The U.S. Social Security Administration touches the lives of most Americans. Administering the nation’s largest entitlement programs, SSA provides services to individuals at critical junctures in their lives—from the onset of a disability to the loss of a spouse or parent, or the inability to meet basic needs as a senior or retiree. In fact, its responsibilities continue to grow with the advent of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, which SSA administers. Along with expanding services, the agency has undergone dynamic changes in mission-critical areas. From eliminating claims backlogs to modernizing its infrastructure, SSA continues to pursue a variety of initiatives to ensure it meets its mission while providing services timely, effectively, and efficiently.