The Social Security Administration is revamping how it handles Social Security Disability applications by leaning into technology—and healthcare providers are at the center of this change.
A renewed push to expand SSA’s Health Information Technology (Health IT) program promises to speed up disability decisions, cut costs, and get benefits into the hands of those who need them faster.
What Is Health IT?
Health IT is an electronic data exchange system that allows SSA to securely obtain medical records directly from healthcare providers. That eliminates the traditional paper trail and long wait times for documents to be mailed or faxed.
According to SSA, disability claims processed with Health IT medical records are approved 50% faster than those without.
“I’ve directed the reinvigoration of the Health IT initiative, as it benefits everyone involved – SSA, our customers, health care providers, and American taxpayers,” said Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek.
Why Faster Disability Determinations Matter
SSA receives over 3 million disability applications each year. Many applicants are in crisis—unable to work and urgently needing financial support. But the backlog in medical records requests often delays benefit decisions.
By speeding up that process through digital records, SSA can reduce the need for costly consultative exams, streamline its workflows, and help Americans in need access benefits more quickly.
It also saves money—SSA spends over $500 million annually to collect medical records for disability claims. Reducing those costs could free up more funding for benefits and services.
How Healthcare Providers Benefit
Hospitals, clinics, and medical networks that join the Health IT program also stand to gain:
- Lower administrative costs
- Faster processing of disability-related paperwork
- Improved service for patients applying for disability
The system allows for real-time exchange of up-to-date medical information, which minimizes paperwork and improves efficiency for providers.
Expanding the Health IT Network
While Health IT has existed for years, growth has slowed. That’s why SSA is now partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to revamp outreach, improve onboarding, and expand the provider network.
Currently, 266 health organizations with about 46,000 providers across all 50 states are part of the program. This includes hospitals, Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), and vendor networks.
SSA is actively encouraging more organizations to join and make Social Security Disability claims more efficient and equitable for applicants.
How Providers Can Join
Healthcare organizations interested in becoming SSA Health IT partners can visit the agency’s official page at ssa.gov/hit.
Joining the network not only helps patients but contributes to a nationwide effort to modernize how disability benefits are delivered in the U.S.
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