Online Services

Our Online Benefits Application

October 4, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

woman relaxing on couch, using laptop Social Security is committed to protecting and securing the information entrusted to us. We’re constantly looking for ways for you to save time by conducting your business anytime, anywhere, using our online services.

Our online benefits application provides a high level of security and protection for the information you provide. Filing online gives you the freedom and convenience to file for various types of benefits including Retirement, Disability, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare.

Follow these simple steps to begin:

  1. Review the information on our Retirement/Spouse’s, Disability, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income Benefits page to make sure you meet the requirements to apply for benefits online and have the information you will need to do so.
  2. Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account. 
  3. File your claim online.
  4. Check the status of your claim by signing in to your personal my Social Security account.

You should be able to complete and submit your application all at once. But if that’s not possible, you can return to your application and continue right where you left off!

After you’ve completed your application, we’ll also give you a confirmation number to check the status, and information on what to do next. If we are not able to process the request, we will provide specific information on how to contact us by phone or schedule an office appointment.

Applying for benefits online is safer, easier, and more secure than ever!

Learn more by watching our videos on our online retirement, spouse’s, and Medicare benefits application and our online disability benefits application.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Mike D.

    Ridiulous we have to get a new code dozens of times each day to complete and appl…………..

  2. Delores K.

    Can’t remember my password

    • A.C.

      Hi, Delores. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks.

  3. Larry F.

    My name is Larry Fisher, I would like to get an appointment scheduled to discuss my Social Security Benefits. I have been unsuccessful in getting through via your telephone system. I can be reached at 904 768-8398 or Cell . 904 412-7214. Warm Regards, Larry Fisher

  4. Marla

    Is there a better way to talk to someone on the phone or make an appointment? I was told to call in July to make an appointment to come into the office. I was put on hold. The wait was to be 45 minutes. After 30 minutes I was disconnected and had to call back. The wait was then to be 50 minutes. This has happen to me before and is very frustrating! Is there a way that we could make an appointment on-line? I was told no, but I think it is something that needs to be changed.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Marla. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You do not have to make an appointment to come in to our offices, but with an appointment, you will be helped before our walk-in customers. You can schedule an appointment with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a representative will assist you. In most cases, you can handle your business by phone. Also, through our Blog page, we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. You can also create a my Social Security account to get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, and review your earnings record and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. To get started, go here. We hope this helps.

      • Dirikiju

        NOT true! My husband and I went to our local SS office yesterday so that I could apply and he could get questions answered. After waiting in line for THREE HOURS we get up to the window only to be told “Sorry, there are no Retirement Specialists available to help you, you cannot apply today!” And not only that, she could not answer one question we had! RIDICULOUS! And I can’t even apply online, as there is NO SUBMIT BUTTON when I finished my application and reviewed it! NO WAY TO SUBMIT IT AT ALL!

  5. Penny S.

    Please unlock my account online

    • L.A.

      Hi Penny. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. They can also assist with a benefit verification. We hope this helps.

  6. Mark D.

    I have turned 66 years old. How long after allying will it take to receive benefits?

  7. Sue A.

    This whole website is non-user friendly. Even the security questions I have to answer incorrectly (regarding my past address) in order for the site to let me in–that’s pretty bad!! When I’m trying to get an application filled out to obtain my ex-spouse SS benefits one question asked me if I plan on dying in 14 months…when I said no, it told me my information was incorrect????!!!

  8. Melanie a.

    I started an online application for Medicare for my husband now I can’t find it and he can’t start a new one. What do we do?

  9. Jane S.

    I need a copy of my 2019 award letter mailed to me.
    Jane Haynes
    1209 Preyer Ave.
    Elizabeth City, NC 27909
    SS # *** – ** – ***
    Phone- 252-335-1906

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jane. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by setting up a personal my Social Security account online. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Blog community contact our offices. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call after later in the day. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.

  10. Janet D.

    Why can’t get a paper application for SSI?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Janet. You can apply online for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability Benefits. You can also schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

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