When is social security going paperless

These paper records include the basic information SSA collects to determine entitlement to benefits under Social Security programs. In order to ensure that the electronic housing of these converted paper records is controlled in a manner consistent with previous security controls, there is comprehensive IT Security Policy that provides technological and administrative controls over this process.

Logical access is strictly limited to need to know and is supported by a separation of duties policy and strict adherence to least privilege access allowances.

This means that access to these records is restricted to those employees who have a need for the records in order to perform their official duties. Additional access controls include the use of armed security guards that control entrances and exits to buildings housing the records and the use of access controls such as personal identification numbers and passwords to gain access to records that are maintained electronically.

Are individuals afforded an opportunity to decline to provide information? Manage the present. If you have questions or need help understanding how to check the status of your Social Security application online, call our toll-free number at or visit your Social Security office. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, , between a. Monday through Friday. Learn about Emergency Assistance for Homeowners and Renters. Opt Out of Mailed Notices That Are Available Online Individuals and representative payees with a my Social Security account can opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online via the Message Center, including the Social Security annual cost-of-living adjustment and the income-related monthly adjustment amount benefit rate increase.

Alternatively, once they set up an online account with Social Security, you can retrieve the information together with them in your office. As a dry run, you might want to set up your own account first at socialsecurity. Remind your clients that if they are receiving Social Security checks by mail, they must switch to direct deposit by March. They can set up direct deposits online at the Social Security website or by calling Ever since the Social Security Administration began mailing annual statements to workers 25 and older in , the annual estimated-benefits statement has become a critical financial planning tool that provides details about future retirement income and serves as a stark reminder of the need for personal savings to supplement those benefits.

The digital version is identical to the original paper version, including estimates for retirement benefits at full retirement age, reduced benefits at the earliest eligible age of 62 and maximum benefits at It also includes estimates of disability and survivor benefits. Equally important, the statement provides individuals with a complete earnings history, which is the basis for future Social Security benefits. Clients should review it each year and make corrections if needed.

The statement also lists all of the Social Security and Medicare taxes paid on those earnings over the years, which can be a real eye-opener. Anspach said. The online Social Security statements of estimated future benefits first became available in May. The SSA recently expanded the services to include instant benefit verification letters for those receiving payments.

The letter serves as proof of income to secure loans, mortgages and apply for state or local benefits.