Millions of visitors to the Social Security website (SSA.gov) this week are seeing a new homepage and a new design in an effort to help users find what they need more easily.
“SSA.gov is visited by over 180 million people per year and it is one of our most important tools for providing efficient and equitable access to service,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “Whether providing service in person or online, our goal is to help people understand what they may qualify for and seamlessly transition them to an application process.”
Improved self-service capability allows people to skip calling or visiting an office, which helps Social Security staff focus on those visitors who need in-person assistance.
Part of ongoing efforts to improve how the public can do business with the agency, the redesign is intended to provide a clear path to the tasks customers need to accomplish. Many of the most visited sections of SSA.gov are now live with a more user-friendly and task-based approach. New pages and improvements based on public feedback will continue to be unveiled in the coming months.
Visitors to SSA.gov can use interactive tools to:
• Check eligibility for benefits: The new benefit eligibility screener is a convenient and simple way for people to learn if they might be eligible for benefits.
• Apply for Social Security benefits and other online services: For most benefits, people can apply online or start an application online. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. People can visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare.
Many Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. Using a my Social Security account, a personalized online service, people can start or change direct deposit, or request a replacement SSA-1099. For individuals already receiving Social Security benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter if they need proof of their benefits.
People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services. The agency encourages people without a my Social Security account to create one today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.
• Save time on Social Security Number (SSN) and card online services: If a person loses their SSN card, they may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing their SSN is enough. If a person does need a replacement card, they may be able to request it online by visiting www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. Individuals can also start an application for an updated card or request an SSN for the first time. People may never need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online.
• Start an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI): People can start the application process online and request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits by answering a few questions at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/. SSI beneficiaries will receive their first 2023 payment on Dec. 30, 2022.
Social Security beneficiaries will receive a historically high 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment in 2023, meaning benefits to more than 65 million Americans will increase by more than $140 per month starting in January. Specifically, the current average monthly retiree benefit of $1,656 will increase by $144.10.
Benefits are paid out on the second, third and fourth Wednesday of each month, with beneficiary birthdates from the 1-10 paid on the second Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2023), 11-20 on the third Wednesday (Jan. 18), and 21-31 on the fourth Wednesday (Jan. 25).
SEE ALSO:
• Here’s How Much Waiting Until 70 Boosts Social Security Income
• Historic 8.7% Social Security COLA Finalized for 2023
• Americans Know About Delaying Social Security, Still Don’t Care
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.
