News Social Security Expands Online Tools for Disability Claims and Appeals

In August 2026, SSA announced a set of enhancements to the my Social Security platform that expand what applicants can do online at the disability claim and appeal stages. For practitioners assisting with SSI/SSDI applications, the changes create new opportunities to keep cases moving, and new reasons to make sure the people you serve have an active online account.

Online form submission. Applicants can now complete and submit several hearing-level adjudication forms directly through their my Social Security accounts, including Form HA-4631 (Recent Medical Treatment), Form HA-4632 (Medication Information), and Form HA-4633 (Work Background). Previously, these forms had to be returned by mail or fax, which added days or weeks to an already lengthy appeal timeline.

Claim Status Tracker. A new Claim Status Tracker gives applicants near real-time visibility into pending disability claims and appeals. Status updates include confirmation when a hearing office receives a request, progress while a case is being prepared, and notification when a decision is issued.

Expanded notice access. SSA has added 26 notices to the my Social Security Message Center, including the Notice of Hearing, Amended Notice of Hearing, Postponement of Hearing, Request for Good Cause for Late Filing, and Request to Withdraw a Hearing Request. Proffer letters, which SSA sends when new evidence is added to the record after a hearing, are also now available electronically. Account holders can opt into email or text alerts when a new document is posted.

What this means for your practice

Time-sensitive notices are the ones most often lost to an outdated address, a shared mailbox, or a shelter mail system. Electronic delivery, paired with text or email alerts, closes one of the most common gaps in the appeals process. Consider building a few steps into your workflow:

• Help applicants set up a my Social Security account early, ideally at the initial application stage rather than after an appeal is filed. SSA requires each person to create and verify their own account, so plan for the time it takes to complete identity verification.
• Ask applicants to turn on email or text alerts, and confirm that the contact information on file is one they can reliably access.
• Use the Claim Status Tracker at regular check-ins instead of relying on phone calls to field offices or hearing offices.
• Watch for proffer letters and good cause requests. Both carry short response windows, and both are now visible in the Message Center as soon as SSA issues them.

Applicants can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Source: Social Security Adds New Online Tool and Notices for Disability Claims