Major Social Security change will help millions who need answers on disability benefits
The Social Security Administration has made “major” enhancements to my Social Security, expanding its self-service options and notices that are available for individuals navigating the disability claims and appeals process.
In a Tuesday statement, the agency said the new tools are designed to provide individuals to faster access to information and more efficient processing throughout the cycle of applying for benefits. Some 10 million Americans receive Social Security disability benefits.
“These digital tools will streamline operations and empower claimants to stay informed and promptly respond to important developments throughout the hearing process, eliminating the need for hearing offices to make outbound calls and instead, focus on reviewing cases in a timely manner,” Social Security’s Chief of Disability Adjudication Jay Ortis said.
What’s changed on my Social Security?
The online my Social Security account now offers:
Ability to submit forms online
Disability Adjudication forms are used by the Social Security Administration to evaluate, process and decide on disability claims or appeals. People will now be able to access and submit Recent Medical Treatment, Medication Information and Work Background forms online. Online submissions speed up adjudicators receiving the information and promote efficient case processing, the agency said in a statement.
Track the status of their claim
Individuals with pending disability claims, appeals or recently adjudicated claims can now view their status online at the Hearings and Appeals level. The Claims Status Tracker provides real-time updates, processing time estimates and key milestones throughout the claims process. The site will show notifications when there is a request for a hearing, status updates and appeals requests.
Access important letters and information
Individuals will be able to access proffer letters in the my Social Security Message Center. A proffer letter is a notice that’s sent when new evidence is added to a case after a hearing, giving applicants a chance to review and respond before a decision is made.
Other documents
People will be able to see any additional Social Security notices in their message center. Information will include notices for hearings, requests related to late filings, show cause letters for failure to appear, claimant questionnaires and more.
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Users can opt to receive an email or text notification when new documents are available. Paper notices will also be mailed, the agency said.
What to do now
Beneficiaries will need an account to access the information. You can go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create a personal account.
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