Claims Specialist

Position Summary

The Social Security Administration is hiring Claims Specialists to deliver critical benefits and services to the public. In this frontline role, you will work in local field offices or Program Service Centers, directly assisting individuals applying for or already receiving Social Security benefits. You will conduct interviews, gather and verify evidence, analyze claims, and make eligibility determinations under programs including retirement, survivors, disability (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This position offers meaningful public service work with career ladder advancement from entry level (GS-5/GS-7) to full performance (GS-11).

Key Responsibilities

•  Interview claimants in person or by telephone to obtain, clarify, and verify information needed to establish initial and continuing eligibility for benefits.

•  Review evidence, resolve discrepancies, and make final decisions on entitlement or disallowance of benefits and payments.

•  Adjudicate claims at all levels of difficulty and complexity, including post-entitlement actions.

•  Analyze benefit payment histories and determine ongoing eligibility.

•  Explain Social Security programs, benefit rights, appeal procedures, and other services to the public.

•  Use SSA’s advanced computer systems to access, update, and maintain claim records accurately and efficiently.

•  Identify potential program abuse and provide referrals to appropriate resources.

Qualifications & Requirements

•  U.S. Citizenship required.

•  Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with the public (a “Meet and Deal” panel interview is part of the selection process for most positions).

•  Entry at GS-5: Three years of general experience (or equivalent) demonstrating the ability to analyze problems, gather data, plan/organize work, and communicate effectively OR a bachelor’s degree (or combination of education and experience).

•  Entry at GS-7: One year of specialized experience (or equivalent) assisting individuals with benefit claims, adjudicating/reconsidering claims, explaining entitlements to the public, or evaluating benefit programs OR superior academic achievement or one year of graduate study (or combination).

•  Ability to pass a background investigation and selective service registration (if applicable).

•  Willingness to complete 11–13 weeks of paid technical training and serve a 2-year trial period.

Salary, Benefits & Advancement

•  Starting salary at GS-5 or GS-7 (with promotion potential to GS-11), plus locality pay based on duty station. Salaries are competitive with federal pay scales.

•  Outstanding federal benefits package:

        •  13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays

        •  Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

        •  Life insurance and flexible spending accounts

        •  FERS retirement pension

        •  Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with automatic and matching contributions (similar to a 401(k))

•  Excellent opportunities for promotion to technical expert, supervisor, or other SSA career paths.