New efforts are underway to simplify the process of applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits.

The Social Security Administration said late last month that it will roll out a fully online SSI application featuring plain-language questions that have been tested by users. The updated version will pre-populate answers when possible and include seamless transitions, among other improvements.

The changes, known as iClaim expansion, are intended to cut down on the time it takes to apply and speed up initial claim decisions, officials said.

“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. “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 updated application will be available starting in December for first-time applicants ages 18 to 65 who have never been married and who are seeking Social Security and SSI benefits. It’s expected to expand to all applicants in late 2025.

Going forward, Social Security officials said they plan to make improvements based on what people are telling their customer service team. The agency expects to take what’s learned from the iClaim expansion to improve the in-person, phone, mobile and paper-based processes for applying for SSI.

“The SSI program legally requires SSA to request extensive amounts of information from SSI applicants to make accurate eligibility and payment determinations,” officials said in a notice about the updates. “The framework of the SSI program will not change regardless of the type of application claimants must complete. However, we recognize that the current process is burdensome and challenging for the public, and we are doing what we can to reduce this burden and improve access to SSI.”

About 7.5 million Americans, including many with disabilities, receive SSI each month.

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.