Our Online Benefits Application
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: November 3, 2023
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:
- 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.
- Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account.
- File your claim online.
- 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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Tags: my Social Security, online services, 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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Elizabeth H.
My husband passed away March 25. What do I have to do to get now?
Nancy H.
I am trying to access my existing social security account, to apply for an Award letter, but I have apparently misplaced my activation code; therefore, unable to get into my account. What is the process to retrieve it?
V.V.
Hi Nancy, thank you for your question. An activation code is typically provided by a Social Security representative in the local field office due to difficulties creating a my Social Security account. If you already have an account, you sign in using your existing username and password. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details if you forgot your username or password. We hope this is helpful.
Tom J.
How long does it take to process an application to start receiving Social Security benefits? I applied 4 weeks ago and haven’t heard or received anything from Soc Sec Admin. as to my status The online website is not helpful as I cannot find an option to check application status.
V.V.
Hi Tom, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. You can log in to or create a my Social Security account to check the status of your application online.
If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Catherine T.
How do I get an activation code to set up My Social Security?
V.V.
Hi Catherine, thank you for your question. When someone is unable to create an account, they may need to go into their local office for assistance. A representative in the office will verify their identity and issue a letter containing an activation code. That is the only way you can get an activation code. If you are creating a my Social Security account for the first time, click on Create an Account. We hope this helps.
Vint V.
Hi
I have tried several times to apply on line for my SS benefits to begin when I turn 62 on Aug 10th. Every time I start the application it says I need to answer YES to the last question that asks if I am or have been unable to work for the last 14 months. I am retired and have no disabilities so I cannot answer yes to that question. Please help. I am not applying for Disability, just retirement SS
V.V.
Hi Vint, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with your online application. You may need to call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Eileen
Do I need to have a original copy of a death certificate or will a copy be ok
V.V.
Hi Eileen, thank you for using our blog. Social Security does not accept photocopies of documents, they must be either original or certified copy. All documents will be returned, although it may take a bit longer during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope this helps.
Madelene
i need to apply for medicaid i do have medicare but without medicaid there is an issue with insurance and getting my medications i need help please i’m disable unable to work getting some from social security they are taking $144.00 from me each month and i still do not have insurance coverage because everyone said i do not have medicaid please how i get it.
Thank you
V.V.
Hi Madelene, thank you for using our blog. To apply for Medicaid, please contact your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this helps.
dale l.
i keep trying to set up my account but keep getting kicked out, i used a MC last 8 digits and it locked my out i also tried my tax return the first visit but there was nothing on line 4 or 6 on the form i filed. whats the problem
Vivian L.
I can figure out how to get re entry number to complete an application
V.V.
Hi Vivian. If you are filing for yourself and have lost or forgotten your re-entry number, you can get it by creating or logging into your my Social Security account.
Your re-entry number can be retrieved by clicking the “Get Re-entry Number” link found in the “Your Benefit Applications” table.
Annette D.
where do I mail documents for retirement?
V.V.
Hi Annette, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue so we have no way of knowing what office is handling your claim. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.