Indy Standard

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Braun pressed Social Security Administrator Martin O’Malley on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) electronic signature response at the Aging Committee hearing on Wednesday. In December, Ranking Member Braun and Chairman Casey wrote a letter to the SSA on the lack of compliance with congressional and executive direction to allow e-signatures for beneficiaries.

E-signatures, as highlighted by Ranking Member Braun, allow seniors and people with disabilities to sign forms electronically, without having to print the form and physically take it to a local office. This initiative aims to remove unnecessary obstacles for disabled and senior beneficiaries who may face difficulties traveling to an office to sign required forms.

Following the pressure exerted through Ranking Member Braun’s letter, Commissioner O’Malley announced that SSA has made significant progress in updating its forms and expanding access to e-signatures for vulnerable beneficiaries. This development signifies a positive step towards improving accessibility and convenience for beneficiaries.

Looking ahead, Ranking Member Braun reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the SSA fully implements e-signature policies. His dedication to holding the SSA accountable reflects a continued effort to advocate for the rights and needs of beneficiaries, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities.