Social Security Taking Steps To Streamline SSI

With a recent change, the Social Security Administration is making it easier to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits.

The agency began implementing a online application Last month for SSI, which serves many people with developmental disabilities.

The simplified application includes as few as 12 questions, depending on how an applicant answers, down from 54. Questions are written in plain language and prepared with answers where possible.

The changes are designed to reduce the amount of time it takes to apply and allow claimants to make initial claim decisions more quickly, Social Security officials said when they originally presented the plan last summer.

At this point, the new online application is available for adults ages 18 to 64 applying for SSI and Social Security Disability insurance who have never been married and have never applied for SSI for themselves or a child. The updated version will eventually be expanded to all in-person, telephone and online applicants, officials said.

Previously, people could apply for SSDI online and indicate their intention to seek SSI, but they had to take other steps to complete that application.

The new application is the first stage of what Social Security officials described as a “multi-year effort” to improve the application process and increase access to eligible people.

About 7.4 million Americans, including many with disabilities, receive SSI each month.