “to reflect detailed changes to each social security program.“ SSPTW reports are based on information available to the ISSA and SSA with regard to legislation in effect in the time of writing the report (SSA Website, http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2006-2007/americas/index.html, accessed on 8 May 2008).
Publication cycle:
Up-dates are published in March and September (every 6 months for one region – Europe; Asia and the Pacific; Africa; and the Americas).
Language:
English.
Navigation of website:
Additional references:
The SSPTW reports are written by the International Social Security Association (ISSA); see http://www.issa.int (accessed on 8 May 2008).
