Don’t be Spooked about Retiring Online
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 6, 2023
Vile vampires and wicked witches are some of the classic scary monsters that haunted us as children. As adults, some of the scariest parts of our day might be all the stresses that come with everyday life. Medical appointments, car maintenance, and running errands — it can be overwhelming enough to make us want to scream.When doing online business with Social Security, you can put your fears behind you. There’s nothing scary about filing for Social Security benefits online. You can do it while snacking on holiday candy from the comfort of your home or office. Applications for retirement, spouse’s, Medicare, and disability benefits are all online.
If you don’t wish to use the online application, or the application for the benefit you want isn’t available online, you can:
- Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visit your local Social Security office. An appointment isn’t required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
Almost like magic, when you create a personal my Social Security account, you can:
- Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year.
- Get an estimate of your future benefits if you’re still working.
- Get an instant letter with proof of your benefits if you currently receive them.
- Manage your benefits:
- Change your address.
- Start or change your direct deposit.
- Get a replacement Medicare card.
- Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
That’s the kind of magic we continue to deliver with our world-class customer service. We hope you tell your friends and family about how we’ve taken the fright out of filing online!
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Tags: Medicare, my Social Security, my Social Security account, online services, Social Security benefits, SSA, SSI
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Ruth I.
I already left a comment. I was taken out of my position at Citibank, NA in NYC by 9 docs who all specialized in different illnesses. None of them had me tested for Multiple Sclerosis MS. Even though I stressed that I fell all the time. I also had a serious problem when I ate. My food would not go down correctly yet I could not throw up. It was very painful & scary. The food would clog up my nose & would eventually shoot violently from my body. This was happening from my twenties until about 5 yrs ago when a doc in San Diego felt he knew the proble, he did a series of test & pronounced that I had a rare disease found mostly in MS patients called:
Acalascia (not sure I spelled it correctly). It did not
allow my opening for the food to go down to open in a normal way. I was operated on successfully, followed all Doc’s orders & got 100% well. What a relief to be able to eat like a normal person. I am a
very happy person & don’t let anything that is tossed in my path make me bitter or unhappy. I am an artist & I paint & sculpt so I feel very blessed to have such talent. I have a walker & a wheelchair for days when I’m not functioning 100%. But if you have programs that can make my life more comfortable I would appreciate knowing about them. Thank You In Advance,
Ruth
Ruth I.
I am 73 urs of age & I get Medicare. But I’m wondering if I am eligible for any additional services. I have:
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) a disease of the Central Nervous System. This disease has no cure at this time but I hope one will be developed.
I wondered if Medicare gives people like me any other assistance? For instance any kind of financial help for getting my Condo cleaned? For times when I can’t walk at all, it’s like my feet are crazy glued to the floor & I cannot life them up!
Please let me know what is available to help me out.
I thank you I’m advance.
Ray F.
Hi Ruth. To see if you are eligible to receive other benefits or social services from the state in which you live, please contact your local social services office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page. Please go to Medicare for coverage information. We hope this information helps !
Bill T.
Retiring workers don’t want to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Security law and regulations; they want service. They deserve an interview with a trained technician who will help them get all that they’re entitled to from the program. That’s not easily accomplished by everyone filing online.
For E.
Dear Sir/Madam:
Since birth, my left arm is defective, I can not rise up and smaller than my right arm. However, I never consider myself as disable because I almost can do everything what others can do. Is there any other benefits I can claim?
Ray F.
Thanks for your question. As you may already know Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that has prevented them from working or is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months, or result in death.
To see if you are eligible to receive other benefits or social services from the state in which you live, contact your local social services office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps !
Roshan R.
I am 73 yr old and having medimedi cards ,recently I have vision problem,could I get the surgery done?
Pl reply,Thanks
Ray F.
Hi Roshan, you may find the information you need at the Medicare or the Medicaid web page. Thanks!
A.J.T.
Why are you asking him questions as if he is a customer service agent? It’s a generic email/press release, folks. If you’re waiting to receive your answers, you’ll be waiting until the day you die. Both figuratively and literally. That’s why there is a telephone number listed for you on the email you received, or you can otherwise take a number and wait in line at the Social Security office nearest to you.
WWW
Why is this even here? How come blue cheese is not all blue? Does SS give money to any other federal agency’s? The windfall profit act really hit me between the eyes. Stupid me didn’t know about this and it took away 55% from my account. What a jolt that was. Oh well, live and learn. Where’s the food stamp line?
Marion G.
I already receive retirement benefits from SSA along with Medicare A & B. Can I also receive disability benefits ? I am 65 years old. I will be 66 this year.
Ray F.
You can apply for Disability Benefits before you reach your full retirement age. It appears that you will attain your full retirement age at 66 this year. Disability payments are established at the highest rate possible, meaning you could get a higher monthly benefit amount. We can continue paying your retirement benefits while we consider your application and wait for a medical decision. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits under the SSDI program. SSI is a needs based program that can pay benefits to individuals age 65 or older with limited income and resources. For more information and to see if you should apply for disability or SSI benefits, please contact your local office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and ask one of our representatives to assist you. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this information helps you.
David M.
murphymar19@gmail.com
David M.
questions I’m 64 and still have 2 children in middle, and high school . I would like to retire in 2016 . was wondering is what my S.S. income would be. How do I find out about my benefits..
Ray F.
Thank you for your question David. The Social Security Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law. It also points out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. When you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your Children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. 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. Happy planning!
Shirley L.
I’m confused! Can I start drawing Social Security when I retire in August 26, 2016. I’ve signed up for Medicare also but want to start that at the same time. Can you give me some guidance and assistance?