The U.S. Social Security Administration recently announced several service improvements, such as reducing average wait times and backlog in disability claims.
The SSA declared on August 22 that account holders can now utilize new features through their personal “my Social Security” accounts, including a retirement calculator, access to certain documents, and status checks.
Starting this week, my Social Security account holders can access a variety of new features 24/7, the SSA stated in a blog post.
Some of the newly available services include online application for replacement Social Security cards, viewing application statuses, using the retirement calculator, viewing benefit verification letters and SSA-1099 forms, and accessing online Social Security statements with explanations based on age and income.
The Social Security Benefit Statement, also known as SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, is a tax form sent to beneficiaries detailing the amount of Social Security income they need to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). With the new service updates, the SSA-1099 can now be viewed online at any time.
The SSA has also expanded round-the-clock access to some existing functions.
This includes viewing benefit and payment information, as well as voluntary tax withholding information. Account holders can view direct deposit information and current address information, update special notice options, and use the document upload tool and the Continuing Disability Review Report (also known as the i454 form).
The “my Social Security” account allows members to handle a wide range of related tasks online for free without having to visit local offices. According to SSA estimates, around 97 million people are currently using it. As an online service, these functions are available 24/7.
Beneficiaries can also update documents, submit forms, obtain estimates, check statuses, and change addresses.
Individuals who have not claimed SSA benefits can also receive personalized retirement benefit estimates as well as spousal benefit estimates.
In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the SSA announced several significant improvements in services for beneficiaries. These include reducing the average wait time for the national 1-800 phone line from 30 minutes last year to single digits last month; decreasing wait times at field offices by 30%; reducing the backlog of initial disability applications from 1.2 million to 940,000; and cutting disability hearing wait times by 60 days.
“Our strategy is clear: to rapidly and fully meet customer needs regardless of how they contact us,” Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano stated in a release.
President Trump commemorated the anniversary of the signing of the Social Security Act, stating, “I promise our seniors that I will always protect Social Security. Under this administration, we are fulfilling that promise and strengthening Social Security for future generations.”
The SSA has warned Social Security beneficiaries to beware of new scams involving malicious software.
An alert released last month by the agency’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) cautions the public against emails that appear to be from the SSA. These emails often contain links to download tools.
These emails prompt individuals to visit unofficial websites, claiming that beneficiaries need to download “security update tools” to address certain issues.
“This email is not from the SSA. The content of this scam email reads: ‘Official Notification: Download your Social Security Statement Immediately. -ID : 70S802.’ This is not an official notification from the SSA, nor does it come from an official government email address. The sender’s address does not include ‘.gov’,” the alert pointed out.
Official email addresses of U.S. federal government agencies always include “.gov”.
The alert advises people to delete such emails, avoid clicking on any links, and refrain from engaging with scammers. If encountering such issues, individuals should contact local law enforcement and file a police report.
“Should you suffer financial losses, please file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),” the alert stated.
According to a report from the nonprofit advocacy organization AARP, the amount of money lost due to fraud increases with age.
The report cited data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), indicating that the median loss for fraud among the 70-79 age group is $1,000, while it is $417 for the 20-29 age group. Those aged 80 and above experience higher losses, with a median of $1,650.
Deputy Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson stated, “Scammers pressure you to act quickly, so you must be able to quickly identify signs of scams to protect yourself and your data.”
With the widespread use of the internet, scammers are more likely to target SSA members and beneficiaries through email and other online methods.
The original article “Social Security Announces New Service Updates for Account Holders” was published on the English web page of Epoch Times.