A Constant Quest to Improve Our Online Services
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 6, 2023
We 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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Tags: Disability, Medicare, my Social Security, online services, Social Security benefits, SSA, SSI
See CommentsAbout the Author
Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
Comments
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Bruce W.
My annual statement summary used to contain an estimate of payments for my current age and at age 70. Since doing file-and-suspend last spring, this information is no longer available on my account website. I spoke by phone with a specialist today, who calculated this information, but it would be helpful to have it visible online for review.
Thanks!
Michael
This may not be your area, but I’ll ask anyway. The Form 7162 (Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire) I have sent as a registered mail to SSA, PO Box 7162, Wilkes Barre PA, somehow was not delivered as per Philippine Postal Office tracking system. Can I fill out a blank form, attach a copy of the completed original, and send it again via private courier service to a their office with street mailing address?
Thank you.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Michael. Remember that for any assistance related to your Social Security benefits you can contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this information helps.
dani
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Michael
For a US citizen who lives outside the US like myself, I was wondering, perhaps sometime in the future, if SSA can include the convenience of using My Social Security Account to receive and submit ONLINE the annual “Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire,” Form 7162, rather than having to receive it and send it in the mail, which more often than not, gets lost. Non-receipt of the Form 7162, can be very inconvenient for us since SSA tends to stop payment of benefits if it doesn’t get the form back from us. Thank you.
R.F.
We appreciate you trying to use our online services Michael. We’ve checked with our operations department and at this time individuals living abroad still need to have a U.S. mailing address to create a personal “my Social Security account”. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. Remember, for any assistance related to your Social Security benefits, please contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We value your thoughts and will use your suggestions to explore how we can further improve the services we offer. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Michael
Thank you for your prompt response. I do have a “My Social Security” account with a foreign mailing address. But I was wondering if SSA can also add a feature that would allow me to fill out and submit the annual Form 7162 (Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire) using the online account, dispensing with having to wait for the form in the mail. Thanks again.
Twyla R.
I have been trying to apply online for retirement benefits for the last month. Each time I log in, I get to answer one question (at most) and when I click the next button, it tells me it timed out due to inactivity. I re-login and the same thing happens over and over. I have tried at different times of day and days of the week. This is so frustrating for something that should be so simple. I think I will have to apply in person if I want the application to go through before I actually retire. Will this foul me up with an in person application?
R.F.
Hi Twyla, we are sorry to hear you are having trouble applying online. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Representatives can assist you with your application online. They can also help you schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting, and it establishes a protective filing date that protects your future benefits. Generally, it’s best if you call later in the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Xueli
Thanks a lot for those who have done so much work for the people,since we have a room to put forward some problems that we don’t understand. I am so appreciated to those who have given me much help.I hope I have a chance to the office to see you to express my feelings in person. Thanks again.
truely
Diane C.
Information to change banks on where my checks are sent.
Lynn
Hi,
I’ m collecting spousal benefits only (Restricted application) on my Husband’s record. Can I use the online application to apply for my Benefits on my record?
Thank you for answering my question.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Lynn. Individuals who are at least 62 years of age and wish to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits, can use our online retirement application to apply for one or both benefits. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you are done. We will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed.
Andrew V.
What’s the use having an online service if I can’t access it anytime I want? I’m based in Singapore at the moment, and I need to apply for a replacement Social Security Card. I’m 12 hours ahead of Eastern Time so I can’t call the office until 7pm tonight. I thought at least I can set up an online account so I can access the system anytime…but no! Why are there time parameters set to use an online system!!??!!
R.F.
We apologize for the inconvenience Andrew and appreciate you trying to use our online services. At this time you must have a U. S. mailing address to create or to access your online account. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. Please contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.
GUESS
My tax dollars have yet again been squandered by big gov. along with my time and a good portion of my sanity!!