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

Comments

  1. Gary W.

    Trying make an appointment at the Suisun City, Calif office. Tried the phone one hour wait. Does Suisun have a local number or can I do it on line.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Gary. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and a representative will assist you. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday but you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Also, keep in mind, most Social Security business does not require a visit or call to a local field office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a my Social Security account, replacing a Medicare card, or reporting a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available anytime here. We hope this helps.

  2. Doug

    S.S. site doesn’t recognize me although I filled out the required fields. So, I can’t sign up for “my social security”.
    In fact there is no response to my application but I have an activation code. Site doesn’t recognize that either.

    • L.A.

      Hi Doug. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter another 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. We hope this helps.

  3. Abdelkader K.

    An application was sent from hospital for my ” baby’s social security card” which i diden’t receive yet
    Name of baby name is: SYLAS KESSI.
    Date of birth: august 12nd 2019.

    Please can i know what is the problem for being so late?

    Best regards

    • L.A.

      Hi Abdelkader. First, congratulations on the birth of your baby! Second, for your security, we do not have access to personal information on this forum. Please note that each State average processing time varies. Check out this chart, for more information. If you haven’t received the card within the time frame given, you should call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.

  4. melissa l.

    ive been waiting and have not heard anything on disability it says pending

    • L.A.

      Hi Teresa. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. You may also call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and ask to speak with one of our representatives. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  5. Sandra K.

    Can’t set up my social security account on my iPhone

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sandra. If you are still unable to create 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. We hope this helps.

  6. Paul D.

    I applied for my Social Security benefits on June 19. I asked to begin on my 70th birthday, which was yesterday. Since I applied, I have received no word. The data on My Social Security account says it is in step 2, under review, as it has been for months. I have called the OBO three times, each time leaving a message and never getting a response. The check should start the end of October but I am concerned about this lack of response. Thanks

    • L.A.

      Hi Paul. We are sorry to hear you have been unable to reach us. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community continue to work with the local Social Security office on specific questions about their case. You can also call our toll free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.

  7. Robert r.

    I was at the va and they had a flyer that said I veteran can get a increase in the s.s. if you served a time period I served from 1964 to 1968 how do I get information on the benefits thank you Robert roos

    • A.C.

      Hi, Robert. If you are referring to military credits, under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service from 1957 through 2001 can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes. These extra earnings credits may increase the amount of your Social Security benefit. Special extra earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or active duty for training. They are not granted for inactive duty training. For more information on special extra earnings for military service, visit our Retirement Planner page. We would be happy to review your record. For assistance, you can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this helps.

  8. Sandy M.

    Sandy M. Gregory, *** – ** – ***.
    I would like to start my full retirement as of my birthday.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sandy. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Filing online is the easiest, most convenient way to file for Social Security benefits. When you are ready to file, go here. You can also 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. If you need to call to set up an appointment in the future, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Thanks!

  9. Jeanne D.

    Started an on-line application for retirement yesterday, looked for copy I thought I made couldn’t find one. Tried to review information, just in case lack of sleep and too much information caused any errors, and couldn’t access it. Used retry number and found myself on multiple explanations of everything but getting a copy of application, to review input. Now what?

    • L.A.

      Hi Jeanne. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter another 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. We hope this helps.

  10. Aida I.

    I believe I am entitle to 255.00 death benefit when my husband passed. I do I apply. Can I do this online? If so, please let me know what forms I must submit. Thank you.

    • L.A.

      Hi Aida. You can only apply for the $255 Lump Sum Death Payment by scheduling a phone appointment or by visiting your local Social Security office. You can call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, who are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The application for the Lump-Sum Death Payment must be submitted within two (2) years of the insured person’s death. In addition, eligible family members may be able to receive monthly Survivor benefits. For more information on this, please read our publication titled “How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies.” We hope this helps.

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