Social Security expands online services and disability claim notices

Social Security has announced new improvements to my Social Security, broadening self-service features and expanding the notices available to people going through the disability claims and appeals process. The updates are designed to give users better visibility, quicker access to information, and more efficient case handling throughout a disability claim.

If you do not already have a personal my Social Security account, you can get started at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

What’s New?

Disability adjudication forms can now be submitted online through a personal my Social Security account, including:

• Form HA-4631, recent medical treatment.
• Form HA-4632, medication information.
• Form HA-4633, work background.

Submitting these forms online helps adjudicators receive information more quickly and supports smoother case processing.

If you have a pending disability claim, appeal, or recently adjudicated claim, you can now check your case status online at the hearings and appeals levels. The status tracker offers updates, estimated processing times, and key milestones throughout the adjudication process. Features include:

• Notification when the hearing office receives a request for hearing.
• Status updates while the hearing office reviews information and prepares the case for hearing.
• Status updates when a hearing decision is issued.
• Appeal review request status updates, including receipt of review requests and completion of actions.

Proffer letters can also be accessed securely in the my Social Security message center. A proffer letter is sent when new evidence is added after a hearing, giving claimants a chance to review and respond before a decision is issued.

In addition, users can now view electronic copies of 26 more hearing-related Social Security notices through their personal accounts. Among the notices now available for digital release are:

• Notice of hearing.
• Request for good cause for late filing.
• Request to withdraw a hearing request.
• Postponement of hearing.
• Amended notice of hearing.

Users may choose to receive email or text alerts when new documents are available. Paper notices will still be mailed to beneficiaries and their appointed representatives. The changes are intended to speed up case processing and improve communication.

Social Security says it continues to expand the capabilities of my Social Security so the more than 100 million Americans with accounts can access their personal information more easily. With an account, users have around-the-clock access to personalized retirement benefits and 1099 forms, can receive customized notifications, request a replacement card, manage benefits or estimate future benefits, request replacement documents, check the status of pending applications, and complete other services anytime and anywhere without visiting an office or waiting on the phone.

To create a personal my Social Security account, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount. More information about Social Security services is available at www.ssa.gov.