Social Security Administration to modernize application process for additional income

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to launch a more streamlined and simplified online application process for a select group of applicants for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make the application process easier for individuals with disabilities and older adults who have limited or no income.

According to the SSA, the revamped application process will leverage the agency’s iClaim benefits system to incorporate user testing, easy-to-understand questions, step-by-step transitions, and pre-filled answers when applicable. This move aims to provide a more accessible and less burdensome application process for those in need of the SSI safety net.

SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley expressed the agency’s commitment to improving the application process, stating, “People in our communities who need this crucial safety net deserve the dignity of an application process that is less burdensome and more accessible than what we now have, and we’re committed to achieving that vision over the next few years.”

The online application process is set to roll out in December for first-time, never-married applicants between 18 and nearly 65 who are applying for both SSI and Social Security benefits simultaneously. The agency plans to open the application to all SSI applicants by late 2025.

In addition to the initial changes, the SSA intends to implement further simplification steps for SSI applications, drawing on the lessons learned from the iClaim expansion. These steps will aim to improve in-person, phone, mobile, and paper-based processes. The agency also plans to create a separate SSI application for children that incorporates simplification principles.

Under O’Malley’s leadership, the SSA has been accelerating its transition from paper-based processes to online platforms, embracing digital best practices and modernization efforts. The agency recently launched its SecurityStat data-tracking tool and continues to explore the use of artificial intelligence in its operations.

In an interview with FedScoop, SSA Chief Information Officer Marcela Escobar-Alava emphasized the agency’s focus on aligning IT initiatives with business goals and customer needs. She highlighted the importance of cultural and organizational change to ensure that the customer drives the delivery of services.

Overall, the SSA’s efforts to streamline and simplify the SSI application process demonstrate a commitment to improving access to vital benefits for individuals in need. By leveraging technology and modernization strategies, the agency aims to make the application process more user-friendly and efficient for all applicants.