Funeral directors often assist families with submitting information to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agency recently shared information about new options for submitting documents that will make the process easier for Americans. Please read the information below and, as appropriate, spread the word to the families and the community you serve. You might consider sharing a printed copy of SSA’s press release during arrangement conferences or sharing the SSA’s video on your funeral home’s social media pages. 

From SSA

Social Security works closely with community partners and advocates to get direct customer feedback on how to make things better. Through this input, many people have shared their preference to complete transactions electronically, including the submission of evidence and forms (with electronic signature, when required).

We listened to feedback and released eSignature/Upload Documents as an option to submit documents. This new, online service option allows our representatives to electronically request, and our customers to electronically submit, various types of evidence and forms to us. Otherwise, customers would need to mail, fax, or visit a local office. By streamlining our document submission process and reducing paper mail, we improve our customers’ experience.

How Does it Work?

1. Our representatives send customers a link with the request for the forms and/or evidence we need to process their application.
2. The customer authenticates by signing in to, or creating, their personal my Social Security account, reviews the request, completes the form, electronically signs (when signatures are required), and uploads the completed forms and/or any supporting evidence.

No more mailing or faxing certain evidence or forms, and fewer trips to the Social Security office… it’s that easy! 

Electronic Signatures Now Available on Some Forms

There are more than 30 forms available to your clients that can be signed electronically, which represents 90% of the most commonly used forms by our customers in our local Social Security offices. One of our most used forms, the SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to Social Security Administration, is now available to sign and submit electronically. Other frequently used forms available for your clients to sign and submit electronically include:

• SSA-820/821, Work Activity Reports
• SSA-632, Request for a Waiver of Overpayment Recovery
• SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate

Signature Removal

We have also removed the signature requirement entirely for 12 of our most commonly used forms. Some of the forms include:

• SSA-L4201, Letter to Employer Requesting Wage Information
• SSA-789, Request for Reconsideration/Disability Cessation Right to Appear

Your clients may also upload many of these forms online, further reducing the burden they feel. We are considering removal of signature requirements on other forms as well.  

What do these changes mean for your clients?

• They help speed up processing, which means faster access to benefits and services.
• They expand service options for people with disabilities and people in rural communities by eliminating the need to visit an office.
• They reduce the risk of documents being lost in the mail.
• They better protect and safeguard personal information.

Check out this update from Commissioner O’Malley and view our press release to learn more.

Thank you for being a valued community partner. We look forward to your feedback and support as we continue to remove barriers to accessing our services and programs.