HR 5345119th CongressIntroduced

Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act

Introduced: Sep 15, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8] (R-Tennessee)

Social Services

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would amend the Social Security Act to create a dedicated, single point of contact within the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals whose Social Security number has been misused or whose SSA records are affected by identity theft. The Commissioner would establish procedures so that every victim has a team or subset of specially trained employees who manage the victim’s case from start to finish, coordinate with other SSA units to resolve issues quickly, maintain continuity of records, and notify the victim as appropriate. The aim is to streamline and improve how SSA handles identity theft cases—reducing confusion for victims and speeding resolution. The provision would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Key Points

1Establishment of a single point of contact for identity theft victims: SSA must create a controlled process ensuring each victim has a dedicated point of contact throughout the resolution of their case.
2Nature of the single point of contact: A team or subset of specially trained SSA employees who can coordinate with other units and are accountable for the case until resolution.
3Continuity and records: Procedures must ensure continuity of records and case history, even if team members change, and include appropriate victim notification.
4Scope of misuse and impact: Applies to individuals whose SSN has been misused to fraudulently obtain benefits under titles II, VIII, or XVI of the Social Security Act, or in ways that affect SSA records or prompt a request for a new SSN.
5Effective date: The new procedures take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Individuals who are victims of identity theft involving their Social Security number and SSA records, including those whose misuse affects benefits or prompts a request for a new SSN.Secondary group/area affected: SSA staff and operations, particularly caseworkers and units involved in identity theft, fraud, and benefits administration; potential need for cross-unit coordination and training.Additional impacts:- Potential improvements in victim experience, reducing time and confusion in resolving identity theft issues.- Administrative and potential IT/record-keeping requirements to ensure continuity of case history and proper tracking.- Possible cost implications for SSA related to training and establishing the new process.- No explicit expansion of benefits or new remedies; focus is on process, coordination, and faster resolution.

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