Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is just about to be easier for certain Americans, all this will be possible due to the major update from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These updates will be starting in December and some first-time applicants will just be able to finish their entire SSI application online via the new streamlined process.
This change which was announced by the SSA on Tuesday, is meant for first-time applicants who are between the ages of 18 and 64 who have not gotten married and are also applying for both social security benefits and SSI. Furthermore, this individual will have access to a fully online application process which is known as iClaim. This process is specifically designed to make the application simple for the user experience, it is also made with plain and simple language questions, per-populated answers where possible, and seamless step-by-step transitions.
Reducing the burden on Applicants
The current SSI application process can be tasking and the current process also requires you to apply in person, by phone, or through paper-based methods. The SSA has also anticipated that this new service will be quite effective and it will not only reduce the time people spend completing their applications but this will future speed up the processing time for their initial claim decisions.
In the words of Martin O’Malley who is the commissioner of Social Security in his recent press release said, “Over the past year, we have asked many applicants and advocates—as well as our workforce—how we could make the SSI application process easier and simpler. Now, we are taking an important first step to do just that.”
O’Malley’s father spoke on the importance of making these application processes a little more accessible as well as less burdensome for those people who are relying on SSI as a critical net. He further added, “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.”
Expansion of Online Services
The SSA’s online iClaim process is set to be rolling with a group of applicants by December. However, the agency has also planned to expand this service to include all applicants by late 2025. This will also include a separate, simplified SSI application for children especially, this new design also wants to incorporate applicants who are also married.
This application process for SSI is currently Labor intensive, it most often requires two hours to complete with the help of SSA employees. Appointments with SSA employees can already be scheduled online, furthermore, the main completion of the SSI application has mostly been paper-based. This new online application process is aimed at being shorter and more efficient.
Looking Ahead: The Future of SSI Applications
Just in July alone, over 65 million Americans had received their Social Security benefits with almost 5 million receiving SSI checks. This shift to a simpler online application process represents a significant change for millions of Americans who are relying on social benefits for survival. Additionally, records have it that more than 2.5 million people currently receiving both Social Security and SSI benefits.
The SSA moving toward a fully online application process is a step in the right direction to make Social Security benefits a little more accessible to all Americans. The agency continues to refine as well as expand this service, it is also expected that these application process for SSI is targeted to be user-friendly with quality experience efficiency.
Currently, the SSA encouraging those who are eligible to get set for the December launch and to take advantage of the streamlined process once it becomes available. The agency remains state-fast and committed to Social Security benefits improvement as well as ensuring that those who need them most can apply with ease.
