The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Thursday that it will now allow an electronic signature – rather than a physical signature – for more than 30 documents, which make up 90 percent of the most commonly used forms.
The SSA also announced it will remove the signature requirements altogether for 13 forms. Collectively, these documents total about 15 million submissions annually.
These actions simplify application processes for people, including removing a potential reason for claims to be sent back or denied, the SSA said in its Sept. 5 press release.
“Across forms that Americans use most often, we’re eliminating as many pain points as possible, from helping people sign at the click of a button to reducing the need to drive or mail something in whenever possible,” said SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “This means faster and more error-free processing and better service for our customers, who deserve a government that meets their needs efficiently and effectively.”
Documents that had the signature requirement removed altogether include the Medical Source Opinion of Patient’s Capability to Manage Benefits, the Letter to Employer Requesting Wage Information, and Request for Reconsideration/Disability Cessation Right to Appear. The SSA said that customers may also upload many of the 13 forms online, further reducing the burden.
To build on this progress, SSA said it is considering removal of signature requirements on other forms that would ease requirements on one million additional transactions.
The efforts announced this week also complement other initiatives to modernize and streamline operations, the agency said.
The SSA is expanding paperless communication options for the millions of “my Social Security” users so they can see their online Social Security Statement, track the status of their claims, and calculate potential retirement benefits. Notices from across 60 categories are now provided through “my Social Security” for easy online access by customers, including the Cost-of-Living Adjustment, their SSA-1099, Benefit Rate Increases, Appointment Confirmations, and more.
