Data Exchange in the Social Security Field—Origins, Current State and Future
Origins of Data Exchange in Social Security The exchange of data within social security systems has its roots in the need to manage and administer benefits efficiently. Initially, these exchanges were manual or limited to localized databases, often relying on paper forms and physical records. For example, in the United States, the Social Security Act of 1935 introduced a system where contributions and benefits were tracked manually, requiring employers to submit wage information on paper, which was then recorded and processed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This system faced challenges such as delays, errors, and inefficiencies due to the sheer volume of records to be managed. Similarly, in Europe, before the advent of the European Union (EU) frameworks, individual countries managed their social security data separately, using bilateral agreements to handle cross-border cases, which involved extensive paperwork and coordination between national agencies. As social security programs evolved, so did...