This demographic reality presents an additional challenge of ensuring the use of self-service tools that are accessible, user-friendly, and expedite the adjudication process. This initiative has risen to the challenge by:

• educating the public so they are able to make informed decisions when applying for retirement;
• providing a greatly simplified Internet enrollment application; and
• streamlining policies and business processes for a more efficient adjudication process.

Through the Ready Retirement/iClaim initiative, Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking an innovative approach to utilize best practices while employing information technology enhancements, policy and business process changes, and improved self-service tools for the public. SSA has become more efficient, and most importantly, is enhancing the customer service experience. Positive results have been achieved after the release of this initiative which is indicated by increased usage and a high score of 91 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) surveys. To view the ready retirement application and the retirement estimator go to: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iRRet/rib