Social Security communications benefit the American public

by Kirk Larson

#Good communication is about more than just promptly taking a customer’s phone call or directing them to a helpful website. It includes providing useful information in a clear and easy-to-understand way, in writing, on the web, and over the phone.

#June is National Effective Communications Month, but Social Security is at the forefront of clear, concise communications all the time.

#Social Security’s efforts to better serve and clearly communicate with the American public are paying off, and regular people are reaping the benefits. The organization is proud of its consistently high ratings in customer satisfaction and usability.

#In the most recent ForSee E-Government Satisfaction survey, Social Security’s website outranks the customer satisfaction ratings of the private sector websites of icons like Amazon, LL Bean and Apple.

#Out of the top-ranked government websites, five Social Security sites were ranked in the top six, including the Retirement Estimator, Business Services Online, my Social Security and Social Security’s online benefit application sites.

#This year, for the second year in a row, Social Security received confirmation that it’s doing a great job of explaining its programs and services to the American public in its written products.

#The organization scored an “A” on the 2014 Federal Plain Language Report Card from the Center for Plain Language. This grade means it is exceeding the standards of the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires federal agencies to communicate clearly with the public. Social Security is the only federal agency to earn this honor for two consecutive years!

#Not only is the Social Security website simple to navigate and understand, its publications and “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) are easy to read and understand as well.

#You can browse through the collection of publications at socialsecurity.gov/pubs to learn about Social Security, its programs and what the programs mean to you and your family. Many publications are available in up to 17 different languages, and are written in plain language. If you prefer a printed copy of a publication, you can call Social Security at 410-965-2039 to request a mailed copy.

#Social Security’s online FAQs provide quick and accurate answers about our programs for millions of people every year. Recently, the organization streamlined and consolidated the FAQs so you can find answers easily and efficiently. You can visit socialsecurity.gov/faq for accurate information at your convenience.

#Nothing is more important to Social Security than meeting the needs of those the organization serves. Social Security thanks its customers for their valuable feedback and vote of confidence.

#Social Security customers continue to express their satisfaction because of the organization’s effective communication, and Social Security remains committed to maintaining these high standards.

#Kirk Larson is a Social Security Washington public affairs specialist