Social Security Announces Major Change In Its Application Process – What This Means For Retirees

The Social Security Administration has changed the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process. This program provides financial support to disabled individuals and older adults with limited income. This change begins a multiyear effort to simplify and streamline the SSI application process, which many people have criticized for being difficult to navigate. 

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Starting in December, the SSA will roll out an online application system called "iClaim expansion" for a select group of applicants. The system is designed to make the application process more accessible and less time-consuming by offering a fully online, user-friendly platform. It will use plain-language questions, prepopulate answers where possible, and follow an easy step-by-step process. 

The iClaim expansion will open to first-time applicants who are unmarried and between the ages of 18 and 65, concurrently applying for Social Security benefits and SSI. The SSA plans to expand the online application system to all SSI applicants by late 2025.

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SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley emphasized the importance of these changes, 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."

These changes should make it easier for retirees and older adults to access SSI benefits. The simplified online application improves the process for applying for and receiving benefits, which is important because many retirees depend on SSI to supplement their income. 

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According to data from the SSA, about 65 million Americans receive Social Security payments, around 4.9 million receive SSI, and over 2.5 million receive both Social Security and SSI benefits. The maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual is $943 and $1,415 for an eligible individual with a spouse. These payments can significantly affect the financial stability of older adults with little or no other income.

While the first phase of this change is limited to a specific group of applicants, the SSA has expressed its commitment to expanding the iClaim expansion to all applicants in 2025 and plans to incorporate these improvements into other application methods, such as in-person, phone, and paper-based processes. These changes promise a more inclusive and efficient application process. 

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As the SSA refines and expands this new system, retirees and other applicants should remain informed about new developments so they can receive their benefits as quickly as possible. While these changes are promising, Social Security application processes will likely continue to evolve as the administration works to make it easier for individuals across all programs. 

For anyone who is working through the complexities of Social Security and SSI, talking with a financial advisor can be helpful. They can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the application process to ensure you maximize your benefits as the system evolves. 

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