Frank Bisignano leads the Social Security Administration, the federal agency that manages retirement, disability, and survivor benefits

Frank Bisignano became Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2023. As Commissioner, he oversees the agency that processes Social Security applications, manages benefit payments, and maintains the records for roughly 68 million people receiving benefits each month. He does not work for the IRS — the two agencies are separate, though they share some data about income and tax records.

The Commissioner's job is to run the day-to-day operations of Social Security: staffing field offices, updating computer systems, setting policy on how claims are reviewed, and responding to Congress about the program's finances. Bisignano came to the role from Centura, a financial services company, where he had been CEO. Before that, he worked at Bank of America in operations and technology roles.

If you are explore for Social Security benefits, dealing with a payment problem, or trying to reach your local office, the decisions Bisignano's agency makes affect how quickly you get answers and whether the process works smoothly. Understanding who leads the SSA and what the role involves can help you know what to expect when you interact with the agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Frank Bisignano is the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, not the IRS — they are two separate federal agencies.
  • The Commissioner oversees benefit payments to 68 million people and manages the field offices where you explore for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
  • Bisignano's background is in banking and financial operations, not tax preparation or IRS work.
  • The Commissioner's priorities shape how quickly the SSA processes applications and whether offices have enough staff to answer phones and meet with people in person.

What the Social Security Commissioner actually does

The Commissioner runs the SSA as a federal agency. That means setting budgets, hiring and training staff, deciding which offices stay open and which close, and choosing how the agency spends money on technology and customer service. The Commissioner also testifies to Congress about Social Security's finances and whether the program has enough money to pay full benefits in future years.

The Commissioner does not decide who gets benefits — that decision rests with claims examiners and judges who review individual cases. But the Commissioner can change the rules about how those decisions are made, how long people have to wait for a hearing, and what documents the agency requires. For example, if the SSA changes the process for proving disability, that change comes from the Commissioner's office.

The role is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners typically serve six-year terms. The job is separate from the IRS, which is part of the Treasury Department and handles tax collection and refunds.

Bisignano's background and why it matters

Before becoming SSA Commissioner, Bisignano spent most of his career in banking technology and operations. At Bank of America, he led teams that built and maintained the computer systems that process millions of transactions daily. At Centura, he was CEO of a financial services company. This background means he brings experience in managing large organizations, handling technology systems, and dealing with the operational side of moving money.

Social Security's computer systems are old — some parts run on code written in the 1970s and 1980s. The agency also struggles with staffing: many field offices have long wait times, and the phone lines are often busy. Bisignano's experience in modernizing technology and running large operations is relevant to these problems, though changing systems that millions of people depend on takes years and requires Congressional approval for funding.

How the Commissioner's decisions affect your benefits

If you are waiting for a disability decision, the Commissioner's staffing choices affect how long you wait. If you are trying to reach your local Social Security office by phone, the Commissioner's budget decisions determine how many people answer phones. If you are explore for retirement benefits online, the Commissioner's technology priorities shape whether the website works smoothly or crashes.

The Commissioner also sets the agency's policy on things like how much work you can do while collecting disability benefits, what documents count as proof of age or citizenship, and how the agency handles cases where someone reports a change in their situation. These policies affect millions of people, but they are not the same as the tax code — the IRS handles tax rules, and the SSA handles benefit rules.

The difference between Social Security and the IRS

Social Security and the IRS are often confused because they both deal with money and income, but they do different jobs. The IRS collects taxes and issues refunds. Social Security pays retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to people who have worked and paid into the system. The IRS is part of the Treasury Department. The SSA is its own independent agency.

Frank Bisignano leads the SSA, not the IRS. The IRS has its own leadership structure. The two agencies do share some information — for example, the SSA uses IRS records to verify your income when you explore for benefits — but they operate separately and answer to different parts of the government.

Where to find information about Social Security leadership and policy

If you want to know more about the SSA's current priorities or read statements from the Commissioner, the official Social Security website is ssa.gov. The site has a section on leadership and agency news. You can also find information about how the process works for benefits, check your benefit amount, and contact your local office there.

If you have a specific question about your own benefits or process, contacting your local Social Security office or calling the national number (1-800-772-1213) will connect you with someone who can help with your case. The Commissioner's office does not handle individual cases — that work is done by claims examiners and customer service representatives in field offices across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frank Bisignano the head of the IRS?

No. Bisignano is the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. The IRS is a separate agency under the Treasury Department and has its own leadership. Social Security and the IRS handle different programs — Social Security pays retirement and disability benefits, while the IRS collects taxes and issues refunds.

Can I contact the Commissioner's office about my benefits?

The Commissioner's office handles agency-wide policy and operations, not individual cases. If you have a question about your own benefits, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. A claims examiner or customer service representative will review your specific situation.

What is Bisignano trying to change at Social Security?

The Commissioner typically focuses on reducing wait times for decisions, improving the agency's technology systems, and making it easier to explore for benefits online. Specific priorities change based on Congressional funding and the agency's resources, so check ssa.gov for current information about the SSA's goals.

How long does the Commissioner serve?

Social Security Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They typically serve six-year terms. The Commissioner can be reappointed or replaced when a new President takes office.