SSA's presence within the community provides for increased trust and widespread visibility. Through established community networks and the power of technology, SSA is better positioned to reach those who, in the past, had difficulty accessing our services. The Social Security Statement is a valuable tool in educating the public and helping them plan for their financial future. In addition, it provides customers an opportunity to elect an automated application process. After reviewing their earnings records and other personal information, these customers may elect to have monthly benefits begin automatically.
Customers make decisions based on the information provided, including available options.
Those electing to begin retirement benefits provide the necessary direct deposit information and other information to determine potential entitlement of family members. In addition, upon notification of death, SSA contacts potentially eligible survivors and gives them an opportunity to begin receiving their benefits automatically. SSA's leadership is proactive in ensuring the continuing responsiveness of its programs to the American public's need for economic security. A key element of this is the focused research activity that looks at and assesses the impact of evolving medical, demographic, economic, and social conditions on SSA's programs.