The Social Security Administration says a change that takes effect in December aims to simplify the application process for first-time claimants. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who has never been married and is applying for supplemental retirement or Social Security benefits will have access to a new online process called iClaim.

Officials expect the new application to shorten application times and reduce the processing time for the initial decision on the application. The SSA says it will use “user-tested, easy-to-understand questions, canned answers where possible, seamless step-by-step transitions and more” to make it easier for potential SSI recipients to apply.

“Over the past year, we’ve asked many applicants and advocates — as well as our staff — how we can make the SSI application process simpler and more straightforward. Now we’re taking an important first step to do just that,” said Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “The people in our communities who need this critical safety net deserve the dignity of an application process that is less burdensome and more accessible than what we have now, and we’re committed to making that vision a reality in the years to come.”

While the new process is being rolled out for these special applicants, the SSA plans to use the data collected during this time to expand iClaim to in-person, telephone, mobile and paper-based SSI claim processes. The agency hopes to launch this process by the end of 2025.