How SSA.gov Helps You
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 20, 2023
We’re excited to announce that we’ve added two screening tools to our redesigned website! SSA.gov provides you with many ways to learn about our programs and do business with us online. These tools are designed to help you determine your eligibility for benefits and help you request a replacement Social Security card.
Benefits Screener
You can use our Benefits Screener on the Check Eligibility for Social Security Benefits page to determine which benefits you may be eligible for, typically in 10 minutes or less! Whether you’re considering retirement, disability, survivor, or other types of benefits, this tool will guide you in the right direction.
To use the screener, select the “Start” button and answer a few questions about what’s going on in your life. You will immediately get a response that tells you which benefits you may be eligible for based on your answers.
Our benefits are there for you when you:
- Age and retire.
- Can’t work because of a disability.
- Lose a spouse.
- Have difficulty paying for essentials like food, clothing, and housing.
Benefits are also available to young children who lose a parent.
See what benefits you may be eligible for today!
Card Replacement Screener
Our other tool is the Card Replacement Screener on our Replace Social Security card page. If you need a physical Social Security card, you can use this screener to determine the best way to replace it.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement Social Security card without visiting a local office. Select Answer a few questions on the Replacement Card page to get started. Even if you can’t complete the process online and have to visit an office, you can still save yourself time by starting with the online application.
Requesting a replacement Social Security card is free. In most situations, you do not need to present a physical card – just knowing your Social Security number is usually enough. But if you do need the physical card, you can use this online screener to get started!
Other Resources
We encourage you to visit our Online Services page to learn about more tools that may help you in the future. You can also check out our top 10 webpages that can assist you.
It is safe and secure to conduct your business with us online. The redesigned website—with its online tools—is the quickest, easiest, and most convenient way to begin. Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.
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Tags: Disability, retirement, retirement benefits, social security, Social Security benefits, Social Security card, social security disability benefits, SSI, supplemental security income, survivors benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Comments
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Joyce B.
My brother is 57 and is on disability. I am his guardian. Is there a resource where I can understand the available benefits for him? I am looking for possible living arrangement options, nutrition and exercise, mobile phone assistance and more? Thank you.
Phyllis W.
I’m 60 disabled can I draw my spouse ssdi
Ann C.
Hi, Phyllis. Thanks for your question. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. You must be age 62 or older. Also, keep in mind, if you qualify for your own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Visit our Benefits Planner for more information. We hope this helps.
Tom A.
Thank you for this fantastic update! Adding these two screening tools on SSA.gov is a significant step forward in making crucial information and services more accessible to the public. Determining eligibility for benefits and requesting a replacement Social Security card can often be challenging, but these tools promise to simplify the process and save valuable time.
With its quick and user-friendly interface, the Benefits Screener is a game-changer for individuals seeking various assistance. The ability to identify eligibility for retirement, disability, survivor, and other benefits within minutes is a testament to the Social Security Administration’s commitment, to streamlining services and supporting those in need.
The Card Replacement Screener is equally invaluable, offering guidance on the most efficient method to replace a Social Security card. The option to initiate this process online, depending on one’s circumstances, is a convenience many will appreciate.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the free nature of requesting a replacement Social Security card is a reassuring reminder of the SSA’s dedication to serving the public.
These tools undoubtedly reflect the SSA’s commitment to modernizing its services and enhancing user experiences. We at Emelx are thankful for your continually striving to make essential resources more accessible to all.
All a.
My client filed for disability Title II and SSI back in 02-2021. It was denied and an appeal was filed. I received a denial letter dated 04-27-2023 due to DLI in 2018; and the letter stated that a second letter for SSI would be send with my payment information. We have been calling leaving messages. Talking to staff and Calle the 1800-772-1213 # and they sent email to the office. My rep. Asked for the manager and was told he was not available and we had to wait for the SSI Award. It is now going on 5 Months and we have not received the award letter or any benefits. Why has it taken 5 months. The client is in fired need of her benefits. The DDS office said the decision was made on 04-27-2023. Please respond.
Ann C.
Hi. Thanks for visiting our blog. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. For your client’s security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your client’s local office. You may wish to visit the local office to request to speak to the manager. We hope this is resolved soon.
jlm
I collect social security disability. I am 66 and one month years old. If I get married to a person with children and is not retirement age, what happens to my benefits?
Ann C.
Hi, Jim. Thanks for visiting our blog. If you receive retirement or Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, your marriage will not affect your benefit. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), widow or widower’s benefits, your marriage may affect your benefit. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Ann C.
Hi, Parker. Thanks for visiting our blog. To begin receiving reduced retirement benefits at 62, you are required to be age 62 for the entire month. Individuals born on the first or second day of the month are considered age 62 for the “full” month and could be entitled to benefits for the month of their 62nd birthday. The three months start when you are at least 61 years and 9 months of age. Our system is only set up to take applications three months in advance. We hope this information is helpful.
Randy R.
There seems to be conflicting information as to when someone can apply for their retirement benefits to begin at age 62. The SSA website states that one can apply four months before you want to start receiving benefits. I will be 62 in December, so I have attempted to apply four months before I turn 62. However, the SSA online retirement application wants me to say I have a disability. I called my local SSA office and was advised I have to wait until I am age 62 to apply (not four months before), otherwise the SSA application system assumes I am applying for a disability benefits. So…my question: Can I apply for retirement four months before my 62nd birthday or do I need to wait until I am 62? If the answer is that I can apply four months before I turn 62, then there appears to be an error the in SSA retirement application that gives you an error message unless you claim to have a disability. Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide.
Ann C.
Hi, Randy. Thanks for your question. You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits when you are at least 61 years and 9 months of age and want your benefits to start in the next four months. When you are ready, you can complete the online application for your Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. Also, you can create a personal my Social Security account to review your earnings record and get an estimate of your future benefits. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information. We hope this helps.
Randy R.
Hi Ann,
Thank you so much for the timely response. The SSA website states one can apply four months in advance of when one wants benefits to start. Your reply indicates one can apply 61 years and 9 months before benefits are wanted, which would be 3 months before benefits are wanted. The local office states one cannot apply until the age of 62 is reached. Can you clarify which is correct?
Again, I appreciate your prompt reply. Thank you for your efforts.
Ann C.
Hello, Randy. We are sorry for any confusion. To begin receiving reduced retirement benefits at 62, you are required to be age 62 for the entire month. Individuals born on the first or second day of the month are considered age 62 for the “full” month and could be entitled to benefits for the month of their 62nd birthday. The three months start when you are at least 61 years and 9 months of age. Our system is only set up to take applications three months in advance. We hope this information is helpful.
Valary J.
I just turned 65, and on social security disability. Do I remain on disability or does my benefit automatically change to social security only?
Ann C.
Hi, Valary. Thanks for your question. When you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same. Starting the month you reach full retirement age, you will get benefits with no limit on your earnings. We hope this helps.
Doreen E.
Erroneous death notification remains a problem to my accounts. I need this problem solved immediately. I am not dead. My account is behind by 2 payments, and it is causing closures of other accounts including my OPM retirement.
Ann C.
Hi, Doreen. We are sorry to hear about your experience and situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that you continue to work with your local field office and ask to speak with the supervisor. Your situation is considered dire need and should be expedited. We hope this is resolved soon.
A
I have not yet claimed my SSA retirement benefit. I have viewed the “Plan for Retirement” section on mySSA and have explored and understand the estimator. Does the estimator factor in COLA? I’m trying to determine the timing for applying for and beginning my benefit to be sure I receive the new/next year’s COLA. For example, if I want to receive my first payment in January 2024, and I select December 2023 in my application, will that January payment include 2024’s COLA?