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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Tamara H.
Help! Every time I try to file for my retirement benefits the only application that opens up after I sign in asks me if I have been unable to work during the last 14 months. I say “no” because I am not disabled, and it says I have to say “yes” to continue the application. I have double checked, and there is no another option for me to click on to apply for retirement benefits. I am beyond frustrated. I called local office and was told after holding for over 30 minutes that appointments are all full, and I can try to call again next week.
yolando g.
when will my stimulus payment arrive
V.V.
Hi Yolando, thank you for your question. Please visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments Information Center to answer your questions about eligibility, payment amounts, what to expect, when to expect it and more. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
Eric H.
I was reading up on how to apply for social security benefits and what I would need to have to provide proof of certain things. But it seems I get these annual reports from social sececurity admin that clearly show you know who I am and a record of all my incomes per year going back to my teens. Why do I have to show you my tax return from “last year” if you have that info already? And if doing it online are all of those documents uploaded somehow into an upload application when the time comes? I was born Jan 08 1955…what is the first date I can apply?
V.V.
Hi Eric, 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. We rarely need documentation any longer; however, if we do need any documentation, we will let you know what and how to submit at the end of the online application. We hope this helps!
tom s.
i have a phone appt in reguards to survivors benefits set foy july 26 at 9am need to change the contact phone no. to 760 720 4748
Linda M.
Have my SS Benifits been suspended for the past few years while only receiving 1/2 of my husband`s SS amount and will I automatically start to receive my full benifits on my upcoming 70th birthday?
Teresa K.
I am trying to help my sister file for her SSI retirement . She turns 62 on Aug 27, 2020, She does not have a current birth certificate. She is very ill currently, and has been unable to speak with a SS rep
we have tried to generate an online SS user and it states she has one. she can not recall doing this. She did file in past 2 years for disability (denied) and to receive her common law husband SS upon his untimely death. She has no income coming in and did qualify for the Covid Stimulus on the first round.
Cathy Williams DOB Aug 27, 1958
SS# is *** – ** – ***
her current cell # is 361- 633-4584
please use my email for her to reset as she can not remember doing any of the on line prep. Our local branch is closed. Unless per chance it is open by now. She has no medical coverage and lost her vehicle to non payment. Please let us know what we can do to validate her application and complete. I am searching for an application to complete that is not on line in the interim. Please Advise.
Teresa Kraus (maiden Williams)
*** – ** – ***
terriann0802@gmail.com
cell 361-441-3189
V.V.
Hi Teresa, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. 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.
Barb
Why in hades can you not print a form, provide needed documents and mail it to social security??
V.V.
Hi Barb, thanks for using our blog. Most Social Security Forms are available on our website to download and print. A completed and signed form along with required documentation can be mailed to your local Social Security office. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find the mailing address to your local office.
Bobbi
I’ve been trying off and on for a few months to make an online account. None of the security questions asked have yet to pertain to me. I keep getting denied and locked out for24 hours. I can’t go in person and make one because of the current COVID 19 pandemic.
What am I supposed to do?
V.V.
Hi Bobbi. We are sorry you are having trouble creating a my Social Security account. If you are locked out, you can call us at 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.
Susan D.
How long does it normally take to process a Social Security Retirement claim?
V.V.
Hello Susan. Thanks for your question. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and you can apply for your benefits online. Keep in mind that benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of June, you will receive your first benefit payment in July. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information.
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.
nahid S.
I am trying to apply for a spousal social security benefits. where do I find the form?
V.V.
Hi Nahid, thanks for using our blog. For you to qualify for spouse’s benefits, your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, if you are insured for Social Security retirement benefits, you must file for that benefit first. However, if you qualify for a higher amount on your spouse’s record, you may be able to get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. You can complete an application for both Retirement and Spouse’s benefits online.
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.