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. Carmen

    I started an application some time ago but did not finish it. Later, the online system would not allow me to start a new application. If I complete the saved application, will the initiation date of that application determine the amount of benefit I receive?

    • Vonda

      Hi Carmen, thanks for using our blog. You should call 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.

  2. Shayla S.

    Wanted sign up for SSI needed applcation

    • Vonda

      Hi Shayla, thanks for using our blog. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gives cash assistance to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Children with disabilities can get SSI, too. To find out who qualifies and how to apply, go to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits web page.

      If you are unable or would rather not apply 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.

  3. bob g.

    I am on SS now , served in the ARMY from 1959 until 1961, am I entitled to extra SS Benefits ?

    I understand they are now available .

    Thank you, can use it !

    • Vonda

      Hi Bob, thank you for your question. Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including active duty for training), you paid Social Security taxes on those earnings. Since 1988, inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as weekend drills) has also been covered by Social Security.

      Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for periods of active duty from 1957 through 2001 can also be credited to your Social Security earnings record for benefit purposes.

      •If you were in the active military service from 1957 through 1967, special extra earnings are added to your earnings record when you apply for Social Security benefits.
      •If your active duty was after 1967, the extra earnings are already on your record.

      There are no special extra earnings credits for military service after 2001.

      These special earnings credits are added to your earnings record automatically when you apply for Social Security benefits.

      Please read our publication: Military Service and Social Security for more information.

      If you need further assistance, call us at 1-800-772-1213 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. Thanks!

  4. robert w.

    I will be be FRA at 66yr 2mo in July-2021.
    My spouse, will be 66yr 2mo in May-2021.

    My spouse is not eligible for SS benefits due to lack of sufficient credits.
    How do I ensure that my spouse’s spousal benefits are scheduled to start and be paid at the same time my FRA benefits begin?

    • Vonda

      Hi Robert, thanks for using our blog. You can apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. Once you’re ready to apply, the easiest way to complete your application is online. At the same time, your wife can Apply for Social Security Spouse’s Benefits .

      If you need further assistance, call us at 1-800-772-1213 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.

  5. Linda L.

    I turn 62 in 14 months, when i try and start my application it it saying I have to pick yes I was disabled … or it will not let me go any further …. I am not disabled, I just want to start my application so I can start receiving benefits at 62

    • Vonda

      Hi Linda, thanks for using our blog. You can apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. If you want your benefits to start at age 62, you can apply at age 61 and eight months. We hope this is helpful!

  6. Deb H.

    I completed the online retirement benefits application yesterday and received an email indicating my application was received. The email indicates I can check the status of my application by going into the my Social Security account, which I did, but I see no where on my account that indicates I have an application pending. Does it take a few days for it to appear in my account?

    • Vonda

      Hi Deb. The application status feature in your my Social Security account provides the most up-to-date information available. It will provide status such as unsubmitted, pending, and completed. If you are not seeing anything in your account, you can call 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.

  7. Nuria C.

    How can I apply for a Social Security card for my son, 15y (Green Card tenant)? Thank you.

  8. Erlene B.

    I submitted my Social Security Application for benefits on Oct 4th online to start receiving benefits in February 2021. When I go to check the status online it still indicates “Initial” “Processing.” When should I expect to hear something. 12 weeks seem like a lot of time has passed without a change in status.

    I did attempt to call but the hold times indicate and hour and a half wait, but I’ve waited over two hours listening to your recorded announcements and finally gave up.

    • Vonda

      For your security, Erlene, 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 call 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.

  9. Kim H.

    I am 65 years old and in April I turn 66. I am allowed full Social Security at 66 and two months. When can I file for full Social security and what documents do I need.

    • Vonda

      Hi Kim, thanks for using our blog. If your full retirement age is 66 and two months and you turn 66 in April, you will attain your full retirement age in June. One exception to that is for individuals that are born on the 1st of the month. We figure their benefit (and their full retirement age) as if their birthday was in the previous month.

      Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of June, you will receive your first benefit payment in July. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For future pay days, you may find the Schedule of Social Security Payments calendars useful.

      Keep in mind that you can apply four months before you want your benefits to start. You can apply for your retirement benefits online.

    • joe_ledee@yahoo.com

      Born 18 May 1952
      Have work for 13 years in the US.
      Am my allow to collect Social Security.
      Can i made my application online?

      • Vonda

        Hi Joe, thanks for using our blog. You may start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. Monthly benefits are reduced if you start them any time before your “full retirement age”. Your full retirement age depends on your date of birth. It may be between age 66 and 67. This could affect the amount of your benefits and when you want the benefits to start.

        Check out the Retirement section of our website to help you better understand the program, the application process, and the online tools and resources available to you.

  10. Lorenzo H.

    Can I get a application by mail?

Comments are closed.