Online Social Security system set up at Rocky Boy

People on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation are now able to talk face-to-face with a Social Security employee without having to travel to the nearest office in Great Falls, thanks to technology provided to the tribe by the Social Security Administration.

Dave Baier, a spokesman for the Social Security Administration’s office in Billings, said all of Montana’s Indian reservations with the exception of the Flathead Indian Reservation now are equipped with the video delivery system technology.

The administration is working to install the system at the Flathead reservation.

The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation received upgraded equipment for their system this past spring, said Judy Thomas with Fort Belknap Indian Health Services Office.

Other rural communities such as Miles City also have Video Delivery Systems, which Baier compared to Skype, the popular video teleconference program.

“People like face-to-face service, versus waiting on hold to talk to somebody on the phone. People like to see somebody’s face, especially in Montana,” he said.

The system, which was set up at the Rocky Boy Health Clinic Nov. 17, will allow people to get improved service without long wait times on the phone or making the drive to the Great Falls office, Baier said.

He said individuals can sit in front of a Polycom monitor outfitted with a special software and, through a secure internet line, communicate with an employee in the Social Security office.

The technology makes it possible for people with a valid ID to apply for a replacement Social Security card, report any changes to their address and most other information or have questions answered about their benefits.

“It’s essentially just like coming into a Social Security field office,” Baier said.

Beginning in January, people will be able to make appointments to use the system to file for retirement and disability benefits or get on Medicare.

Misty Denny, information officer with the Rocky Boy Health Clinic, said people who want to use the system can contact Marie Big Knife at the clinic.