Your Disability Benefits Are Now a Little Less Mysterious

Today, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a redesign to the Social Security Statement beneficiaries can access in their online portal, my Social Security.

The new format uses simpler language and clear visuals. It also more clearly shows users information about disability benefits. The online statement includes a prominently-displayed estimate for what Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits a worker could receive; it used to be buried on the second page (see an old statement in appendix D here). Further, the new fact sheets that accompany the online Statement for workers of different ages mention disability benefits.

Research shows that people with work-limiting impairments who receive Social Security statements are more likely to apply for SSDI and as likely as other applicants to be awarded benefits. The application rates of those reporting a work limitation nearly doubled!

Making benefits easier to understand, and discover, is an important part of working towards equity. NOSSCR applauds these updates and looks forward to continued efforts to simplify and streamline the processes of learning about, applying for, and obtaining disability benefits.

Sample Statement courtesy of SSA. Source: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/statement.html