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.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Dyron S.

    I apply on line for SSD

  2. margaretta b.

    lost w2

  3. John R.

    I am trying to change the date my social security retirement payments will be made. I have a confirmation number and am having difficulties completing this task on line. Can you call me at 858-345-0269?

  4. Darlene R.

    When I completed my application I saw no otion to submit it why?

  5. steven m.

    Im 65 i would to sign up for medicare and my benifits

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Steven, thanks for using our blog. Our system is set up to take retirement applications four months in advance, and when you’re ready, you can apply for your benefits online. Please be aware of the enrollment periods when signing up for Medicare.

      If you need further assistance call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) 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.

  6. Mary H.

    I started to apply for retirement when I tried to get back in to page the I can’t find the page to complete my app. . Can you please advise me how to complete my app. I also would like to know about the questions about credit what if your not sure which cards and when you got them. Can you please send me a book on FAQ about retirement. Mary Hall 337 Folsom Dr. Vacaville, CA. 95687

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Mary, thank you for using our blog. If you are unable to create a my Social Security account, you may still file your retirement application online.

      You can apply online for retirement benefits if you:
      •are at least 61 years and 9 months old;
      •are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record;
      •have not already applied for retirement benefits; and
      •want your benefits to start no more than 4 months in the future. (We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than 4 months in advance.)

      Check out our Retirement Benefits Planner for additional details.

  7. James R.

    I’m trying to appeal a decision but it won’t let me set up an account

    • Vonda V.

      Hi James, If you were recently denied Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may request an appeal online. Generally, you have 60 days after you receive the notice of our decision to ask for any type of appeal. If you are experiencing difficulties, 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.

  8. Evelyn s.

    What address do I send in my w2 forms too? The only address I find asks not to send forms. I am signing up for my monthly benefits.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Evenlyn, thanks for using our blog. You can locate your local office mailing address by using our Social Security Office Locator. We suggest you call first to ensure that they need the documents and that they are indeed the office processing your claim. 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.

  9. Bernadine

    I’m trying to assist someone with SS Retirement application. She wants to process it on hard copy. I’ve searched your system. I can not find a printable application for it. Please help!

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Bernadine, thanks for using our blog. Social Security offers an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy. In most cases, once the application is submitted electronically, you’re done. Social Security will process the application and contact the applicant by telephone or by mail if any further information is needed. If your friend doesn’t want to apply online, then she will need to call and make a phone appointment. She can call us at 1-800-772-1213 or she can contact her 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.

  10. Claryssa C.

    Hello! I need a social security certification for the disabled benefit program of electric power authority of Puerto Rico.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Claryssa, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. Hope this helps.

Comments are closed.