Tuesday Ways and Means Committee Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis of Illinois responded to reports of growing backlogs and delays faced by people applying for disability benefits at the Social Security Administration.
“People applying for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits are facing devastating new delays, waiting twice as long as in the past, or more than six months on average, for a decision on their application,” stated the letter to House appropriations leadership.
“These benefits are vital to people with severe disabilities, helping them to live with dignity and pay for food, housing, transportation, heating and cooling, out-of-pocket medical bills, and other basics. Any delays in access can be incredibly harmful to severely disabled individuals living on the edge. That is why we have been supporting the work of House appropriators to provide the highest amount possible for the Social Security Administration’s operating budget in fiscal year 2023 – to hire and retain enough workers to process claims, increase staffing, improve technology, and make other investments to strengthen service and begin working down these excessive and devastating delays,” the chairs said.
Last week 70 members of congress, led by Larson, Davis, Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Rep. Doris Matsui of California wrote a letter in support of increased funding to improve SSA customer service and reduce delays. That followed a June request by Chairs Larson and Davis sharing testimony from a hearing on SSA customer service. At the time Larson asked for increasing the funding for SSA’s operational expenses with the aim of improving service and reduce delays.
Also on Tuesday the SSA launched its new website, making an announcement that it will improve services online. https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/?utm_content=pressrelease&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#12-2022-1
“SSA.gov is visited by over 180 million people per year and it is one of our most important tools for providing efficient and equitable access to service,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “Whether providing service in person or online, our goal is to help people understand what they may qualify for and seamlessly transition them to an application process.” Improved self-service capability allows people to skip calling or visiting an office, which helps Social Security staff focus on those visitors who need in-person assistance.
Part of ongoing efforts to improve how the public can do business with the agency, the redesign is intended to provide a clear path to the tasks customers need to accomplish. Many of the most visited sections of SSA.gov are now live with a more user-friendly and task-based approach. New pages and improvements based on public feedback will continue to be unveiled in the coming months.
According to the announcement Tuesday, visitors to SSA.gov can also use interactive tools to: Check eligibility for benefits. The new benefit eligibility screener is a convenient and simple way for people to learn if they might be eligible for benefits. Save time on Social Security Number (SSN) and card online services: If a person loses their SSN card, they may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing their SSN is enough. If a person does need a replacement card, they may be able to request it online by visiting www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.
People can also start an application for an updated card or request an SSN for the first time.
“People may never need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online,” stated Tuesday’s announcement.
To start an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online answer a few questions at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/.
To apply for Social Security benefits online, in many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. FMI go to www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare.
Many Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. Using a my Social Security account, a personalized online service, people can start or change direct deposit, or request a replacement SSA-1099.
Those already receiving benefits now can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter if they need proof of their benefits. People not yet receiving benefits can use an online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services.
“The agency encourages people without a my Social Security account to create one today” at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.
