Social Security Seeks Feedback on Spouse Benefit Forms
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The Social Security Administration wants your thoughts on updating some forms they use to pay benefits, especially for spouses choosing reduced payments. They’re asking for comments by July 27, 2026, to make sure the forms are clear and easy to use, and to keep paperwork as light as possible. This affects spouses applying for reduced benefits and aims to keep things smooth without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Universal Benefits Application Launch
SSA is rolling out a Universal Benefits Application (UBA), a single dynamic website to let authenticated individuals file benefit applications online (accessible via mySocialSecurity with Login.gov or ID.me). The initial UBA release covers the Lump-Sum Death Payment and will add the Retirement Insurance Benefits (SSA-1) in the coming months; SSA reports 2,223,305 respondents for the UBA informational screens with a total annual burden of 259,386 hours and a theoretical opportunity cost of $8,471,547.
Options for Accessible SSA Communications
Disabled or impaired Social Security applicants, beneficiaries, recipients, and representative payees can request one of seven alternative communication methods for SSA notices: (1) standard print mail; (2) standard print mail with follow-up call; (3) certified mail; (4) Braille; (5) Microsoft Word on data CD; (6) large print (18-point); or (7) audio CD. SSA reports 20,652 respondents to the accommodation processes with a total annual burden of 6,884 hours and a theoretical opportunity cost of $99,690.
Prescribed Form to Appoint a Representative
Claimants who wish to appoint a representative for SSA matters must use the prescribed Form SSA-1696 or the electronic e1696; representatives and claimants must sign and file this form before SSA recognizes the appointment. SSA reports combined totals of 3,978,301 respondents for SSA-1696 related collections, with 393,264 total annual burden hours and a theoretical opportunity cost of $18,079,048.
Authorization Form for SSA to Get Third-Party Records
SSA uses Form SSA-8510 to obtain records from third-party custodians (for example, birth certificates, wage verifications, pensions, annuities, and other income evidence); respondents include people who file for or receive Social Security, SSI, or Medicare Part D subsidies. SSA lists 23,371 respondents for SSA-8510 with a total annual burden of 1,947 hours and a theoretical opportunity cost of $309,355.
Form to Stop SSI Payments During an Appeal
SSI recipients who want to discontinue receiving SSI payments while awaiting an appeal decision must complete Form SSA-263 (Waiver of Supplemental Security Income Payment Continuation). SSA reports 1,662 respondents, an average response time of 5 minutes, a total annual burden of 139 hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $15,825.
Form Needed to Elect Reduced Spouse Benefits
If you are an entitled spouse who wants reduced Social Security spouse's benefits, you must file Form SSA-25 (Certificate of Election for Reduced Spouse's Benefits). The rule applies to spouses who are at least age 62 but under full retirement age and who are no longer caring for a child; the notice reports 1,616 total respondents, a total annual burden of 350 hours, and a total theoretical opportunity cost of $23,875. SSA is requesting comment on revising this form and will accept comments through July 27, 2026.
New Electronic Privacy Act Access Form
SSA is implementing Form SSA-2288-OP1, an online (Upload Documents portal) webform to let identity-proofed individuals request access to their records protected by the Privacy Act. SSA lists 1,097 respondents, an average 12-minute response time, a total annual burden of 219 hours, and a theoretical opportunity cost of $7,153.
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