Social Security launches new online tools for disability claims
Fake Social Security cards, that have been seized but authorities, lay in a pile at the office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Patrick Schneider/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Ima
The Social Security Administration has introduced new online features for my Social Security accounts that allow disability claimants to submit forms electronically, track the status of their cases and securely access hearing-related notices.
What they're saying:
The agency said the updates are designed to make it easier for people applying for disability benefits to manage their claims online while helping adjudicators receive information more quickly and improving the overall disability adjudication process.
Why you should care:
One of the biggest changes allows claimants to complete and submit several key disability adjudication forms directly through their my Social Security account.
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The online submission option is available for forms covering recent medical treatment, medications and work background, reducing the need to mail paperwork and helping streamline case processing.
The Social Security Administration has also expanded the my Social Security Message Center, where claimants can now securely view electronic copies of hearing-related notices. The online portal includes documents such as notices of hearing, hearing postponements, requests for additional information, case status letters, hearing reminders and other communications related to the appeals process.
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Claimants can choose to receive email or text message alerts when new documents become available in their accounts. The agency said paper copies of notices will continue to be mailed to claimants and their appointed representatives.
In addition, disability applicants can now track the progress of their claims online through their my Social Security account. The status tracker provides updates on key milestones during the Hearing and Appeals stages, giving claimants greater visibility into where their case stands and what steps come next.
The Social Security Administration encouraged current and prospective disability claimants to create a my Social Security account to take advantage of the expanded self-service features and access their case information securely online.
The Source: The information in this story comes from the Social Security Administration, which announced new enhancements to its my Social Security online accounts for disability claimants. This story was reported from Los Angeles.