Apply for Social Security Benefits Online
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 31, 2023
Did you know you can do much of your business online with Social Security?
This means no need to call or visit a local Social Security office.
You can take your time completing our online applications and even save your progress to return to later.
You can apply online for:
Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits
You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits.
If you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month. When you’re ready, apply on our website.
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 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 website.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI also makes payments to people who are age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.
If you plan to apply for SSI, you can tell us you want to apply and we will make an appointment to help you complete the application. Or you can complete a large part of your application online.
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, and are not working, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
Some people with limited resources and income may be able to get Extra Help paying their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help.
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Tags: Disability, Medicare, retirement, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits, SSI
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Dallas L.
I submitted and application for medicare part b in January 2024. I have not received any information about the status of my application. How do I get this information?
S.D.
Thanks for reading our blog and for your question, Dallas. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal information in this venue. Application processing times vary. To learn how to check the status of your application, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you’re unable to create a personal my Social Security account, you can check your application status by using our automated telephone service by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7. When you hear “How can I help you today?” respond “Application status.” You can learn more about our automated services at our Contact Social Security By Phone webpage. We hope this helps.
gemma m.
gemma m.
February 22, 2024 4:23PM
I am the executor of someone who has died and need to cancel her social security account. How do I do this?
S.D.
Hi, Gemma. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. You may be able to block electronic access to a Social Security record. You can learn more at our blog. We hope this helps.
gemma m.
I am the executor of someone who has died and need to cancel her social security account. How do I do this?
Clara D.
I am waiting for my retirement to start this month like today when it supposedly ro start today so I like to know when well I get it.
S.D.
We’re sorry to hear of the delay, Clara. Application processing times vary. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal information in this venue. To learn how to check the status of your application, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you’re unable to create a personal my Social Security account, you can check your application status by using our automated telephone service by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7. When you hear “How can I help you today?” respond “Application status.” You can learn more about our automated services at our Contact Social Security By Phone webpage. If you still need assistance, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., or contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.