Social Security Administration simplifies SSI applications

The Social Security Administration is hoping to make applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) a whole lot easier, announcing it will start offering online, streamlined applications for some applicants.

The SSA is looking to simplify the process by introducing the iClaim expansion, which aims to establish a fully online application.

The “iClaim Expansion for SSI” release is the first step to address longstanding requests from the public and the advocate community to make the SSI application easier and more accessible. This release will:

• Add SSI specific questions to determine basic eligibility. 
• Prepopulate answers based on information already in our records and provided by the applicant. 
• Remove the non-U.S. citizen online filing exclusion. 
• Clarify the application process by incorporating new screens focused on Income and Resources information.

The much-needed improvements mentioned are just for the first phase of SSI simplification.

“Over the past year, we have asked many applicants and advocates—as well as our workforce—how we could make the SSI application process easier and simpler. Now, we are taking an important first step to do just that,” said Martin O’Malley, commissioner of Social Security, in a news release. “People in our communities who need this crucial safety net deserve the dignity of an application process that is less burdensome and more accessible than what we now have, and we’re committed to achieving that vision over the next few years.”

The rollout of the iClaim expansion will generally be available to first-time applicants between 18 and almost 65 who never married and are concurrently applying for Social Security benefits and SSI. A goal of the second phase—currently targeted for late 2025—is to expand to include all applicants.