Identity theft is something to be concerned about and now the Council Bluffs Social Security office is taking new steps to protect us. Officials cut the ribbon Tuesday on a new office in Mid-America Plaza.

Its biggest attraction is the added security for clients. At the old office, people had to walk to the back of the building to talk about their benefits at workers’ desks. Now there are designated interview areas away from the public at this new location on Arena Way near the Horseshoe Casino.

Social Security says the biggest improvements are online. A major life milestone can be now be handled from your home computer.

“The best part of this is that you can file online in about 15 minutes,” said Social Security Administration area director Shara Sevart.

“People talk about filing for retirement and what a momentous occasion this is, their whole life. You can sit at home jammied up with your coffee, 10 or 15 minutes you're done and you have a check in your account in two to three days. I mean that is amazing. That is customer service when you think about it."

Social Security says nearly one-third of its customers now use its services online.

"Our responsibility in government today is to make sure it is as easy and there is the best possible locations for our people to be serviced, not only at the local level, but at the federal and state levels and I think that's really important,” said Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanifan.

The office is responsible for issuing new Social Security cards as well as filing paperwork for retirement and survivor benefits.