General, Online Services

We’re Making It Easier To Do Business With Us Electronically

September 5, 2024 • By

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Last Updated: September 5, 2024

Social Security Administration LogoWe’ve heard your preference to do business with us electronically. You want to submit forms, evidence, and other information online. If your signature is needed, you want to be able to sign documents electronically before submitting them.

We’ve released the eSignature/Upload Documents as an option to submit documents. This new, online service option allows our representatives to electronically request, and our customers to electronically submit, 50 forms and nearly 80 types of evidence. The information we ask you to provide is necessary to process applications and other transactions. 

This option eliminates the need to mail, fax, or deliver information to a local Social Security office. By streamlining our document submission process and reducing mail, we are improving your experience.   

How Does it Work? 

  1. Our representatives send customers a link with the request for the forms and/or evidence we need to process their application.
  2. The customer authenticates by signing in to, or creating, their personal my Social Security account, reviews the request, completes the form, electronically signs (when signatures are required), and uploads the completed forms and/or any supporting evidence.   

No more mailing or faxing certain evidence or forms, and fewer trips to the Social Security office… it’s that easy!    

Note: Customers have 30 days to electronically submit requested information and may receive an email reminder. If the electronic request expires, you can contact our office to ask for a new request or submit the forms and information by mail, fax, or by visiting an office.    

To learn more, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Online Forms and Signature Removal

In addition to the eSignature/Upload Documents option, we are converting many of our frequently used forms to more convenient online versions. Customers will have the option to complete a user-friendly, fillable online form, then electronically sign and submit it and some now don’t require a signature at all.

There are more than 30 forms available that can be signed electronically, which represents 90% of the most commonly used forms by Social Security customers in our local offices. One of our most used forms, the SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to Social Security Administration, is now available to sign and submit electronically. Other frequently used forms available to sign and submit electronically include:   

  • SSA-820/821, Work Activity Reports.  
  • SSA-632, Request for a Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.  
  • SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate.    

We have removed the signature requirement entirely for 12 of our most commonly used forms. Some of the forms include: 

  • SSA-L4201, Employer Requesting Wage Information 
  • SSA-789, Request for Reconsideration/Disability Cessation Right to Appear 

You may also upload many of these forms online, further reducing your burden. We are considering removal of signature requirements on other forms as well.

What Do These Changes Mean for You?

  • They help speed up processing, which means faster access to benefits and services.  
  • They expand service options for people with disabilities and people in rural communities by eliminating the need to physically visit an office.  
  • They reduce the risk of documents being lost in the mail.
  • They better protect and safeguard personal information.   

Check out this update from Commissioner O’Malley and view our press release to learn more.

Whether you do business with us online, by phone, or in person, we’re committed to making it easier for you. We continue to explore more opportunities to make doing business with us easier. Please share this information with others.

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About the Author

Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Comments

Please review our Comment Policy before leaving a comment.

  1. Susan W.

    I have been trying to reach the Social Security Office for the past 4 days spending 3 or 4 hrs.on hold and never could get through. I needed to make a change in Direct Deposit that was requested in error and stay with the bank that my deposit goes to. There is no way to do this online. I need that new request canceled. This is very time sensitive to avoid my check going into the wrong account. I am very frustrated not being to
    reach anyone and this needs to be canceled ASAP or I may not receive my check.

    Reply
  2. Michelle M.

    Trying to log on to my SS account and can’t get beyond the second step of authentication because my phone number has changed, so I’m back to waiting 4 hours on hold to try and speak with someone. Can we not do better?

    Reply
  3. Dana S.

    I signed an application for benefits online but I don’t know if that is the final document or just starts the process. I may want to not start my benefits. How do I change or delay the application this?

    Reply
    • T.Y.

      Hi, Dana. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. If you file for Social Security benefits and change your mind about receiving benefits, you may be able to cancel your Social Security application for up to 12 months after you became entitled to retirement benefits. This process is called a withdrawal. You can reapply later. For more information, please visit here. We hope this information is helpful.

      Reply
  4. Jen K.

    Why am I then no longer able to initiate online completion of From 821? for the past 1-2 years I have always been able to click on that form on ssa.gov and have the option to complete it online. Now all I get is a PDF version of the form. I am trying to report some wages and I can’t do it electronically any more which is a major hassle.

    Reply
  5. Karin R.

    I would like to set up an appointment in the Madison, WI office on Odana Road. Can you please email me or call me at 608-238-5092 with a phone number that I can speak to a live person to schedule a in person meeting. I thank you very much.

    Reply
    • S.S.

      Hi Karin.  Thank you for reading our blog.  Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to have one of our representatives schedule an appointment for you with your local office. You can also safely and conveniently conduct most of your business with us online. We hope this helps

      Reply
  6. Ivy M.

    Hi,
    I am a USARMY Veteran with rated for 90% . Last year I had a severe car accident and my shoulders and my neck and my lower back made it worse from the accident,now I have up coming surgery for my left shoulder. My question is,am I qualify claim for SSDI do to I am unable to work temporarily?
    What are the step by steps process?
    Your advice will be appreciated.

    Reply
    • S.S.

      Hi, Ivy. Thank you for your service. Social Security pays disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death. Visit How We Decide If You Are Disabled to learn about the medical review process. Social Security’s disability requirements are different than those for other government programs, including disability compensation for veterans. We do offer expedited processing of certain disability claims for military service members. To learn more, visit our Military & Veterans page.  We hope this helps.

      Reply

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