Electronic Signatures Offer Efficiency to Our Firm and Clients

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has adopted several signature methods in addition to traditional pen-and-ink, which helps reduce the need to retain paper applications. Recently, the SSA started accepting electronic signatures for applicant representatives, which means you can list Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, as representatives and get started on your case faster and more efficiently than ever.

Why Are E-Signatures Efficient?

It can take anywhere from three to five months for the SSA to process applications for disability and income benefits. Adopting the new e-signature approach should effectively decrease that processing time and allows many firms and companies to get paperwork in on time in a remote setting necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also related to the Coronavirus pandemic, e-signatures benefit Americans with compromised immune systems who are filing Social Security disability cases. Filling out an online application as opposed to leaving home to interact with the mail system allows them to avoid risking their health. With the new use of e-signatures, firms and the SSA are seeing how beneficial it is to move signed documents online and make them more accessible to clients and applicants, respectively.

Electronic Signatures

According to the SSA, an electronic signature can be any sound, process, or symbol attached to or associated with a document which is then executed by a person intending to sign said document.

The SSA accepts many forms of electronic signatures. Some of the non-exclusive ones include:

• A digitized image of your signature;
• A pin/password;
• A voice recording of your voice;
• An “I agree” button offering consent; and
• A typed name.

Is it Safe to Sign a Document Electronically?

The SSA takes various steps to verify an e-signer’s identity. Some of these extra steps include matching the applicant’s answers with records, such as location of birth, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, and work history. Importantly, all information submitted to the SSA is private and confidential, allowing applicants to sufficiently fill out their paperwork online with confidence that it will be kept private.

Thanks to the SSA’s new e-signature option, you can get started on your Social Security disability claim with our attorneys faster than ever before. Contact Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, today for a free consultation with one of our skilled lawyers.