The United States Social Security Administration continues to advance its intention to offer a service tailored to the needs of all beneficiaries. This time it has done so with the announcement of the redesign of its website, making it easier to use and aiming to provide a better user experience. More than 70 million Americans receive some form of Social Security benefit, which means there are many contact needs that must be addressed. On its new website, there is clearer access to my Social Security, as well as a ‘Life Events’ menu, where users can find information and carry out transactions related to retirement, disability, or the death of a spouse.
This measure by Commissioner Bisignano provides 24/7 access and digital modernization suitable for any user. Several voices have given their opinion on the matter, some more cautious than others. On one hand, the CEO of 9i Capital Group, Kevin Thompson, told Newsweek that the simplicity of the navigation makes it suitable for any user, including older adults. Financial literacy instructor Alex Benee also points out that the new design offers a very clear and simple layout of the services provided by the Administration. On the other hand, the founder of Powers Financial Group, Drew Powers, reminds that despite the improvements, many users still rely on telephone or in-person communication.
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA)
Since the arrival of Commissioner Bisignano, the Social Security Administration has been pursuing a modernization of its image, a step forward towards a more technological interaction. One of its latest measures has been the redesign of its website, which has undergone a facelift to provide a more intuitive and easy-to-understand user experience for beneficiaries. More than 70 million people receive some type of benefit from Social Security, so there are many and varied needs that must be addressed—especially considering that a large percentage of that total are older individuals who do not have access to certain technologies.
Brand new website
If you access the Social Security (SSA) website, you will see how its interface has changed. Now it is much easier and more intuitive, allowing you to find the services it offers more quickly. The access to my Social Security is much larger and clearer, so you can’t miss it. They have added a category called “Life Events,” in which users can find all the information and procedures related to disability, retirement, or the death of a spouse. A section has also been added that gathers the services offered to third parties such as employers or legal representatives, making it easier to quickly find the necessary procedures or information.
What is the opinion about this new measure?
Several voices have spoken out on the matter, some very supportive and others more cautious. The CEO of 9i Capital Group, Kevin Thompson, stated to Newsweek that “the new design is trying to make it very simple to navigate since they know that most of the people using it will be older.” This statement is complemented by that of a financial literacy instructor, Alex Benee, who said, “the redesign achieves what many users wanted: a simplified overview of the services offered and quick links to the main questions and concerns that many tend to have”.
A spokesperson for the SSA also stated that this measure is part of the new administration’s idea of achieving a service that is easier to access, faster to respond, and better prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. On the other hand, the founder of Powers Financial Group, Drew Powers, said, “While the extension of service hours and online functions are improvements, many older beneficiaries still rely on telephone or in-person support”.
Although this new measure presents numerous improvements, such as being able to access it without time restrictions 24 hours a day, it is true that the limitations it presents must be taken into account for those people who either do not have internet access or experience any type of difficulty in accessing the website.