10 Handy Ways to Use Social Security Online
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
There are many easy ways to use our website. Here are some common and not-so common uses:
Apply for Social Security benefits online, of course! This is the fastest, most convenient way to apply for retirement, spouses, disability, or Medicare benefits, without visiting a local office or calling to speak to a representative.
Want access to our latest news, retirement planning tips, and sound guidance? You’ve come to the right place – our blog, Social Security Matters. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, where you can watch our popular videos.
Verify your annual earnings and review estimates of your future Social Security benefits when you access your Social Security Statement, one of the many services available with a my Social Security account.
Numbers can tell a story. Our online calculators such as the Retirement Estimator, the Life Expectancy Calculator, and the Early or Late Retirement Calculator, can be found on our calculators page.
Lost or missing Social Security card? Find out how to get a new, replacement, or corrected card. In fact, you may be able to apply for a replacement card with a my Social Security account, if you meet certain qualifications.
Noah, Emma, Liam, Olivia…are these the most popular baby names for 2016 in the U.S. or in your state? Discover the trends in baby names, or take our online quiz to help you pick the ideal name.
Do you have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits? How do I apply for Social Security retirement benefits? What is your full retirement age? Discover the answers to your Social Security related questions at our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Dream of moving to London, Paris, or the Cayman Islands? Learn how Social Security makes international payments and how you can do business with us from around the world.
Are you a veteran? Are you at mid-career? Or maybe you’re new to the workforce. Find out how we fulfill your needs throughout life’s journey on our People Like Me page.
If you like to read and prefer to know all the details, our publications webpage is a library of helpful information.
Simple, easy to use, beneficial, and always here to help you secure today and tomorrow, visit us today.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, retirement, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, Social Security statement
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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How d.
How do I get a proof of income letter for my Social Security income for 2017
R.F.
If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account.
David C.
How do I report my wife’s recent death?
J.Y.
We are sorry for your loss. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by sending the deceased person’s death certificate to their local Social Security office. However, you may report the death of your father by submitting his death certificate to your local Social Security office. When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance, you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Carrie H.
Yes, I am receiving benefits for my child on behalf of her deceased father. I did remarry, and changed my name with the Social Security office, and got my new card, but her benefit letters are still addressed with my former last name. What do I need to do?
Joanne P.
The 2% raise we supposedly got has left me with less money. It was my understanding that medicare would be raised to $109 instead $125. My gross check is only $965 and with the 2018 income my net amount is only $819.60. It was hard enough to live on $823 before. I am 82 years old and on no medication thank God. I worked all my life too and when my husband passed I lost the social security I had paid in. Please inform me why I am paying $125 for medicare.
R.F.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask one of our agents to assist you. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. For information on Medicare Part B premiums, see “Medicare 2017 & 2018 costs at a glance“.
Also, please visit the Medicare website to learn about programs available to assist people with low income to pay for Medicare expenses. Many states also have programs to help with Medicare payments. You can find out about them by calling your State Medical Assistance Office. To get the local phone number, call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY, 1-877-486-2048). Thanks!
Rang N.
Dear Social security,
Let me know How can I do transfer my SSA benefit from this Accoun t to another Account.
Thank you.
Sincerely.
R.F.
Please visit our web page: “How can I change or sign up for direct deposit for my Social Security payments?” Thanks!
Chris W.
I have a question. My brother who is 25 years old and is recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury. It happened in April 2016 was hospitalized for 4 months. Case worker applied for Disability For SSI and has been getting it for a year and half. Wondering if there was anything that helps with the Caregiver who myself is home with him all the time helping. That’s all I’m asking for thank you
Dominick A.
My Social Security checks have had the same net amount for 2015,2016,2017 and 2018,even though the gross amount before deductions was incrementally increased. The two middle years showed no increase but 2015 claimed a 1.7% and 2018 claimed a 2.0% 1ncrease,yet 2018 shows NO increase. I tried to call but had to leave after 40 minutes on hold. Please respond.
R.F.
Hello Dominick. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives can provide an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Terry S.
I was granted benefits starting in September, with the first payment in October. However, the system will not accept any changes to either address or bank info. I’ve went into our local social security office twice, going in again today, but it’s been three months and they say they have a known system problem with some people not being able to update address or bank info. It’s not been 3 months and I would like to know if there is a special help department that I can contact. No one seems to be able to help other than say, “Sorry”. Thank you,
R.F.
Hello Terry. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!
Terry S.
I ended up going into our local office after waiting for an hour on the phone and not getting anybody. The good news is that the guy I talked to there pulled up my account and right away saw that I had not been getting payments for several months. He got his supervisor involved, and he/she was going to personally talk to the computer folks and get the system fixed. In additional, they issued a ‘critical’ payment since no payments have been going through for almost 3 months. This is going to take a ton of pressure off me and I’m glad I went into the office and found someone who listened to me and didn’t tell me to just wait longer. Thank goodness I was able to get that type of help today.
R.F.
Hi Terry. We’re pleased we were able to help. Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. Thank you for sharing!
chris d.
how do I make a appointment at a social security office online ?
R.F.
Hi Chris, we currently do not have an online appointment scheduler. However, many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more. Thanks!
Phillip J.
Need an online method to change my new address and receive a new card
R.F.
Hi Phillip. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. We hope this helps!