The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced steps to reduce the burden on customers by digitizing or eliminating signature requirements for many forms.
Over 30 forms now accept digital signatures, while 13 forms no longer require signatures at all. This change aims to streamline processes, reduce errors, and speed up service.
Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, stated that the goal is to remove obstacles for users, making it easier to sign forms electronically and reducing the need for in-person visits or mailing documents.
The new digital signatures apply to over 30 forms, representing 90% of the most frequently used forms in SSA field offices, covering 14 mn signed forms submitted each year.
Additionally, the SSA has removed signature requirements for 13 widely used forms, including Form SSA-787 (768,000 annual submissions), Form SSA-L4201 (133,000 annual submissions), and Form SSA-789 (49,000 annual submissions).
Many of these forms can now be submitted online, further easing the process for users.
SSA plans to continue reviewing signature requirements and may remove them from other forms, affecting an additional 1 mn transactions annually.
These changes are part of broader efforts to modernize SSA’s services, including expanding paperless communication for my Social Security users, who can now access their Social Security statements, claim statuses, and retirement benefit calculations online.
New account holders can opt for online-only communication with a single click, improving their overall experience.
by Yana Keller
