Disability, Online Services, Retirement, SSI

5 Ways to Apply for Social Security Benefits Online

September 16, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

man searching internet on laptop computerWe continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website offers a convenient way to apply for benefits online.

You can apply online for:

  • Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months in age and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Check out our Apply for Benefits page for information on how to apply.
  • Disability Benefits – You can use our online application to apply for disability benefits if you:
    • Are age 18 or older.
    • Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
    • Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
    • Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application, is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made. Please visit our Appeal a Decision page to learn more.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues, and helps people who have little or no income and who are age 65 or older, blind, or have disabilities. If you meet certain requirements, you may apply online. If you are not able to apply online, call your local Social Security office to apply.
  • Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65 at Medicare Benefits page.
  • Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help on our website.

We also encourage you to sign up for a personal my Social Security account if you don’t have one. Using your personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, and obtain benefit verification letters.

Please share this information with family and friends – and post it on social media.

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About the Author

Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Comments

  1. Betty

    My 28 year old daughter receives SSI because she is ESRD and because she has ongoing medical issues that will most likely impact her for the rest of her life. She cannot work, has no income other than SSI. how can she get this monthly amount INCREASED? is there a review that can be done? She has been in the hospital for over 5 months now (NON Covid issue). The hospital bills are going to be arriving soon.

    • V.V.

      Hi Betty, thanks for using our blog. If your daughter is receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, the amount she receives is based on her average lifetime earnings. If she’s receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the benefit amount is based, in part, on the income and resources available to her . Check out our Understanding SSI web page for additional details. We hope you find this information helpful.

  2. Christopher R.

    I received a notice that you had received my application on 7 July, my authorised benefits date, 66 years 2 months was 22 September, how is the approval process going? I can’t access online as I retired overseas and can’t sign up without a US mailing address, I called twice and was on hold for more than 25 minutes both times, the phone call is not tool free from Europe, the computer told me no decision on my account had yet been made, any guesstimate would help, thanks

    • V.V.

      Hi Christopher, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We recommend that individual living outside the United States contact their local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.  We hope this information helps.

  3. Tony

    my Dad passed away months ago and i want to know how to process, to switch my Dad’s pension to my Moms’.. my Dad’s social is bigger than my Moms’

    • V.V.

      Hi Tony, we are very sorry for your loss. Your mom may be eligible for widows benefits which are payable as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled) and at any age if she’s caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving benefits on the deceased’s record. Survivor benefit amounts are based on the deceased’s earnings. There is also a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 that can be paid to the surviving spouse.

      These benefits will not be established automatically. Your mother would need to call and make an appointment to file for the beneits. She can call her local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal.

      Check out our If You Are The Survivor web page for additional details. We hope this helps! 

  4. Margarita h.

    Good day. I just want to ask how can i apply the SSA of my decease husband inside the Philippines.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Margarita. Since you are living outside of the U.S., you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  5. Vicki K.

    I applied for File and Suspend a couple of years ago and am currently recieving spousal benefits. I want to switch to my benefits starting Jan 2022. Can I do this online or must I call SS office near me?

    • Kasie E.

      I would really appreciate it some one would mail me a social security card application my name is Kasie E. Frank and need it mailed to 205 Gladstone Ave. Beaver wv 25813

      • V.V.

        Hi Kasie, thanks for using our blog. You may be able to apply for your replacement card online. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on how to get a new, replacement or corrected Social Security card. If you click on Step 2, you will be directed to the Application for Social Security Card. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. All documents will be returned. We hope this helps.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Vicki. Since you are currently receiving benefits, you will need to file your new application with your local Social Security office. We hope this helps. 

  6. Javier m.

    fui deportado e el 2005 trabaje 13 años en u.s.a.
    tengo una posible pension
    mi no. de s.s. es xxx xx xxxx
    vivo en el edo. de mexico

  7. William B.

    I cannot get the FT Worth office of SSA to return my call! I’ve been calling them (Mr. Danial) since August. I summited my forms for enrolling in Medicare Part B. I was laid off and must get my Medicare Part B started immediately!! I will be uninsured next week. Please help me.

    • A.C.

      We are sorry to hear about your experience. We have referred your concerns to our colleagues in TX. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call. You may also submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a complaint. We hope this helps.

       

       

  8. Joseph M.

    ask the social security number

  9. Nenye

    I have been calling social security office for the past 5 months to get an appointment for my Mum, to get her social security card with no result. I have been told some one will call me back. But till date no one has called. I am worried because she is about to loose her health insurance due to no fault of hers. I urgently need help.

    • P.H.

      Hi Nenye. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on how to get a new, replacement or corrected Social Security card. If you click on Step 1, you can learn what documents your mom will need. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. All documents will be returned to your mom. We hope this helps.

  10. Barton S.

    Direct deposit for my ssa deposit

Comments are closed.