Online Services, SSI

Five Things You Can Do Online with Social Security

November 16, 2015 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

smiling woman sitting on her couchYou want to enjoy the fall weather, and Social Security’s online services free up your time to lounge in a hammock in your backyard or take your dog on a long walk. You can safely and conveniently conduct most of your business with us anytime, anywhere. There’s no need to visit a local Social Security office.

When you’re ready to retire, you can do it online in 15 minutes or less. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits has never been easier! The secure site will only ask questions pertaining to your situation, and we provide links to more information. There are examples to help you along the way.

With a my Social Security account, you can also get your Social Security Statement showing how much you paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes through your working years. You can use your Statement to verify your earnings history so that you receive the correct payment amount when you become eligible for benefits. And speaking of your future benefits, your Statement also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits.

And, when you need it, you can get a benefit verification letter to prove you receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare. Your personal my Social Security  account also allows you to change your address if you’re already receiving benefits, and to start or change your direct deposit information.

You have all that at your fingertips, and you never had to leave your hammock!

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Comments

  1. Mary L.

    I have been trying to sign into my account at ssa.gov and it keeps giving me an error. I have an account. I don’t know what website to get into it.
    I’ve been trying on firefox, edge, chrome and each one gives me an errror.

    • Vonda

      Hi Mary, thanks for using our blog. We are aware of some users experiencing difficulty accessing our online services and are working on them at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

  2. Theresa K.

    Where can I obtain a w-4v form so I can begin to have federal taxes taken from my
    Monthly social security check?
    I do not own a printer or a computer.

    • Vonda

      Thank you for your question, Theresa. You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. When you complete the form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. Mail the completed, signed form to your local Social Security office. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain their mailing address.

      Check out our Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this is helpful!

  3. Carolyn W.

    I want to mail in a completed Form W-4V. However, the closest office that comes up for an address is Prescott, AZ over two hours away. The other office is Needles, CA at approximately 1 hour away. Both addresses are present on various SS Admin paperwork that has been sent to me. I don’t want this form to get lost…which office/address should I use?

    • Sue

      Happy new year, Carolyn, and thank you for your question. Your servicing Social Security office is based on your zip code. Please use our Office Locator to determine the office where you should mail or fax your completed Form W-V4. You’ll find the mailing address here as well as the phone and fax numbers. We hope this information is useful.

  4. Patricia A.

    Where do I mail the W-4V form to start federal withholding from my social security benefit.

    • Vonda

      Hi Patricia, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. Please mail the completed and signed W-4V to your local office. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain your local office mailing address. We hope this is helpful!

  5. RJ S.

    How Can I get state tax withholding from my monthly SS check. I have formW-4v for my Federal. Thank You

    • Vonda

      Hi RJ, thanks for using our blog. Only federal taxes can be withheld from your Social Security benefits.

    • Linda K.

      How do I get a new form for taking more State taxes out of my social security check? Thank you.

      • Vonda

        Thank you for your question, Linda. To have federal taxes withheld, you can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. When you complete the form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. Mail the completed, signed form to your local Social Security office. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain their mailing address.

        Check out our Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this is helpful!

        • Diane G.

          How can I stop the Federal withdrawal? At 72, is it necessary?

          • Sue

            Thank you for reading our blog and for your question, Diane. To stop your voluntary tax withholding, you’ll need to complete IRS Form W-4V. You can download the form or call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. Complete, sign and mail the form to your local Social Security office. Use our Office Locator to find the mailing address.

            For more information about voluntary tax withholding, check out our Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page. There you will find IRS Publication 554, Tax Guide for Seniors. If you have questions about your tax liability, you’ll need to contact the IRS.

Comments are closed.