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New Interim Leadership at SSA’s Office of Inspector General

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Office of the Inspector General has announced the appointment of Hannibal “Mike” Ware as the acting head of the office. This development was disclosed on Monday, with Ware also continuing his role as the inspector general for the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The SSA has been without a leader for its oversight office since June, when former Inspector General Gail Ennis stepped down following significant scrutiny over her management of the agency’s improper payments issue. Additionally, there were claims of a toxic workplace culture within her office, highlighted by a sharp decline in employee satisfaction according to Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey scores, coupled with ongoing legal disputes among staff members.

In the official announcement regarding Ware’s appointment, the SSA’s inspector general’s office stated that Ware would be providing leadership to both the SSA and SBA oversight offices until a permanent SSA inspector general is confirmed.

“I am honored to have the confidence of the president to provide interim leadership within SSA OIG and to simultaneously continue my commitment to the mission of SBA OIG,” stated Ware. He emphasized the necessity of impartial oversight across federal programs to ensure efficient and integrity-driven operations. Ware also expressed his dedication to keeping both agency heads and congressional members updated on oversight activities and results.

Before the allegations regarding workplace culture surfaced, Ennis faced criticism from lawmakers for her management of the Social Security Disability Insurance program, particularly concerning the administration’s efforts to reclaim benefits that had been overpaid to individuals through no fault of their own.

Since the confirmation of Martin O’Malley as the SSA commissioner last December, the agency has implemented various reforms aimed at addressing improper payments more effectively. The agency has also sought to alleviate the burden of correcting disability overpayments on financially vulnerable populations by capping the recovery rate at a maximum of 10% of monthly benefits.

While Ware has made it clear that his role at the SSA will be temporary, President Biden has yet to put forward a nomination for a permanent replacement for Senate confirmation. According to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, an acting official can serve a maximum of 210 days, backdated to when the position became vacant. This means that Ware’s authority in this acting capacity will end on January 24, which could lead to a selection by either Vice President Harris or former President Trump for the next inspector general.

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