Social Security Administration Simplifies Supplemental Claims

The Social Security Administration announced on Tuesday the results of a multi-year project to simplify the application process for people applying for Supplemental Security Income.

Starting in December, people with disabilities and older adults who have minimal income and resources can apply for a monthly SSI paycheck through an online application.

The first phase of the program, iClaim, is a simplified application that “leverages user-tested, plain-language questions, prepopulated answers where possible [and] seamless step-by-step transitions,” according to the Social Security Administration. The project was designed to reduce the time people spend applying, as well as the processing time for claim decisions.

“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,” said Martin O’Malley, the commissioner of the Social Security Administration, in a statement.

The December rollout will be available to first-time applicants ranging from ages 18 through 64 who are not married and are not applying for Social Security benefits. A second phase of the rollout will include all applicants for SSI.

A Federal Register notice reflecting the changes to the program was posted on Tuesday: Federal Register: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request.

The administration is also working on a “separate simplified” child SSI application.

Earlier this month, the Department of Labor announced a revamped federal benefits website also designed to simplify getting information about and determining eligibility for benefits.