SSA forms online, not interactive

SSA forms online

The Social Security Administration is offering customers a look at up to

65 official forms via its Web site.

However, the forms cannot be filled out or filed online, said Tony Trenkle,

director of electronic services staff at SSA. They primarily serve to let

customers know what kinds of questions they will be asked and what kind

of supporting documents they will need when they do apply for benefits,

Trenkle said.

However, the agency recently began enabling customers to apply for retirement

benefits online, part of an agency vision to expand use of the Internet

to interact with customers. In addition, Trenkle said customers may also

apply online for Medicare card replacement, a benefit verification letter

and a Social Security Benefit statement, Form 1099.

According to V. Douglas Hines, managing director for KPMG Consulting

LLC, SSA has long been ahead of the curve among government agencies in applying

information technology.

"Historically, the Social Security Administration has been a leader,"

said Hines, who has been evaluating a number of programs at SSA, including

a pilot project in which customers and SSA officials corresponded online

via instant messaging, e-mail and voice over the Internet.