Social Security Rolls Out Nationwide Case Management Amid Staffing Cuts
The federal government has two competing goals for the Social Security Administration: to cut down wait times and speed up processing, and to dramatically cut staffing. Roughly 7,800 employees left the agency during the 2025 Department of Government Efficiency cuts, about 14% of the workforce. A union analysis found that most of the SSA’s 1,200 field offices lost at least 10% of their staff. The workload didn’t shrink to match.
The government announced the rollout of two systems designed to increase efficiency across all operations. One is the National Appointment Scheduling Calendar (NASC), and the other is National Workload Management (NWLM). Both are intended to streamline processes and keep Social Security applications and other matters moving forward efficiently. And, some features may do that. For example, under the new system, applicants will be able to schedule their own initial Social Security disability (SSD) application interviews online. But many are familiar with the operations of the Social Security Administration and are concerned about the new system.
Perhaps those concerns were heard, because the rollout scheduled for March 7 was rescheduled to April 13, and now the rollout has been pushed again–this time without a new target date. The new plan is to roll the systems out “later this year.” In the meantime, though, the strain is already showing up in the numbers. As of July 6, 2026, only 64.6% of initial Social Security Disability claims were scheduled within 30 days, down from 78.1% a year earlier. In some regions, that rate has fallen below 45%.
How the New Systems Will Work for Social Security Disability Applicants
As mentioned above, Social Security applicants will be able to schedule their own initial appointments with the SSA. That’s just one of many changes that Social Security is making to encourage applicants and recipients to use self-service options online. But some SSA employees are worried about how the new systems will impact service and accuracy. And some of those issues have already occurred as staff have been moved around and calls rerouted. In late 2025, we reported on some of the problems Social Security Disability applicants and SSA staff were already experiencing.
Under the old system, when someone applied for SSD or SSI, their local office handled those applications. That means the staff they worked with knew the state-specific aspects of the process.
For example, the maximum federal SSI benefit is quite low–in 2026, $994 for an elderly or disabled individual who may have no other source of income. Some states, but not all, offer a supplement to the federal SSI payment. The amount of the payment and how it is calculated differ from state to state. Processes differ, too. For instance, some states have partnered with the SSA to have the combined benefits distributed in a single check. Others send a separate payment to the recipient.
Until the changes began in 2025, a Florida applicant would be working with a Florida staff member who exclusively handled Florida cases. That employee would know that the state didn’t offer a general supplement to SSI. On the other hand, a staffer in Chicago who dealt only with Illinois cases would know the state offered a supplement, how that supplement was calculated, and when and how the recipient could expect to receive it.
With the rerouting of calls, a Florida employee might pick up a call from Illinois and have no idea about the SSI supplement. This is where the new “efficiency” can break down fast. When the person handling the call doesn’t have the necessary information, they either have to invest time to find it or have to take a message and try to connect the caller with someone who has more information.
Even without full implementation of the new systems, the SSA admitted that some employees were reporting being unable to assist callers from outside their local areas.
Centralized Scheduling Is Now Being Tested(new section)
Rather than waiting on the full national rollout, SSA has started piloting centralized scheduling in Tennessee and Nevada, replacing the system where beneficiaries contact their local office directly. The agency says this will streamline service, but staff and advocates have raised the same concern noted above: centralized reps may not be equipped to handle state-specific issues the way local offices were.
Commissioner Frank Bisignano has said the broader technology push is meant to save the work-hour equivalent of 2,500 full-time employees, alongside hiring efforts for 1,000 new positions. SSA is also expanding automation for certain Medicare claims and adding new case-status tools for beneficiaries.
What Will the New Systems Change?
The official word is that when NWLM is implemented as a central hub for all work, that work will be distributed based on “skillset, knowledge, and availability.” If that’s true, it could be an improvement on the partial changes that have been implemented so far. But that remains to be seen.
To manage phone volume in the meantime, SSA reassigned 1,500 field office employees on July 6 (2,500 redeployed overall) to support the National 800 Number. The agency reports this brought the Average Speed of Answer down from 11 minutes to 5, and that average callback times at the end of fiscal year 2025 were more than 50% lower than in October 2024. An SSA spokesperson also told Newsweek that call wait times are 75% faster than under the previous administration, in-person field office wait times are down 30%, and my Social Security is now available 24/7 online after the agency eliminated 29 hours per week of scheduled system downtime.
Those improvements haven’t offset the appointment-scheduling slowdown described above, the two data points describe different parts of the process. Faster phone pickup doesn’t change how long it takes to get an initial claim on the calendar in the first place.
Cutting Down on In-Person Contact
The two platforms that will roll out later this year are part of a larger plan to push more SSD applicants and others who have business with the SSA to self-service options. They’ve updated their phone menus to allow for certain tasks to be completed through the automated phone system, and have added online options like the appointment scheduling mentioned above. An early plan to cut back phone services was shelved after many expressed concerns about forcing elderly Social Security recipients into online self-service options. It’s estimated that 15-25% of seniors don’t have internet access at home, and that number is much higher among lower-income seniors.
Still, the stated goal is to cut in-person field office interactions by 50%. That’s a concern given that SSA has continued closing field offices, including some rural locations that have temporarily shut down over staffing or facility issues, while the agency maintains it’s only eliminating “underutilized” offices. That’s already a problem for applicants who need in-person help, for instance, showing original identifying documents, which has traditionally been handled face-to-face at an SSA office.
If the SSA is successful in cutting back the use of field offices, the number of underutilized offices will increase, potentially further decreasing the number of field offices available and significantly increasing the distance a person will have to travel if they need to visit one in person.
What Does This Mean for SSD Applicants?
The exact impact of these changes is still unfolding, and it’s not yet clear what’s being adjusted during the extended rollout delay. But the July 2026 data already shows real slippage in how fast initial claims get scheduled, and that’s before the national systems have even launched. Expect continued complications and confusion through the transition.
At Disability Help Group, our advocates have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process. Whether you are just preparing to apply for Social Security disability or you have applied and been denied,our advocates are here for you. To learn more about how we can help you at any stage of the SSD application and appeals process, call 800-800-3332 right now or fill out our contact form HERE for a FREE case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What changes is the Social Security Administration making to disability applications?
SSA is rolling out two systems, the National Appointment Scheduling Calendar (NASC) and National Workload Management (NWLM), meant to streamline processes, including letting applicants schedule disability interviews online. Centralized scheduling is already being piloted in Tennessee and Nevada ahead of the full rollout.
Why is the SSA cutting staff while trying to improve processing times?
The agency lost about 7,800 employees, roughly 14% of its workforce, during 2025 staffing cuts, and most of its 1,200 field offices lost at least 10% of staff. SSA says technology upgrades and reassigned staff have sped up phone service, but as of July 2026, only 64.6% of initial claims are being scheduled within 30 days, down from 78.1% a year earlier.
How will the new SSA systems affect SSD applicants?
The new systems may make some processes faster, but they could also create confusion. Work may no longer be handled by local offices, meaning applicants could speak with representatives unfamiliar with their state-specific benefits and procedures.
Will it be harder to get help from Social Security in person?
Possibly. SSA aims to cut in-person visits by up to 50% while expanding online and phone-based service, and some rural offices have already closed temporarily over staffing shortages. That could make things harder for people who need face-to-face help or lack reliable internet access.
What should I do if I’m applying for Social Security Disability during these changes?
Expect possible delays, especially at the appointment-scheduling stage. Keep thorough documentation and consider working with an experienced advocate like Disability Help Group to make sure your application is accurate and complete from the start.
For most people, Social Security disability (SSD) benefits do not change when the recipient reaches full retirement age. Instead, an invisible shift takes place. When a disability recipient reaches full retirement age, the Social Security Administration (SSA) moves them from disability benefits to retirement benefits. For most people, the amount of the monthly benefit won’t change. In fact, you likely won’t notice any difference at all.
Why is My Retirement Benefit the Same as My Social Security Disability Benefit?
Social Security benefits, whether retirement benefits or SSD benefits, are based on your Social Security work history. If you have accrued sufficient Social Security work credits to qualify for SSD, your SSD benefit is the same amount as you would receive if you retired at full retirement age. Of course, that amount changes from year to year with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), but those increases are the same whether you are receiving retirement benefits or SSD.
Since the benefit amount for SSD and for retiring at full retirement age is identical, most people don’t see any change in their checks when they retire. However, there are a few limited circumstances in which your benefits may change.
Why Might My Social Security Benefit Change When I Reach Retirement Age?
In some limited circumstances, you will see a change in the amount of your Social Security benefit when you switch from SSD benefits to retirement benefits. The good news is that if that happens, the change is typically in your favor. This generally happens when your SSD benefits have been reduced.
One of the most common examples is a person who qualifies for both SSD and workers’ compensation disability pay. You can collect both benefits at the same time. However, the SSA has a rule that says the combined benefit cannot be more than 80% of your pre-disability earnings.
Depending on the state, workers’ compensation disability benefits typically replace 50% to 66.67% of your pre-disability earnings. For most SSD recipients, that means SSD benefits will be cut to keep the total at 80% of prior earnings. But that rule doesn’t apply to retirement benefits. So, when your SSD benefit switches to a retirement benefit, you’ll begin receiving the full amount. A similar reduction can occur with certain other types of disability benefits.
When Does SSD Switch to Social Security Retirement Benefits?
Your benefits shift from SSD to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age. Full retirement age is different depending on the year you were born. However, under current law everyone born in 1960 or later reaches full retirement age at 67. That means that as of July of 2026, only a very small percentage of workers and Social Security disability recipients have a different full retirement date. Those born in September through December of 1959 will reach full retirement age at 66 years and 10 months of age.
It’s important to note, though, that these milestones could change. In the past several years, there have been multiple proposals to raise the Social Security retirement age.
What If I’m Also Receiving SSI?
SSI is a need-based program. Since your income from the SSA won’t change, your SSI benefit should not be affected. While different types of income are treated differently for SSI eligibility purposes and determining the amount of SSI benefits you receive, Social Security disability and Social Security retirement benefits both fall into the same category–unearned income–and so are treated the same.
What if My Spouse is Collecting Social Security on My Record?
If your spouse has been collecting Social Security benefits based on your record while you were collecting SSDI, they will continue to receive benefits after the SSA shifts you to retirement benefits. Their benefits will typically also be unchanged. However, it’s important to be aware that if they took those benefits early, their benefits will remain reduced even though you have reached full retirement age.
What Happens to Medicare When I Reach Retirement Age?
If you’re reaching full retirement age, you should already be on Medicare. SSD recipients are typically eligible for Medicare coverage after two years on disability. But anyone who has reached full retirement age and is a US citizen or permanent legal resident should already be eligible for Medicare–that kicks in at age 65. If you don’t already have Medicare coverage, you can apply. However, you will likely need to wait for the next general enrollment period (in the first quarter of the year), and may pay higher premiums because you are applying late.
Working on SSD v. Social Security Retirement
Some people who are receiving SSD work, though earnings are strictly limited. In 2026, any month in which you earn more than $1,210 counts as a trial work period–rack up just nine of those across five years and the SSA will start phasing you off of SSD.
Before full retirement age, there’s a limit of sorts on earnings for Social Security retirement benefit recipients, too. Though there’s no actual cap on earnings, anything over a set amount per year ($24,480 in 2026) triggers a reduction in benefits–you lose $1 for every $2 you earn.
That all ends at full retirement age. There’s no earnings cap and no offset. If you choose to work in retirement and you’re past full retirement age, you keep all your earnings. However, depending on the amount of your earnings, you may have to pay income tax on part of your Social Security income.
Navigating Social Security Can Be Complicated
As you can see, there are many variables impacting your Social Security disability eligibility, the amount of your benefits, and how those benefits impact or are impacted by other benefits. If you’re planning to apply for Social Security disability or have applied for SSD and been denied, an experienced disability benefits advocate can be your best resource. To learn more about what Disability Help Group can do for you, call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form HERE for a FREE case evaluation.
FAQ’s
Does my SSD benefit amount go down when I switch to retirement benefits? No, and in some cases it goes up. SSD and full retirement age benefits are calculated from the same work history, so the amount is typically identical. The exception is if you’re also collecting workers’ comp or another disability benefit that triggered a reduction under the 80% rule, that offset doesn’t apply to retirement benefits, so your check can actually increase.
Will this affect my SSI or my spouse’s benefits? Your SSI shouldn’t change, since SSD and retirement income are both treated as unearned income for SSI purposes. If your spouse collects on your record, their benefit typically stays the same too, though if they claimed early, their reduction stays in place even after you hit full retirement age.
Do I need to do anything to make this switch happen? No. The SSA moves you from SSD to retirement benefits automatically once you hit full retirement age (67 for anyone born in 1960 or later). There’s no application or paperwork on your end.
“Social Security disability” technically refers to the SSDI (or SSD) program. However, people often interchangeably use the term to refer to SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they are very different. SSD is funded by FICA contributions deducted from your paycheck. SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program funded by the Treasury.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have earned a certain number of work credits over your career and a smaller number in the 10 years before you became disabled. In 2026, you earn one work credit for every $1,890 in covered earnings, up to four credits per year ($7,560 total). How many credits you need depends on your age when you became disabled, someone disabled at 27 needs far fewer credits than someone disabled at 55.
SSDI works like an insurance program, so your assets don’t disqualify you. You can have a house, a car, a retirement account, savings, investments, none of it counts against you. There’s also no limit on income from sources other than work. The one thing that matters is how much you earn from working. If your earnings from a job or self-employment go above a set monthly threshold, the SSA presumes you’re capable of substantial work and won’t consider you disabled for benefit purposes.
That threshold is called Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA. For 2026, the SGA limits are:
$1,690 per month for non-blind individuals (up from $1,620 in 2025)
$2,830 per month for statutorily blind individuals (up from $2,700 in 2025)
These figures are gross earnings, before taxes, and they’re adjusted most years to keep pace with wage growth.
Trial Work Period: Testing The Waters Without Losing Benefits
If you’re already receiving SSDI and want to try going back to work, you don’t automatically lose your benefit the moment you cross the SGA line. The SSA gives you a Trial Work Period (TWP), up to nine months (they don’t have to be consecutive) within a rolling 60-month window where you can earn above SGA and still collect your full SSDI check. In 2026, any month you earn more than $1,210 counts as a TWP month. Once you’ve used all nine, your earnings going forward are measured against the standard SGA amount, and if you consistently earn above it, your benefits stop. There’s also a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility after the TWP that offers additional protection, so a single good month at work won’t necessarily end your case.
What Can You Own on Social Security Disability: Unearned Income
Unearned income is money that is earned outside of a job. Under SSDI, you can receive income from other sources and still qualify to receive benefits.
Examples of unearned income include:
Income from retirement accounts, dividends or stocks
Rental income, unless you are in the business of operating rental properties
Gifts from friends or family
Proceeds from the sale of property
Alimony or child support
Contributions to or growth in an ABLE account (see below)
What Can You Own on SSI?
SSI pays monthly benefits for low-income disabled adults and children and low-income senior citizens. Because SSI is a need-based program, the SSA will consider both your income and assets in determining eligibility. To qualify, you must:
Have less than $2,000 in countable assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Worth noting: that $2,000/$3,000 resource limit hasn’t been raised in decades. It isn’t tied to inflation, so it buys a lot less than it used to, and a modest emergency fund or an old life insurance policy can push someone over the line without them realizing it.
What Counts Towards The SSI Asset Limit?
Social Security calls assets “resources.” Resources include money, but also other types of property that have value. Resources include:
Cash or any money in a checking or savings account
Life insurance policies, stocks, bonds or retirement accounts
A second car, boat, or other vehicle beyond your primary one
Any other property that could be converted to cash and used for food or shelter
What Doesn’t Count
Several categories of property are excluded from the resource count entirely, no matter their value:
Your home: The house you live in and the land it sits on, regardless of market value, as long as you live there (or intend to return)
One vehicle: Your primary car or truck is excluded regardless of its value; a second vehicle is generally counted
Household goods and personal effects: Furniture, appliances, clothing, and similar items
Burial plots: One for you and one for each immediate family member
Burial funds: Up to $1,500 set aside specifically for burial expenses, if not already excluded through a burial-designated life insurance policy
Life insurance: Cash value is excluded if the combined face value of all policies on one person is $1,500 or less
If you’re navigating which of your possessions count and which don’t, the SSA’s own resource exclusions page lists the current rules in full, but the categories above cover the vast majority of situations.
ABLE Accounts: A Way To Save Without Losing SSI
An ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account lets a person who became disabled before age 26 (the age limit expands to 46 starting in 2026 under recent legislation) save money without it counting against the SSI resource limit, up to $100,000 in the account is excluded. Funds can be used tax-free for a wide range of disability-related expenses: housing, education, transportation, assistive technology, and more. For families trying to build a safety net for a disabled child or adult without jeopardizing SSI, this is one of the few legal ways to accumulate real savings.
A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
A PASS lets you set aside income or resources toward a specific work goal, training, tuition, a vehicle to get to a job, equipment for a small business, and those set-aside funds are excluded from both the SSI income and resource calculations while the plan is active. It requires SSA approval and a written plan, but it’s a legitimate tool for someone trying to work toward independence without immediately losing benefits over savings meant for that purpose.
SSI Income Limits
To be eligible for SSI benefits, your countable income must be below the maximum federal benefit amount. For 2026, that’s $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for a couple (up from $967 and $1,450 in 2025). This includes both income from work and income from other sources. If your spouse has income, some of that income may be counted. Some “in-kind” help you receive from others may also be counted.
However, some adjustments are applied to arrive at your countable income, so it may be lower than your actual income. Social Security will also reduce your countable income with certain income exclusions. For example, Social Security excludes the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 in earned income each month. Irregular income is treated somewhat differently.
The SSA also deducts certain costs from your income. For example, if you are working and need special impairment-related work expenses, you can deduct these expenses from your income.
Other types of non-countable income include:
Food stamps
Tax refunds
Public benefits based on need
Loans that you have to repay
So, it’s worth checking your eligibility even if at first glance it seems like you have too much income or too many assets.
Sara has worked for 25 years and paid into Social Security. When she becomes disabled, she has $100,000 in an investment account and significant equity in her home.
Since Sara has accumulated sufficient work credits to be eligible for SSD and is no longer able to work due to her disability, she will likely qualify for SSD. SSD isn’t need-based, so her assets won’t be a problem. However, she will not qualify for SSI because she has significant countable assets.
Joe has worked only sporadically in the past 10 years and his ability to work is now limited by a disability. He works part-time and earns $500/month. He owns a car, has $750 in the bank and does not own a home.
Joe might still be considered disabled even while earning $500 a month, since that’s below the SGA threshold. But he may not qualify for SSD if he hasn’t earned enough recent work credits.
Because his income and assets are both under the SSI limits, he may qualify for SSI. His countable income gets subtracted from the maximum federal benefit to determine his monthly payment. In 2026, the math looks like this:
$500 in earnings minus the $65 exclusion = $435 in countable income
$994 maximum federal benefit minus $435 in countable income = $559 in monthly SSI benefits
Mary has been living off of an inheritance for more than 10 years, so has no recent work credits. Now, she is in her 50s and has become disabled. Her funds are running low–she has about $50,000 remaining. But due to her disability, she cannot return to work.
In this scenario, Mary won’t qualify for either SSD or SSI. She hasn’t accrued enough recent work credits to qualify for SSD benefits, and her $50,000 disqualifies her from SSI benefits. Since she can’t return to work, she can’t become eligible for SSD. However, when her funds run out, she may be eligible for SSI.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review
Figuring out which benefits you’re entitled to and how your specific assets and income will be treated gets complicated fast. There are also legal ways to structure your finances that can affect your eligibility or your benefit amount, like ABLE accounts and PASS plans. Make sure you start your claim the right way and get everything you’re owed with our trusted team of advocates. Contact us HERE for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does buying a house or a car affect my SSDI benefits?
No. SSDI has no asset limit at all. You can own a home, multiple vehicles, investment accounts, or anything else, and it won’t affect your SSDI eligibility or payment amount. Only your earnings from work matter for SSDI, measured against the SGA threshold.
Can I own a house and still get SSI?
Yes. The home you live in is excluded from the SSI resource count regardless of its value, as long as you live there or intend to return to it. Selling that home and not reinvesting the proceeds into another home within the same month, though, can create a problem, since the cash from the sale becomes a countable resource.
What happens if my SSI resources go even $1 over the limit?
Going over the $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple) limit, even briefly, can suspend your SSI payments for that month. The SSA reviews resources as of the first moment of each month, so a temporary spike, like a paycheck that hasn’t been spent down yet, can matter. If you go over the limit, contact the SSA or an advocate quickly to understand your options before it turns into an overpayment.
Do retirement accounts count against SSI?
Generally, yes. Unlike SSDI, which ignores retirement savings entirely, SSI counts most retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs, pensions with cash value) as resources. This is one of the most common reasons someone with modest savings still gets denied SSI.
Can I have a second car and still get SSI?
You can own a second car, but only one vehicle is excluded from your resource count. A second vehicle’s value generally counts toward your $2,000/$3,000 limit unless it falls under a separate exclusion, such as being used to get a household member to necessary medical treatment.
Does an inheritance affect my benefits?
For SSDI, no. Unearned income like an inheritance doesn’t affect eligibility. For SSI, an inheritance is counted as income in the month you receive it and as a resource in every month after that. A lump sum that pushes you over $2,000 can suspend your SSI, even if you spend most of it responsibly. Some people move inheritance funds into an ABLE account or a special needs trust to avoid losing benefits.
What’s the difference between “earned” and “unearned” income for these programs?
Earned income comes from working, wages, salary, or self-employment profit. Unearned income comes from everything else: investment income, gifts, alimony, retirement benefits, rental income you don’t actively manage. SSDI cares only about earned income (via the SGA test). SSI counts both, but applies different exclusion amounts to each.
Can my spouse’s income or assets affect my SSI eligibility?
Yes. If you’re married and living with your spouse, the SSA “deems” a portion of your spouse’s income and resources to be available to you, even if they aren’t on your claim. This can reduce or eliminate your SSI eligibility even though the program is meant to be about your individual finances. It doesn’t affect SSDI at all.
Should I talk to someone before applying if I’m not sure whether my assets disqualify me?
Yes. The rules around exclusions, deeming, and countable resources have enough exceptions that it’s easy to assume you’re ineligible when you’re not, or vice versa. A free case review can clarify which program fits your situation before you file, and how a lump sum, inheritance, or property might affect your specific claim.
Cell Phone Text Messaging Needs to Become Your New Friend!
By Wilbur Seitzinger Jr, Senior Disability Advocate
Before Your Hearing: What to Expect
You should be aware that the Social Security Administration now requires that certain documents be electronically signed by you before you can attend your scheduled disability hearing. These electronic documents are simply updates of documents that you have previously signed with our office and are required by the judge. We will send these electronic documents to you via a text message to your cell phone, which will require you to click on the link and electronically sign them.
Other Times We May Text You
There are other situations in which we may also text you to electronically sign documents. These include when you have another attorney or advocate that you no longer wish to represent you, and when the Social Security Administration has advised us for some mistaken reason (yes, they do make mistakes!) that you no longer want us to represent you when you in fact still do.
We’re Here to Help
We understand that it is sometimes hard to navigate text messaging and electronically signing documents. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions that you may have about these requirements, as they are most important to the successful handling of your Social Security disability claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a cell phone or can’t receive text messages? Contact your DHG Senior Advocate as soon as possible so we can discuss your options and make sure your documents are handled before your hearing date.
What if I accidentally delete the text or miss it? Call our office right away at 800-800-3332. We can resend the document and make sure you’re still on track.
How do I know the text is really from DHG and not a scam? The link we send will only require you to review and sign documents related to your case. If you’re ever unsure, call us directly to confirm.
This piece was written and fact-checked by Wilbur Seitzinger Jr. Wilbur Seitzinger Jr is a Senior Disability Advocate at Disability Help Group with years of experience guiding clients through the Social Security disability claims process. The information in this article reflects current SSA requirements and DHG office procedures as of the date of publication.
Ready to move your case forward? Our team is here every step of the way. Call us at 800-800-3332 or CLICK HERE for your FREE case evaluation.
Accessing your Social Security account online is now easier than ever. To create your personal “my Social Security” account, you’ll need to log in through one of the following two sources: (1) Login.gov or (2) ID.me.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Watch the following tutorial comparing the two login options:
With your “my Social Security” account login, you can check the status of your disability claim, upload documents, order a replacement Social Security card, and even estimate future benefits if your claim is approved.
We May Reach Out
If you are a current Disability Help Group client, you may be contacted by DHG and asked to set up your “my Social Security” account. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the process or any other issues, please call your DHG Senior Advocate at 800-800-3332.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to choose between Login.gov and ID.me, or can I use both? You only need one account to access “my Social Security.” Watch the tutorial above to help decide which option works best for you.
Is it safe to create an account online? Yes. Both Login.gov and ID.me are secure, government-approved identity verification platforms used across federal agencies.
What if I already have a Social Security account from before? The SSA has transitioned away from its old login system. You’ll need to create a new account through either Login.gov or ID.me to continue accessing your information online.
What if I need help setting it up? Call your DHG Senior Advocate at 800-800-3332 and we’ll walk you through it.
This article was written and fact-checked by Joshua Eberle, a Senior Disability Advocate at Disability Help Group with extensive experience helping clients manage their Social Security disability claims. The information in this article reflects current SSA procedures and account access requirements as of the date of publication.
Have questions about your account or your claim? Call us at 800-800-3332 or CLICK HERE for your FREE case evaluation.
