Senators Mike Braun and Bob Casey have sent a letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA), expressing their concern over the agency's lack of compliance with congressional and executive direction to allow electronic signatures for transactions when possible. The outdated wet signature requirement not only adds unnecessary burden to SSA employees but also affects anyone filling out forms.
In the letter, the Senators highlight that there have been multiple congressional and executive branch authorizations providing federal agencies with the flexibility to allow and facilitate the use of e-signatures. They specifically mention President Biden's executive order from December 2021, which directed the SSA to remove and revise regulations requiring physical signatures. However, there are reports of SSA offices still requiring completion of many forms with a wet signature in blue or black ink and submission by mail instead of electronically.
The Senators emphasize that these wet signature requirements are burdensome for SSA employees and contribute to backlogs and delays in access to benefits for recipients and potential recipients with disabilities. They point out that the requirements for hard copy wet signatures without an option for e-signatures can limit access to benefits, delay customer service, and impose unnecessary paperwork and mailing costs.
Furthermore, the Senators highlight the particular burden that hard copy wet signatures place on people with disabilities, who may face barriers in reaching SSA offices or have limited means to print and mail forms. They also note that outdated technology may be a contributing factor to the struggles currently faced by SSA employees in meeting service demands.
The Senators urge the SSA to provide greater flexibility and offer e-signature and digital options to recipients who choose to utilize that technology. They reference the successful adoption of e-signatures by the SSA during the pandemic and emphasize that this is not without precedent.
In addition to their concerns, the Senators pose several questions to the SSA, requesting information on why wet signatures are still required on certain documents despite directives authorizing the use of e-signatures, the use of e-signatures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the distinction in requiring wet signatures for some forms but not others, and the steps the SSA is taking to accept e-signatures for all documents.
The Senators conclude the letter by expressing their appreciation for the SSA's attention to this issue and their anticipation of a response.
The letter from Senators Braun and Casey highlights the need for the SSA to comply with congressional and executive direction regarding the use of e-signatures. The outdated wet signature requirement adds unnecessary burden to SSA employees and affects the timely access to benefits for recipients and potential recipients with disabilities. The Senators urge the SSA to provide greater flexibility and offer e-signature and digital options to recipients. They also pose several questions regarding the SSA's requirements for wet signatures and the steps being taken to evaluate and implement e-signatures for all documents.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.aging.senate.gov/press-releases/braun-casey-call-for-ssa-compliance-with-e-signature-executive-order
