In an effort to extend its technological reach and speed up its benefits filing process, the local Social Security Administration office has installed what it calls a “welcome enhancement.”
In a secluded room in the office at Premier Drive in Chattanooga, a “self-help personal computer” is available for those without Internet access wishing to file for benefits.
Instead of waiting in a long line to see a service representative, people who come to the office to apply for retirement or Medicare, change their address or request a replacement card can use the designated computer.
HOW TO APPLY ONLINE* Those without home Internet access can also apply online at the Social Security office by using the self-help personal computer station.* Applicants reach the Social Security Administration on the Web at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits. The address for applying for disability benefits is www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.* You can also request a change of address or phone number, replacement Medicare card, proof of income letter and Form 1099 online.Source: Chattanooga Social Security Administration
“Most of the time they already know all the information we need, so this is just to keep them from waiting,” said Louise Wilson, the contact representative who sits with clients and can answer their questions while they use the new station. “It’s really just a time saver.”
The office received the computer, which can be used only to access the Social Security benefits website, about a month ago and is one of a handful of sites in Tennessee testing out demand for it, said District Manager Martin Coffey. So far, the machine has been used once or twice a week, but Coffey hopes to see that increase.
“We knew there was a certain population that did not have access to the Internet at home, but we weren’t certain how many of those would be interested in doing this as a self-help mechanism,” he said, adding the office serves people from eight counties in Tennessee and Georgia. “We’re going to pilot this to see if it will save time for folks, because the quicker they can get the process completed, the quicker we can get the ball rolling, so to speak.”
Most applications take between 15 and 30 minutes, Coffey said. After the application is complete, a button on the screen can be clicked that wipes out all private information and restarts the computer.
“Many measures have been taken to ensure it’s safe and secure,” Coffey said.
Connie Kennedy, assistant district manager, said the system represents a larger effort to offer electronic services and encourage people to use them. With the Baby Boomer generation hitting retirement age, she said the office expects an onslaught of these types of applications, and this is a way to help out residents as well as the workers.
Coffey said that as more people embrace technology, so should the Social Security office.
“We as an agency need to get on line with that, and we’re making every effort – and certainly here in the Chattanooga office – to move forward with technology and provide service channels that are new and accessible to the public,” he said. “I feel really good that we are looking to the future. I feel like that is a good thing.”
Contact Brittany Cofer at bcofer@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/brittanycofer