Widow Benefits Forms Get Facelift: SSA Asks for Your Two Cents
Published Date: 4/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Social Security Administration wants your thoughts on updating forms used to apply for widow or widower benefits. They’re checking if the forms are clear, useful, and not too much work to fill out. If you have ideas or concerns, send them in by June 26, 2026, so SSA can improve the process without costing extra time or money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 9 costs, 0 mixed.
Time burden for widow(er) applicants
If you apply for widow's or widower's Social Security benefits using Form SSA-10, SSA estimates 567,964 annual respondents and a total annual burden of 283,982 hours with a theoretical opportunity cost of $22,972,815. Average time per response is 30 minutes and SSA reports average wait times of 22 minutes for field offices and 48 minutes for teleservice centers; comments are due by June 26, 2026.
Lump-sum death payment application burden
If you apply for the lump sum death payment using Form SSA-8, SSA estimates 785,323 annual respondents with a total annual burden of 117,569 hours and a theoretical opportunity cost of $18,540,658. Methods include paper, internet (Unified Benefits Application), uploaded PDF, or interviews; SSA will accept comments until June 26, 2026.
Withdrawing benefit applications takes time
If you withdraw a Social Security application using Form SSA-521, SSA estimates 81,891 annual respondents with a total annual burden of 6,824 hours and a theoretical opportunity cost of $222,872. Average time per response is 5 minutes and SSA seeks public comments by June 26, 2026.
Employers asked to report disability wages
Employers who employ Social Security disability recipients may receive Form SSA-L725 to report monthly earnings; SSA estimates 124,000 annual employer respondents, a total annual burden of 82,667 hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $2,260,116. Average time per employer response is 40 minutes and SSA requests comments by June 26, 2026.
Employers report wages for SSI recipients
Employers of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants and recipients may be asked to provide wage data on Form SSA-L4201-BK; SSA estimates 133,000 annual employer respondents, 66,500 total annual burden hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $1,818,110. Average time per response is 30 minutes; comments due June 26, 2026.
SSI continuation for short institutional stays
If an SSI recipient is temporarily institutionalized (defined as a maximum of three months), SSA may waive payment reduction but requires physician certification and a statement of need (Form SSA-186); SSA estimates 53,424 combined submissions, 13,356 total annual burden hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $738,085. Average time per SSA-186 submission is 15 minutes; comments are due by June 26, 2026.
Medical certification for low-birthweight infants
Hospitals and claimants use Form SSA-3830 to certify low birth weight for expedited SSI decisions; SSA estimates 3,860 annual respondents, 965 total annual burden hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $103,149. Average time per response is 15 minutes; SSA is accepting comments through June 26, 2026.
Medicare Part D subsidy account verification
Medicare Part D low-income subsidy applicants may be asked to sign Form SSA-4640 so SSA can verify FI account balances; SSA estimates 5,000 applicant responses and 5,000 financial institution responses, 1,666 total annual burden hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $49,405. Average time per response is 10 minutes; comments are due June 26, 2026.
Financial disclosure for CMP repayment plans
Individuals who owe a Civil Monetary Penalty and choose installment repayment must provide financial information on Form SSA-640; SSA estimates 10 annual respondents, 20 total annual burden hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $469. Average time per response is 120 minutes; SSA requests comments by June 26, 2026.
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Key Dates
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