Sharice Davids (D-KS)
Survivor Benefits Application Modernization Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Survivor Benefits Application Modernization Act. It requires the Social Security Administration to update how people apply for certain survivors insurance benefits. Within 180 days, an online portal must be set up so people can self-schedule appointments related to these applications. Within one year, a method must be developed to let people actually file these applications online through that portal. The Commissioner of Social Security must also report to Congress within three years regarding application numbers, costs, savings, and fraudulent applications. Finally, the bill authorizes the funding needed to carry out these changes.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +4
Does this strengthen Social Security?
The bill modernizes the application process for survivors insurance benefits under the Social Security Act by creating an online portal and self-scheduling options.
- Scored +3
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Older individuals applying for survivors insurance benefits will benefit from a modernized online portal and self-scheduling options.
- Scored +3
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Streamlined access to survivor benefits helps lower-income families navigate required paperwork and secure financial assistance more efficiently.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) allows individuals to use a new online portal to self-schedule appointments related to their survivor benefit applications, which gives people a more convenient way to set up necessary meetings.
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Section 2(b) requires the creation of a method for individuals to file their applications directly through the online portal, making it easier for people to submit their paperwork without needing to do everything in person or on paper.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline potential negative consequences, burdens, or negative impacts for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Streamlined access to survivor benefits helps lower-income families navigate required paperwork and secure financial assistance more efficiently. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees and older demographic groups managing survivor benefit claims gain improved digital access and appointment scheduling tools. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Older individuals applying for survivors insurance benefits will benefit from a modernized online portal and self-scheduling options. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class families experiencing the loss of a provider will find the application process for survivors insurance benefits more convenient.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill modernizes the application process for survivors insurance benefits under the Social Security Act by creating an online portal and self-scheduling options.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires a comprehensive report to Congress on implementation costs, application numbers, and fraud statistics following the launch of the online portal.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The legislation introduces an online portal for scheduling appointments and filing survivor benefit applications, encouraging digital interaction with the Social Security Administration.
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado