July 2024
Social Security Makes Disability Decision Process Updates
We’ve made updates to our disability decision process to improve service to your clients. These updates help to ensure that our Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplement Security Income (SSI) programs remain current and help ease the burden on our customers.
The 1st update changes the time period we consider when reviewing your client’s work history. In the past, we asked people applying for disability benefits to provide details about their work history going back 15 years. Our new rule will reduce the past relevant work period requirement to 5 years. In addition, we will no longer consider past work that started and stopped in fewer than 30 calendar days when making a disability decision.
The 2nd update makes changes to our use of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) in determining a finding of “not disabled” for disability eligibility. We identified 114 DOT occupations that exist in very limited numbers in each of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. Based on that finding, we will not use these occupations to support a “not disabled” finding at the last step in the evaluation process for disability determinations.
We also identified 13 DOT occupations where federal courts have questioned supporting evidence of a “not disabled” finding. We are implementing additional evidence requirements for these occupations.
For more information on these updates, please encourage your clients to read our blog post titled Social Security Updates Occupations List Used in Disability Evaluation Process at blog.ssa.gov/social-security-updates-occupations-list-used-in-disability-evaluation-process
Changes to Accessing my Social Security Online
For over 10 years, my Social Security has helped many people access our programs and services online. Soon, we will change the way your clients access all our online services ─ including my Social Security. People will no longer be able to sign in to their personal my Social Security account with their username and password. Instead, they’ll need to use one of our Credential Service Providers, Login.gov or ID.me. If your clients already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, and can sign in to our online services, they can continue using that account.
For people who only have a Social Security username, our screens will help them transition their account to Login.gov. Login.gov provides enhanced online security, helps protect your clients from identity theft, and allows them to create an account that can be used across other agencies. It will take your clients only a few minutes to transition their existing account to Login.gov. Your clients will have 24/7 access to Login.gov customer support through phone and chat at www.login.gov/help to help them set up their account.
For more information on my Social Security, please encourage your clients to read our publication my Social Security: How to Create an Online Account at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10540.pdf.
Please share this information with your clients.
Check Out Our New Limited English Proficiency Toolkit!
We are happy to announce our new Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Toolkit. This online toolkit can help you better serve your LEP clients! The LEP Toolkit includes infographics, articles, blog posts, social media posts, and YouTube videos in our 5 most requested languages:
- Arabic.
- Chinese (Simplified).
- Russian.
- Spanish.
- Vietnamese.
The toolkit also provides instructions on how to request services and information in other languages. In addition, the toolkit includes a link to our Multi-Language Gateway webpage at www.ssa.gov/site/languages/en. From there you can access our Language Access Plan and other beneficial resources. You can learn more about the LEP Toolkit at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/groups/lep.html.
Please share this important information with your clients. Together, we can increase access to benefits and services for our customers!
Celebrate Your Independence With Social Security
Every July 4, we celebrate our nation’s independence. For nearly 90 years, our programs have helped create financial independence for millions of people. We have useful online resources like the Social Security Statement (Statement) and our benefits estimator tool that helps people not yet receiving benefits. The Statement shows the benefits that you and your family may be eligible for and provides personalized fact sheets tailored to your age and earnings situation. The benefits estimator tool allows you to get estimates based on different ages. These online tools can help you better prepare for your retirement.
Our blog at blog.ssa.gov features news and information about our programs and services. You can subscribe and get notified each time we post a new blog so you can stay informed. From the blog, you can also connect with us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. With so many services and helpful information available online, we are here for you when you need us. Learn more at www.ssa.gov.
Please share this information with your clients.
Your Clients Can Still Use Social Security Online When Traveling
We are here for your clients even when they are traveling. Our online services page provides them with a wide variety of self-service options they can use on their mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
Using our online services, your clients can:
- Find out if they qualify for benefits.
- Apply for Social Security retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits.
- Get their Social Security Statement.
- Request a replacement Social Security card.
- Appeal a decision.
If your clients receive Social Security benefits or SSI payments, they can create or sign in to their personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to:
- Get a benefit verification letter.
- Check their information and benefit amount.
- Change their address and telephone number. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
- Start or change their direct deposit. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
- Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
- Report their wages if they work and receive disability benefits or SSI.
- And more.
Encourage your clients to visit our online services page at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices for more information.