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 my Social 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 my Social 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.
