FW: SSA - Web site cuts red tape to benefits

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Web site cuts red tape to benefits

By Esther Hatfield

Chicago Daily Herald

December 20, 2001

In Illinois, more than 170,000 people receive monthly disability

benefits under programs run by the Social Security Administration.

All of them have one thing in common: they each had to complete a long,

detailed form describing their condition, how it developed, and their

treatment sources (Disability Report - SSA-3368).

A new Internet tool provides online help in completing the form, making

it easier for adults who want to file for disability benefits. We use

this form to help us obtain information about an applicant's condition,

and it is our key to obtain medical records. Completing the form can

make a difference in how long it takes to process your claim.

While claims representatives help applicants complete the form, it is

best for individuals to have as much of the form completed as possible

before the interview.

There is no question that people who complete the form will find the

disability interview easier. The information on the form makes the

claims process a lot smoother.

With the new online tool, applicants can get online help. Claimants can

click on any section of the form for a " plain language " explanation of

what information is needed, why we need the information and how answers

will help us make a disability decision.

For help, visit www.ssa.gov/disabilityformhelp. Or you can call (800)

772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.

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