Social Security Disability (SSD) is a sector that can seriously benefit from automation because so many of its processes are already digitized in some way. That means they’re ready to tap into the efficiency and accuracy that so many other industries are already benefiting from. Effective SSD processes can help the organizations that run them, but also the people that receive the benefits themselves. Here’s how.

Understanding Social Security Disability (SSD)

Social Security Disability is a system designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a disability. Usually referred to as benefits or social security, depending on where you are in the world, these benefits are critical to the people who need them. These people might have suffered an injury leading to disability or might have been disabled since birth, either way, for them to maintain a good quality of life, they often need help. 

However, the process to qualify and manage SSD can be a lengthy one, involving detailed documentation, assessments, and administrative steps – all of which need to be logged at a very granular level.

The role of automation in SSD

The expectation that runs alongside digital technology is that something can be done on a computer, it should be quicker, easier, and more accurate. While that is definitely a possibility, the reality is often very different. 

That’s why many organizations that manage SSD are turning to automation as part of broader process improvements so that they can ratify the way they’re working and really make positive changes that benefit how they operate and the people they support. 

After all, slow applications and human error might be the difference between someone who needs SSD being able to afford food, rent, or heating – or going without.

But where does automation truly shine in SSD?

Here are just a few examples of automation in action in SSD:

1. Digital Intake Systems: Gone are the days of paper applications and records – for the most part at least. Modern SSD providers use online application forms for external data collection and a wide variety of internal database solutions for the internal process of SSD data.
   Where automation has really started to take hold, is in streamlining data intake, meaning quicker processing times and the ability for SSD candidates to submit all necessary documentation from the comfort of their home. This is a big shift, as the relatively slow adoption of a totally digital approach has meant that oftentimes SSD applicants can provide some information online but must visit centers in person to finalize things like identification documents.
2. Predictive Analytics: Automation doesn’t just stop at digitizing processes. By using advanced predictive analytics, automated SSD systems can identify potential cases that might need to be expedited, such as someone who has recently become disabled and can no longer afford to pay their bills. This means that those in dire need get assistance faster than others, meaning automation actually fulfills a critical care function.
3. Automated Case Management: Every applicant’s case is unique, and managing a diverse caseload can be a real challenge for handlers. That’s where automated case management comes in. This technique streamlines case tracking and management, making it easier for SSD staff to oversee, update, and manage individual applications with greater accuracy. This reduces initial wait times but also case errors that can often lead to delays in payment releases or candidate verification.

The integration of automation in SSD processes is a testament to how innovative technologies can really make a difference to people’s lives. For applicants, the advantages are clear: faster processing times, more user-friendly interfaces, and a more transparent system. For administrators, automation brings about a more streamlined approach, reducing overheads and errors, and enabling them to focus on what really matters – helping people.

Seeing the transformation in SSD only reinforces our belief in the power of automation. Staying ahead means adapting and embracing solutions like automation, and with SSD beginning to do just that; it’s time for businesses in other sectors to do the same.

Ready to harness the full potential of Automation? Contact PAteam today and let us show you just what it can do for your business.