Bipartisan Bill Introduced To Modernize Social Security Survivor Benefits Applications

Representatives Sharice Davids and Gabe Evans announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation aimed at making it easier for families to apply for Social Security survivor benefits. The Survivor Benefits Application Modernization Act would require the Social Security Administration to create an online system for scheduling appointments and applying for survivor benefits.

Supporters say the changes could reduce phone wait times, paperwork and trips to Social Security offices for surviving spouses, children and dependent parents. The bill would require an online scheduling system within 180 days and online applications within one year of enactment. The SSA also would have to report to Congress on processing times, administrative savings, and fraud and identity theft within three years.

“When a family loses a parent, spouse, or breadwinner, the last thing they should have to deal with is a maze of administrative red tape just to access the benefits their loved one earned through a lifetime of hard work,” said Rep. Davids. “My casework team will always help Kansans recover backlogged federal benefits — including Social Security — but families shouldn’t have to turn to their representatives’ offices just to get the benefits they’ve earned. This bipartisan bill would make it easier for families to get those benefits on their own, without having to navigate unnecessary hurdles during an already difficult time.”