[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3695 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3695
To require the Commissioner of Social Security to ensure that
individuals can access the services of the Social Security
Administration through a telephone service, an internet portal, and an
in-person visit.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 3, 2025
Mr. Riley of New York (for himself and Mr. Van Drew) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the Commissioner of Social Security to ensure that
individuals can access the services of the Social Security
Administration through a telephone service, an internet portal, and an
in-person visit.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security Access Act''.
SEC. 2. SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICE CHANNEL OPTIONS.
(a) Requirement for Multiple Service Channel Options.--
(1) In general.--Upon the date of enactment of this Act,
the Commissioner of Social Security shall ensure that
individuals seeking services, submitting information, or
applying for benefits under titles II or XVI of the Social
Security Act are provided with the option of applying for such
benefits or submitting information related to receiving such
services or benefits to the Social Security Administration are
able to seek services, submit information, or apply for such
benefits through each of the following service channel options:
(A) Telephone access.--A toll-free telephone
service for direct assistance with inquiries, claims,
and appeals related to the receipt of such services or
benefits, including the ability to speak with a
representative during standard business hours.
(B) Online access.--An internet-based portal to
submit and track claims for such services or benefits,
make inquiries, and receive updates on such claims and
inquiries.
(C) In-person access.--In-person assistance at
Social Security Administration field offices.
(2) Telephone service requirements.--In providing the
telephone service required by paragraph (1)(A), the
Commissioner shall ensure that the telephone service--
(A) is available in English, Spanish, and such
other languages to meet the needs of the populations
served, as determined by the Commissioner;
(B) is made available to individuals in all
geographic areas of the United States; and
(C) has in place the appropriate safeguards to
ensure the security and identity of individuals using
such telephone service.
(3) Telephone access for major account changes.--
Notwithstanding any subregulatory change or guidance issued by
the Commissioner of Social Security, the Commissioner shall
ensure that individuals are permitted to complete the following
through the telephone service described in subsection
(a)(1)(A):
(A) Complete application for social security
benefits.--Initiate and complete applications for any
benefit under title II or title XVI of the Social
Security Act.
(B) Direct deposit changes requirement.--Request
and verify changes to direct deposit information.
(b) Reports.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to Congress a report on the Social Security
Administration's implementation of the requirements under
subsection (a), including--
(A) the effectiveness of each service channel
described in subsection (a)(1) in meeting the customer
service and benefit access needs of individuals;
(B) difficulties or barriers encountered by
individuals in accessing the telephone service
described in subsection (a)(1)(A);
(C) security measures taken by the Administration
to protect the personal information of individuals
using such telephone service; and
(D) recommendations for improving the
implementation of the requirements under subsection
(a).
(2) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the report
described in subparagraph (A) is submitted to Congress, and
annually thereafter, the Commissioner shall submit to Congress
a report on--
(A) the number of individuals assisted through each
service channel;
(B) the number of individuals who have used the
telephone service described in subsection (a)(1)(A) for
applications and major account changes;
(C) the average wait time for an individual to be
assisted through such telephone service;
(D) the security measures in place to protect the
personal information of individuals when using such
telephone service;
(E) any reported difficulties or barriers
encountered by individuals in accessing such telephone
service;
(F) plans for improving such telephone service, if
necessary;
(G) the effectiveness of each service channel
option in meeting the customer service and benefit
access needs of individuals; and
(H) any additional measures taken to improve the
accessibility or delivery of services.
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