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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Edward M.
I will turn 70 in March of 2024. do I need to apply for benefits now, or will it be automatically processed? I intend to continue working.
Ann C.
Hi, Edward. Thanks for your question. You can apply for retirement benefits up to four months in advance. Keep in mind, you will automatically earn Delayed Retirement Credits if you postpone receiving benefits until the age of 70. Delayed retirement credits are added for months of non-payment between full retirement age and age 70. If you want your benefits to begin at age 70, you would select benefits to begin in March. Remember retirement benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of March, you will receive your first payment in April. When you are ready, you can complete the online application for Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. We hope this helps.
Karen C.
On May 1, 2023, I applied for Soc. Sec. Retirement Benefits with a telephone interview. When checking my account on May 2, the representative had put my bank’s address as my personal address. I called the SSA back and the representative told me the address had been corrected. The first check was supposed to be deposited September 13. I kept checking my SSA account and waited about a week before calling. The representative asked me to verify my mailing address. She stilled showed my bank’s address and had to correct it. I asked when the first check would be mailed and was told I’d pretty much need to wait until it went into my bank account. She did not show that the application was being held for any information from me.
I’ve checked my SSA account numerous times and it is still showing the application is being reviewed, status only 1 out of 3. October 11 came and still no deposits. On October 20, I called again. The representative told me my application “was a mess” and that she would be sending forms in the mail for me to complete and return. It’s October 31, and nothing has been received. My bank is watching for mail should their address be on correspondence instead of mine. The last representative I spoke with said it should not take this long to process. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in helping me. Thank you.
Ann C.
Hi, Karen. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call or visit. You can 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 compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this is resolved soon.
Karen C.
Hi, Ann. Thank you for your help. On November 1st, I called the local office and was transferred to a Claim Specialist who talked with me. After a short conversation, she indicated the application was approved. On November 3rd, a deposit was made that included payments for September through November. Again, just wanted to pass along my thanks.
Jim S.
I will be 66 1/2 years old in January 2024 and plan to start collecting my social security. Do I have to wait until February to start collecting my benefits or can I start in January 2024?
Ann C.
Hi, Jim. Thanks for visiting our blog. It sounds like you are referring to full benefits at full retirement age. If your full retirement age is 66 and 6 months and you reach your full retirement age in January, you can begin benefits in January. Retirement benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of January, you will receive your first payment in February. We hope this helps.
A99realestate
Thank u for posting this article great information
Bob P.
Hello. What is the least amount of time from applying to receipt of benefits. There is a chance I will only have a month between applying and when I would need the benefits to start due to employment circumstances. I have the same question for Medicare
Ann C.
Hi, Bob. Thanks for your questions. You can apply for retirement benefits up to four months in advance and Medicare up to three months in advance. When you are ready, you can apply online in as little as 15 minutes. We hope this helps.
Lisa L.
I turn 50 in January 2024.i suffer from PTSD, and bipolar, depression, and agoraphobia.i haven’t worked for about 15 years.i have no insurance of any kind.can I apply for SSI?
Ann C.
Hi, Lisa. We are sorry to hear about your condition. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based disability program that pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. If you think you are disabled, you can file for SSI online. We hope this helps.
Michael V.
I applied as a U.S. citizen living in Indonesia online for social security retirement benefits on 2 May 2023. I received a response 3 May that my application was being reviewed. SSA has never reached out to me or updated “my social security” account stating step 3 (disposition) is complete to this date. My first beneficiary month was September as I am born within the same couple days that would count it as such. My application was filled out 100% correct and there has been no changes in my status. I am beyond disappointed? Tried calling the international number in Baltimore, MD 455 times between 0900-1600 Hrs EST on a workday. No call que to hold for a representative, just a recording saying phone is lines are busy and then they disconnect you. I’ve tried numerous other days as well from Monday thru Friday. Same. No response. No response to emails sent either. My next step is to contact OIG and file a formal complaint. Again, the attention and service is despicable if you live outside USA.
Ann C.
Hi, Michael. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We have referred your concerns to our Operations Staff. In the meantime, you can 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 compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this is resolved soon.
Michael
Still no updates to “My social security” account regarding any action being taken on my application for social security retirement benefits. I now understand that although President Biden long declared the Pandemic over that social security employees are only in office 1 day a week and the other 4 at home! Inefficiency is at an all time high at SSA. Here’s a novel idea. Why doesn’t somebody that can fix this mess contact me thru “My social security” account or reach out to me initially thru my email. Shocking to be told to go to yet another site and post my concerns. Then again, this is the finest work of the SSA. It was also brought to my attention that it could be another couple of months before anything is completed. Basically, I’m being viewed as if I just applied yesterday versus 2 May 2023! Do something! Fix this!
Michael V.
Hello Ann ~ Sorry for my last response not posted here. My situation has been hastily resolved and I have been approved for social security retirement benefits. A one time payment has been set up for today and all others on the 3rd of each month thereafter. Thank you so much and especially to whomever it was at SSA that did the right thing, took action, and addressed my complaint. 🙂
Nancy L.
I am currently receiving Social Security (have been for about 1 year). I got married at that time, but could not apply for a higher level in benefits until we’ve been married a full year. Now that we have been married for a year, how do I apply for my higher benefit?
Ann C.
Hi, Nancy. Since you are currently receiving benefits, please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. Thanks!
sujoy n.
I will turn 65 this December 1st 2023. I am in good health so decided to continue with my current job. I have health ins. through my current job. Do i need to apply for medicare or wait till i retire?
Ann C.
Hi, Sujoy. Thanks for your question. You may refuse Medicare Part B, during your Initial Enrollment Period, if you are actively working and have coverage under a group health plan based on your employment. You do not need Medicare part B until the work activity ends or that health care coverage is dropped. We always suggest that individuals speak to their personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for them, and to prevent any penalties or delayed enrollment in the future. For more information, check out our publicattion, Medicare. For specific questions, you can also call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Rahul Y.
The online application process makes the work so simple and easy. It solves many problems like visiting offices, filling out application forms, etc. That’s why I develop websites for my clients to make the user’s life easier right from the internet.
Joann m.
I’m a widow and want to see if I would receive more money claiming my deceased husbands benefits. He passed in 2011. Married 29 years
Ann C.
Hi, Joann. We are sorry to hear about your loss. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.