Online Services, SSI

A Constant Quest to Improve Our Online Services

May 23, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

Graphic of address bar on computer with cursor arrow, Shooting computer screenWe know you’re busy and need ways to be more productive. Our online services make it possible for you to conduct business with us when and where it’s convenient for you. Our goal is to provide you with world-class service and our online services are a convenient, cost-effective, and secure way for us to better serve you. 

On our website, you can apply for retirement, spouse’s, disability, and Medicare benefits. You can use our benefit planners to calculate your future benefits. You can also find answers to your frequently asked questions. You can even apply for Extra Help to pay for the costs—monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments—related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.

In addition, by opening a personal my Social Security account, you can keep track of your earnings and verify them every year by reviewing your Social Security Statement. You can get an instant benefit verification letter or one stating that you don’t currently receive benefits, never received benefits, or are waiting for an answer on your application for benefits.

If you receive benefits, you also can:

  • Change your address or telephone number;
  • Start or change your direct deposit;
  • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for your taxes; and
  • Replace your Medicare card.

We frequently review our online services looking for new and useful enhancements to meet our customers’ changing needs. Your feedback is important to us when deciding how we can better serve you, so use this blog to let us know.

We continue to use updated technology and innovative ideas to expand our online services at www.socialsecurity.gov. And although our online services can be handled easily from the comfort of your home or office, our in-person services are still available to you. We are committed to meeting your needs and preferences in how you like to conduct business with us.

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

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Comments

  1. Nancy M.

    This was very interesting as it was extremely timely. I have been trying for weeks to retrieve my username and/or password for my online account, and it has been absolutely impossible. I’ve tried:
    The ‘forgot username’ link
    The ‘forgot password’ link
    The ‘Contact us’ page
    Even your Facebook page.

    Absolutely nothing works.
    I live overseas so I CANNOT PHONE YOU.

    I’m totally fed up – your online services stink.

    • Raymond C.

      Well stated. It does!

  2. Anita U.

    When i was first approved for benefits i was asked for the information on my debit card so i could get direct deposit. Or my payments would go on a Direct Express debit card from SS. I had my own card and provided my card info on my social security. A week later i get a Direct Express card in the mail and was told to activate the card for my payments. I had called SSA and waited 1hr49mins to talk to someone as to why my card wasnt used. The rep who answered my call said i had to go to my social security to update my info. She couldnt help me. Thats what the web site is there for. Ive been to my social security numerous times. Each time i try to sign in a page appears that the site is closed for maintence or im unable to access it to come back mon-fri 5:00am to 1:00am. And its 6:00pm. The only way to correct my card info and i cant even do that. The site is very frustrating to say the least.

  3. Mohamed B.

    Till now all American citizens who reside abroad must send letter or calling the SS office for any changes in their whereabouts. Therefore, I do suggest to allow American citizens who reside abroad to have SS accounts to report their whereabouts instead of calling your office or sending mail with any changes in their lives.

  4. William j.

    I would like to know my social security benefits

    • John O.

      How can you expect an answer with such a vague question?

    • R.F.

      Hi William, you can create a My Social Security account to review your earnings record and get an estimate of your future benefits. Setting up an account is quick, secure, and easy.

  5. Lex M.

    My social security benefits were delayed for about 7 months 2 years ago because they were intercepted from the mail and stored in a draw at the US embassy in Jakarta. In those seven months social security took no action on the problem but a congressman’s aid investigated the problem and corrected the situation.

    Last year my social security checks could not be cashed for 6 months and social security would not help.

    Now banks in Indonesia stopped cashing all checks, 2 months have passed without benefits for my son and I. Maybe in one more month social security can have the direct deposit set up. We pray that it will not take longer than 3 months.

    Social security is a great place to work because social security has not emergencies or problems. Unfortunately the people receiving social security do not know if they will be able to eat next month or not.

  6. Bruce E.

    Would love to be able to use “My Social Security” however, your system will not allow me to connect. Appears that is the result of Identity Theft a number of years ago — at least that’s what I’ve been told by SS Customer Service.

    • R.F.

      Hello Bruce. 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. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.

  7. Theodore L.

    I recently had a question about my sister benefits. I emailed a request several days age and got an answer that did not address my question. I replied to make sure they understood my question and have not heard from them since. I then visited the local SS office. I had to log into a touch screen to get a number. The touch screen took seconds to respond to a touch. It took me a while to figure out it was working but very slowly. I got my number but after waiting nearly an hour, I had to leave to make another commitment. Basically online and in person were equally bad and I still have a question I need to have answered.

    • John O.

      Are you your sister’s payee? If not, you’ll never get an answer due to privacy laws.

    • R.F.

      Hi Theodore, our apologies if we missed your question before. We hope you try again!

  8. Brian S.

    With online services one should be able to schedule an appointment at his local office to meet with a representative to address case issues. The wait now to schedule an appointment most times exceeds an hours wait if not longer at the local office.

    • LM

      Same problem: I’ve had to wait 25 minutes on the phone to get an appt at the local office.

  9. William M.

    I want to thank the representatives who handled my questions. They called within 2 days with my calculations for benefits. I’m affected by the WEP and it’s different formula they use. Now I have an idea what I want to do for SS.

  10. DWAIN J.

    can you get extra help to move and a future vulture

Comments are closed.