Skip to main content
Back to Case Studies
SSA

DCPS Legacy Modernization

Unifying 54 State Systems Into One Platform

We consolidated 54 disparate state disability determination systems into a single unified platform, transforming how Social Security processes 4 million cases annually.

54→1
Systems Consolidated
4M
Cases Per Year
Top 20
USDS Recognition
17M+
Beneficiaries Served

A Fragmented System

The Disability Case Processing System (DCPS) was fragmented across 54 different state systems, each with its own processes, technologies, and data formats. This created inconsistencies, delays, and maintenance nightmares. More than 17 million beneficiaries depend on timely and accurate disability determinations, and processing delays directly affect the most vulnerable Americans waiting for benefits decisions that impact their healthcare and livelihoods.

  • Unify 54 disparate state disability determination systems
  • Process 4 million disability cases annually
  • Reduce processing times and backlogs
  • Ensure consistent determinations across all states
  • Maintain operations during transition

Unified Platform

We designed and built a modern, unified platform that standardizes processes while allowing for state-specific requirements. The new system dramatically improves efficiency and consistency. Our approach followed an incremental migration strategy — onboarding states in phases while maintaining full service continuity so that no disability case was delayed during the transition.

  • Modern microservices architecture on cloud infrastructure
  • Standardized business rules engine for consistent determinations
  • Automated workflow and case management
  • Real-time dashboards for program oversight
  • Phased rollout with comprehensive training

Transformative Impact

Successfully consolidated all 54 state systems
Recognized as USDS Top 20 government project
Streamlined case processing across all 50 states, DC, and territories
Improved accuracy and consistency of determinations
Real-time visibility into national operations
Significant reduction in IT maintenance costs
USDS Top 20 Recognition

Recognized for Excellence

The DCPS modernization project was recognized by the U.S. Digital Service as one of the top 20 government technology projects, highlighting its impact on improving services for millions of Americans.

This recognition from USDS underscored how the project set a benchmark for large-scale federal IT modernization — proving that legacy systems serving millions of citizens can be replaced incrementally without disrupting mission-critical operations.

Have a similar challenge?

Get a tailored proof of concept in 48 hours — built on Axiom, scoped to your mission.

8(a) sole source up to $4.5M · HUBZone · GSA MAS