It’s More Convenient Than Ever to Apply for Social Security Benefits
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
You’ve worked hard your whole life, and receiving your Social Security benefits should be the icing on the cake at your retirement party. We’re working hard to make it as quick and seamless as possible for you to apply for benefits from Social Security.
Simply visit our Apply for Social Security Benefits page to get started. Through our safe and secure website, you can apply for:
- Retirement benefits.
- Spousal benefits.
- Medicare.
- Disability benefits.
- Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs.
- Supplemental Security Income.
You don’t have to be internet savvy to finish most of our online applications in one sitting with your computer. Or, if you prefer, we offer you the options to apply in person at your Social Security office or by telephone with one of our application representatives. Please call 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays to schedule an appointment.
You should also call us to schedule an appointment if you wish to apply for certain family benefits, including those for surviving spouses and children, divorced spouses and dependent children, and parents of beneficiaries.
After you’ve applied for benefits — whether online, by phone, or in person — you can securely and quickly check the status of a pending claim through your online my Social Security account. If you haven’t created your account yet, you can do so today.
You can also use my Social Security to view estimates of how much you would receive in retirement benefits and potential disability benefits and how much your loved ones could receive in family or survivor benefits.
We’re with you throughout life’s journey, from applying for your first job to receiving your first retirement payment. And we’re proud to help ensure a secure future for you and your loved ones.
To learn more about our programs and online services, please visit our website.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Greta i.
When do I get my first check when I apply and my birthday is 10/13?
Do I get to draw off my ex husband if we were married 10 yrs and I have not remarried does he have to be 62 to do so?
Ray F.
Hello Greta. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of November, you will receive your first benefit payment in December. Please keep in mind that in order to start receiving your benefits at age 62, you have to be 62 the whole month.
Also, when you apply for your benefits, we will also check to see if you are eligible for a higher benefit amount on any other record. If you qualify for both your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we will pay your own benefits first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling a higher amount.
Your ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits. However, if your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on his record if you have been divorced for at least two years.
See our “If you’re divorced” for more information.
We hope this information helps!
Iris L.
I have sent a message. Wanting to know process Please Help
Iris L.
I need and want to apply for my social security benefits. This is my first time. My address is
3336 6th street se #302
Washington, DC 20032
Iris L. Johnson (1472)
CSA 4-256590-0
Birth #: 108-55-009233
Contact email: ijohnson724@yahoo.com
Thanks in advance. God Blessd
David A.
I have been on the phone for over two hours today waiting for someone to come on the phone. Am attempting to apply for Part B and/or set up an appointment at my local office.
This has been an extremely frutstration situation.
I did get through at one point and my call was dropped.
Extremely frustrating.
Darlene B.
At the age of 66 would I be able to get additional social security from my husband who is 70 as an extra income? It won’t effect what he gets every month?
Ray F.
Hello Darlene. Generally, during your initial interview to apply for Social Security benefits, we typically explore other possible eligibility that could yield you a higher benefit amount. Remember, if you qualify and apply for your own retirement 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 retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
To find out if you are eligible for a higher benefit and to discuss your options, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit your local Social security office. Thanks.
Merrisa
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Ashtyn
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LEIANNA
Am I correct in reading that at current age 65 I can receive 46.3% of my spouses benefit? He has been receiving benefits already and mine at FRA would be far less than the percentage of his. I am ready to submit application now if this is the case. Thank you.
Fernando C.
Como valora la S.S. La Fibromialgia en este momento.
Gracias
Ray F.
For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov or http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial.
For Social Security information in other languages, please visit us at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage. Thanks!
LOU G.
I’m presently receiving my social security benefits,and I have a question my husband just recently started receiving his’s social security benefits and he can still work his regular job at the V.A. with no limintations, I was wondering can I draw off his retirement too.?
Ray F.
Thank you for your question, Lou. You may be eligible to collect benefits on your husband’s record. Remember, if someone is eligible for both, his or her own benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay their own first. If their spousal benefits are higher than their own retirement benefits, he or she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
Also keep in mind that the maximum benefit you can receive as a spouse can be equal to one-half of your husband’s full benefit amount, only if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age. If a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
To see if you qualify for a higher benefit than what you are currently receiving, contact your local office or you may call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and ask a representative to assist you. We hope this information helps!