Social Security Is Moving More Services Online: Here’s What That Means for Your Claim
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says it is on a mission to “transform SSA into a digital-first agency that operates at peak efficiency and provides world-class service to every American.” These changes offer real benefits to some Social Security disability (SSDI) applicants and recipients, as well as those applying for or receiving Social Security retirement benefits. But the push for modernization may create obstacles for some. Here’s what you need to know about the recent changes, the changes in the works, and the SSA’s plans for the future.
Better Access through the SSA Portal
In a letter to Congress late last year, SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano reported that prior to his administration, the SSA’s mySocial Security platform had 29 hours/week of planned downtime. In the summer of 2025, the system became accessible 24/7. According to Bisignano, those expanded hours of availability helped enable a nearly 20% increase in online transactions during FY 2025.
But the changes weren’t just about access. The SSA has been moving more and more services online, and working to encourage SSDI applicants and recipients, and others who engage with the SSA, to use online services. In FY 2025, the number of mySocial Security accounts climbed from 87.9 million to 97.3 million, with the SSA projecting 105 million by the end of FY 2026.
What Aspects of My SSDI Application and Benefits Can I Manage Online?
While not all of these online services are new, the list has increased. If you are applying for SSDI benefits, waiting for a decision, or need to appeal an unfavorable decision, here’s what you can do online:
Check your earnings history
See your estimated benefits (before you apply for Social Security disability)
Apply for Social Security disability benefits
Save your application in progress and return to complete it later
Monitor your application status and receive updates
Review digital copies of notices
Request text or email alerts when there is a new message in your account
Complete your Continuing Disabilty Review
While some of these services were previously available online in some form, many have been expanded. For example, in July the SSA announced that the following forms could now be submitted through your portal:
Recent Medical Treatment (Form HA-4631)
Medical Information (Form HA-4632)
Work Background (Form HA-4633)
At the same time, the SSA announced that 26 new types of notices, many of them applicable to SSDI applicants, would now be available in your Message Center. They are:
Notice of Hearing
Request for Good Cause for Late Filing
Request to Withdraw a Hearing Request
Please Contact Us
Postponement of Hearing
Amended Notice of Hearing
Notice of Continued Hearing
Notice of Ways to Attend a Hearing
Request for Hearing Acknowledgement Letter
Notice to Show Cause for Failure to Appear
Response to Request for Expedited Processing
Good Cause Found to Reschedule Hearing
Transfer Request for Hearing
Claimant Questionnaires
Waiver of Timely Written Notice
Time to Submit Evidence
On the Record Notice
ALJ Approval of Fee Agreement
ALJ Disapproval of Fee Agreement
Important Notice About Representation
Notice of Closing the Record
Notice Regarding Substitution of Party Upon Death of Claimant
Congressional Letter
Letter Template
Claimant Restriction Letter
Case Status Letter
Notice of Hearing Reminder
Proffer Letter
Currently, Services are Still Available by Phone
Though the SSA is making a hard push to move as many services online as possible, telephone services are still available. However, the Agency Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2030 says the goal is to “make our online services so safe, easy and convenient that customers prefer to conduct all of their business with us online.” Based on SSA data, that seems to be working. Year-to-date, 79% of fiscal year 2026 transactions have been conducted online, and the number of successful online service events has jumped from 444 million in FY 2024 to 539 million year-to-date in FY 2026.
The increase in online services can benefit even those who aren’t yet using them, as applicants and beneficiaries who use the online services or the SSA’s self-service phone system clear time and space for those requiring human assistance. As of August of 2026, the SSA says the average wait time for a Social Security applicant or recipient needing human assistance by phone has dropped to an average of one minute, and wait times at local field offices have dropped to an average of 20 minutes.
What’s Still Complicated about SSDI Applications and Appeals
The SSA’s changes have made the physical process of accessing information, submitting documents and other tasks less frustrating and less time consuming for many applicants and recipients. The agency says it is committed to continuing those improvements over time, further cutting friction in the process of obtaining or sharing information and documents.
However, in some cases applicants and recipients–and even SSA staff–have reported that the streamlining has created more friction for those who actually need human assistance.
It’s also important to remember that there’s a difference between it being technically simple to fill out a form and upload documents online and knowing exactly how to complete that form and what documentation is necessary to let the SSA fully understand the extent of your disability.
Disability Help Group is Here for You
At Disability Help Group, our advocates have spent years developing deep knowledge of the SSDI application and appeals processes and learning what types of medical evidence and other documentation are typically necessary to establish claims based on different types of disabilities.
Whether you are just preparing to apply for Social Security disability benefits or you have applied and been denied, we can help. But your time to appeal is limited, and we will need time to review your case and ensure that you have the right evidence to support your appeal. So, you should contact us as soon as possible after you receive an SSDI denial. To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 right now or fill out our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply for SSDI online?
No. The SSA is encouraging applicants to use its online services, but you can still apply by phone or in person at a local field office. If you’re more comfortable working with a person, or your situation is complicated, those options remain available.
Can I submit medical and work history forms through my Social Security account?
Yes. As of July, you can submit the Recent Medical Treatment form (HA-4631), the Medical Information form (HA-4632), and the Work Background form (HA-4633) directly through your my Social Security portal. Uploading a form is easy; making sure it contains the right information to support your claim is the harder part, and it’s where an experienced advocate can help.
How will I know if the SSA sends me a hearing notice or other important letter?
Many notices related to SSDI hearings and appeals, including Notices of Hearing, postponements, and requests for evidence, now appear in the Message Center of your my Social Security account. You can sign up for text or email alerts so you know when a new message arrives. It’s a good idea to check your account regularly so you don’t miss a deadline.
Is it still possible to speak with someone at the SSA?
Yes. Phone service is still available, and the SSA reports that as of August 2026, the average wait to speak with a person by phone has dropped to about one minute. Average wait times at local field offices have dropped to around 20 minutes.
What should I do if my SSDI application is denied?
Act quickly. You generally have 60 days from the date you receive a denial notice to request an appeal, and building a strong appeal often means gathering additional medical evidence. Contacting Disability Help Group as soon as possible after a denial gives our advocates time to review your case and make sure your appeal is well supported. Call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form to get started.
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.
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 advocate who 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.
How Disability Help Group’s Leadership Training Improves Support for SSDI Claims
At Disability Help Group, everything we do is focused on helping people navigate the Social Security Disability (SSDI) process with confidence. That’s why our leadership team recently took part in an intensive two-day training designed to strengthen how we lead, communicate, and support our teams.
Because at the end of the day, better leadership means better support for the people who rely on us.
Why Leadership Matters in the SSDI Process
If you’ve ever applied for Social Security Disability benefits, you know it’s not exactly simple. Between paperwork, deadlines, and potential denials, the process can feel overwhelming fast.
That’s where a strong team really makes a difference, and strong teams start with strong leadership.
This training focused on improving how leaders communicate with their teams, stay aligned, and keep the focus where it belongs: on the people going through the SSDI application or appeals process. When that foundation is solid, it makes everything smoother for the clients we’re helping every day.
Stronger Teams At Disability Help Group
The first day of training was led by Dr. Ben Sorensen, President and CEO of Sorensen Consulting, Inc. and a U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain.
He worked closely with the team on real, practical ways to improve communication, strengthen team alignment, and build a high-performing culture. Nothing theoretical, just tools leaders can actually use day to day while supporting people through SSDI claims and appeals.
“The customized training provided actionable communication strategies that can easily be applied in how we lead and engage our teams.” – Natale Burns Managing Advocate
Led by Dr. Justin Habash, the session explored what it truly means to lead with integrity, courage, commitment, and sacrifice, not just in theory, but in real-life situations.
Through hands-on exercises, the team at Disability Help Group worked through challenging scenarios and made decisions under pressure, the kind of thinking that translates directly to guiding teams who are helping clients through complex Social Security Disability claims.
One of the most impactful moments was hearing from Gary L. Littrell, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, alongside Suzanne Rampe Littrell. With fewer than 70 living Medal of Honor recipients in the U.S., it was a rare chance to hear firsthand what leadership under pressure really looks like.
What This Means for SSDI Clients
This wasn’t just a leadership event, it’s something that directly impacts the people we serve.
By continuing to invest in our leadership, Disability Help Group is making sure our team is better equipped to help with every part of the Social Security Disability process, from initial applications to appeals after a denial.
That means clearer communication, stronger support, and a more personal approach for every client.
Here When You Need Help with Your SSDI Claim
If you’re trying to apply for Social Security Disability benefits or dealing with a denied claim, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
The team at Disability Help Group, ranked among the top 10 Social Security Disability advocacy groups nationwide, is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
CLICK HERE for a free case evaluation and take the next step toward getting the SSDI benefits you deserve.
Big Changes in 2026: Expanded Financial Benefits for Americans with Disabilities
Social Security disability (SSD) provides critical income for people who are no longer able to work due to a medical condition. Those are earned benefits accrued across your working life, and offer an important safety net. But SSD benefits are just one piece of the financial puzzle.
People with disabilities often face financial challenges, especially if they are dependent on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. That’s because what is typically considered responsible financial management, such as building an emergency savings account, can disqualify a person from receiving those benefits.
At the same time, a person living with disabilities may need that safety net even more. According to a report from the National Disability Institute, on average a disabled person needs about 28% more income than a non-disabled person to sustain the same standard of living.
For more than a decade, certain Americans with disabilities have had an important tool to help address that problem: ABLE accounts. In 2026, millions of people who previously didn’t qualify for ABLE accounts will be eligible.
What is an ABLE Account?
ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. The accounts were created through federal legislation in 2014, with a goal of allowing individuals with disabilities and their families to contribute to the disabled person’s support without disqualifying them from critical federal benefits.
Social Security disability benefit eligibility is not affected by resources, since SSD is an insurance program for workers who have paid in to the system during their working years. However, some SSD recipients may rely on other public benefits, such as Medicaid. And, SSI is a need-based program with low resource limits.
The statute creating ABLE accounts makes them “non-countable” assets for purposes of Medicaid eligibility, SSI, and other federally-funded need-based benefits. There are caps on contributions and caps on the amount of money that is ignored when considering program eligibility, but they are high.
Monetary Limits on ABLE Accounts
There are several different limits to consider when setting up, contributing to, and managing an ABLE account. Some key considerations in 2026 are:
Contribution limits: The aggregate annual contributions to an ABLE account cannot exceed the federal gift tax exclusion. In 2026, that’s $19,000/year. The limit applies to the beneficiary and not the specific donors. So, the beneficiary can receive a maximum of $19,000/year, but there is no limit on the aggregate amount a contributor can give to multiple beneficiaries.
SSI Resource Limit: For SSI purposes, only $100,000 in an ABLE account is disregarded. Any amount in excess of $100,000 will be counted as a resource, and could disqualify the recipient from SSI benefits.
Overall Contribution Limit: The total contributions to an ABLE account may not be greater than the state’s limit on contributions to a 529 account. This cap varies from state to state. In 2026, state caps range from $235,000 to $621,411.
As you can see, the impact of an ABLE account and the limitations on contributions will vary from state to state and based on which programs you receive benefits from. So, it is important to make sure you thoroughly understand the rules in your state and the possible impact on your benefits. For example, the general resource cap for SSI is just $2,000 for an individual. So, a very slight difference in your ABLE account balance could mean the difference between receiving monthly SSI benefits and losing eligibility.
Qualified Disability Expenses (QDEs)
Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are typically tax free. That classification isn’t limited to medical care, but covers a range of necessities such as:
Housing costs
Educational expenses
Employment training
Personal support services
Financial management services
Legal services
Health and welfare expenses
Who Can Have an ABLE Account in 2026?
This is the big change in 2026. When ABLE accounts were created, Social Security disability and SSI recipients and those whose impairments met the disability or blindness standard for SSI for children were eligible–but only if their disability started before the age of 26. While this benefitted a great many people with certain types of disabilities, it excluded the vast majority of both SSD and SSI recipients.
A 2024 law increased the age cut-off by 20 years. Starting January 1, 2026, anyone who meets the general criteria is eligible for an ABLE account if they became disabled before age 46. That still leaves out many disability recipients, since a high percentage of new disability determinations are for people aged 50+. But, it has been estimated that about six million more SSD and SSI recipients will qualify for ABLE accounts under the updated law.
How to Establish an ABLE Account
There’s a lot to consider when choosing an ABLE account, so the process is generally best tackled with the help of a financial advisor or a disability advocate familiar with the intricacies of ABLE accounts and account management. Some key issues to consider:
State: Most states offer ABLE plans, and there may be some tax benefits to establishing a plan in your own state. But most states also allow out-of-state account holders, so be sure to explore all of your options.
Costs: There are generally management fees associated with ABLE accounts, but they may vary significantly. Some may charge just a flat fee per month or year, while others may charge percentage-based fees.
Investment Options: Like 401(k) accounts, ABLE accounts typically allow account holders to choose their investment plan. But some plans offer only a handful of options, while others may have a dozen or more.
ABLE accounts offer an opportunity for Social Security disability and SSI recipients to raise their standard of living without putting their SSI benefits, Medicaid, or other federally-funded benefits at risk. However, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about the account and its management. One good source of information is the ABLE National Resource Center.
SSD and SSI Benefits
For most people, qualifying for an ABLE account starts with being approved for SSD or SSI benefits. Unfortunately, that process can be long and complicated. At Disability Help Group, we’ve helped thousands of people secure the disability benefits they deserve. To learn more about how we can help with your disability application or appeal, call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
Recent Updates To The Social Security Fairness Act:
January 5th, 2025: President Joe Biden has officially signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.
December 23th, 2024: The U.S. Senate passed the Social Security Fairness Act, sending it to President Joe Biden for final approval.
December 18th, 2024: The Senate voted to move forward with a final vote on the Social Security Fairness Act before the end of the year.
“For too many years, vital public sector employees like teachers, postal workers, police and firefighters have been denied full access to the money they paid into the Social Security Administration. We here at Disability Help Group are pleased to see that after forty years of lobbying, the Social Security Fairness Act will correct these inequities. The fact that the Social Security Fairness Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support reaffirms the fact that the federal government and the American people are committed to making Social Security as strong as it can be for the retired and the disabled populations who rely on these benefits. In the upcoming months, Disability Help Group is planning outreach campaigns to educate public sector employees and their unions about the additional benefits that may be available with the law’s passage. We expect nearly three million Americans may be positively impacted. The Senate is pushing for a vote on a bill that could expand Social Security benefits for millions of people.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. said he will start the process for a final vote on the Social Security Fairness Act for a potential passage in the final days of the Biden administration.
How can I get more information on the Social Security Fairness Act?
While this could move quickly in the lame duck session, News organizations have been following it closely. You can read more about it from supporters and critics of the bill.
