Selecting an e-sign option

To expedite its goal of having a fully electronic system for processing benefits claims, Social Security Administration officials plan to offer citizens three signature proxy options.

Web signature process: Citizens click the Sign Now button at the bottom of the benefits application form on SSA's Web site.

Attestation process: In an interview in person or over the phone with an SSA employee, citizens say they want to apply for benefits and they understand the penalties for submitting false information. Afterward, the employee annotates an electronic application form to indicate that it has been "signed" by the citizen. Citizens applying for benefits receive a copy of the application information, but SSA does not keep a paper copy.

Witnessed process: In instances in which a citizen has submitted a paper application with a handwritten signature, an SSA employee interviews the citizen in person or via a phone call and then annotates an electronic application form to indicate that the citizen applying for benefits submitted a paper application with a handwritten signature.

Source: Social Security Administration