2017 Open Government News Archive
Open Government Major Initiative Update - Health IT
Social Security Expands Its Access to Electronic Medical Evidence
Posted:
One of SSA’s major open government initiatives is health information technology (IT). Health IT provides:
- A fully automated request and receipt process for medical evidence;
- Complete and standards-based medical records; and
- Faster disability decisions using extensive rules-based decision support.
As of October 2017, SSA is partnered with 85 organizations, representing over 11,800 healthcare facilities that transmit secure medical records necessary for processing Social Security disability claims. SSA will receive medical records within minutes or hours, as compared to weeks through the traditional manual process (mail, fax, or secure website). The electronic process saves time and money.
To read more about Health IT, visit Health Information Technology. To read more about the open government initiative, visit Open Government Plan 4.1.
Open Government Plan 4.1: First Year Progress Report
Posted:
During the last year, we sought input from the public and our employees about how to advance open government at SSA. We responded to that input, and published SSA’s 4th Open Government Plan. We are proud of the progress we have achieved in pursuit of our goals, and encourage you to view our progress on our Open Government Plan Milestones and Completion Report page. On it, you will find progress on several projects and initiatives, including:
- The National Disability Forum (our flagship project);
- SSA’s Analytics Center for Excellence (ACE);
- Data that we continue to add to our inventory; and
- Health Information Technology.
SSA remains committed to the principles of Open Government. Please continue to visit our Open Government site to find updates on our Open Government Plan, our Open Data efforts, and others ways in which we are promoting transparency, participation, and collaboration.
Social Security Number Replacement Cards Available Online in Many States
Posted:
Replacing a lost Social Security card is now easier than ever. You may be able to apply for a replacement Social Security Card online if you meet certain eligibility requirements, and live in one of the growing number of states where the new application process is available.
You must be at least 18 years old and have a driver's license or state-issued identification card to request a replacement card online through the secure my Social Security portal. If you are eligible to use the online process, you will need to set up a my Social Security account, if you don't already have one. This can easily be done by visiting my Social Security. Please remember that Social Security cards should never be carried on your person and should be kept in a secure location.
For measurement purposes, we also track data on usage of this new online service. The Online Social Security Replacement Cards dataset is now available for the public to review.
Working with a Federal Contractor (WISE Webinar) - Register Now
Posted:
On April 26, 2017, join our WISE webinar to learn more about Social Security programs and rules that apply to people with disabilities. We will be discussing:
- Section 503 – prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against people with disabilities
- Tips for self-identification during the application and hiring process
- How Ticket to Work and your employment team can help you learn more as you explore work
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Register online today or call 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).
We look forward to your participation!
National Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) – Register Now!
Posted:
On March 22, 2017, join us to learn how you can make more money even while receiving Social Security Disability benefits. During this webinar, we will discuss:
- The ABLE Act: Achieving a Better Life Experience – allows certain people with disabilities to set up special savings accounts to cover qualified disability-related expenses
- Ticket to Work program and Work Incentives
- Additional resources
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Register online today or call 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).
Then, join us on Twitter March 24, 2017 for a continued discussion of the ABLE Act with the ABLE National Resource Center. To join the chat, follow @ChooseWorkSSA and hashtag #DEchat.
Friday, March 24, 2017
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET
We look forward to your participation!
For more information, email support@choosework.net or call 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).
Social Security Celebrates America Saves Week 2017
Posted:
Planning for retirement? Social Security benefits and personal savings will play a big part.
Social Security is proud to partner with America Saves Week to promote our shared mission of helping millions of people save for their future. This year, America Saves Week took place between February 27 and March 3, but saving for your retirement should be an ongoing commitment.
Savers with set goals and plans are twice as likely to save successfully. Pledge to save for America Saves Week at https://americasaves.org/. Then, share your saving tips and strategies on Twitter by using the hashtag #ImSavingFor.
Replacement SSA Tax Forms Available February 1
Posted:
Yes, it’s that time again – tax season!
Social Security mailed out SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S tax forms in January to all those who received Social Security benefits in 2016. However, we know that it’s hard to keep track of all your tax filing paperwork and forms can get lost. If you misplaced your SSA tax form, don't worry! Beginning February 1, 2017, you can go online and get a replacement form using your my Social Security account. Don’t have a my Social Security account? Sign up today and get instant access to your tax forms, Social Security Statements and much more!
For more information about Social Security tax forms, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
View Current Open Government News
Other SSA News and Updates
Open Government
The Social Security Administration is committed to creating an open and transparent government through the following initiatives: