# Tasks & work activities — social security officer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-4061.00 (Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Answer applicants' questions about benefits and claim procedures.
- **[Core]** Interview benefits recipients at specified intervals to certify their eligibility for continuing benefits.
- **[Core]** Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' legal rights.
- **[Core]** Initiate procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate assistance, or refer applicants to other agencies for assistance.
- **[Core]** Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
- **[Core]** Interview and investigate applicants for public assistance to gather information pertinent to their applications.
- **[Core]** Check with employers or other references to verify answers and obtain further information.
- **[Core]** Keep records of assigned cases, and prepare required reports.
- **[Core]** Compute and authorize amounts of assistance for programs, such as grants, monetary payments, and food stamps.
- **[Supplemental]** Schedule benefits claimants for adjudication interviews to address questions of eligibility.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare applications and forms for applicants for such purposes as school enrollment, employment, and medical services.
- **[Supplemental]** Refer applicants to job openings or to interviews with other staff, in accordance with administrative guidelines or office procedures.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide social workers with pertinent information gathered during applicant interviews.
- **[Supplemental]** Monitor the payments of benefits throughout the duration of a claim.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide applicants with assistance in completing application forms, such as those for job referrals or unemployment compensation claims.
- **[Supplemental]** Investigate claimants for the possibility of fraud or abuse.
- **[Supplemental]** Conduct annual, interim, and special housing reviews and home visits to ensure conformance to regulations.

## Detailed work activities

- Administer personnel recruitment or hiring activities.
- Assist individuals with paperwork.
- Calculate financial data.
- Compile data or documentation.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
- Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.
- Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.
- Monitor financial information.
- Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants.
- Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
- Provide information to coworkers.
- Record information about legal matters.
- Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
- Schedule appointments.