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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: my Social Security, online services, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
joe h.
I have been trying to apply for disability, however it keep telling me that my information is wrong then after trying to apply twice the system locks me out for 24 hours. I need to be able to apply online
Pankaj S.
I started application for my wife’s SS application, I have R-entry number
How do I continue now?
Shelley H.
Some of the questions say paper form should be received by certain date, but the form on completion has both about having to fill out and mail a paper copy. I’ve completed the online form and successfully submitted. Do I need to do more?
V.V.
Hi Shelley, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. Once you click submit, you should be all set. You can always check the status of your application by logging into your my Social Security account.
Doris C.
I lost my application and can’t get back to where I was
A.C.
Hi, Doris. Some reasons you may be receiving errors in trying to check your application status could be because: you entered an incorrect Social Security number or confirmation number, you did not complete the application; or we made a final decision on your application more than four months ago. If anything prevents you from checking your application status online, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also contact your local field office. Thanks.
Nancy P.
still can’t find the place for re-entry number
V.V.
Hi Nancy. 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.
If you have the re-entry number, you just need to click on “Return to a Saved Application”.
kaul c.
my wife has health problems and will not be able to work
how do we apply for full disability?
V.V.
Hi Kaul. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually within the last 10 years). The (SSI) program is a needs based program that gives cash assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. If your wife thinks she may be eligible to receive disability benefits and would like to apply, she can use our online application.
Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:
• You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment.
• You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and
• You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.
If she is unable to file online, have her call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday to make an appointment. For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. Thanks!
Jesse B.
I cannot find the “Get Re-entry Number” link to Return to Saved Application Process for Medicare!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!
V.V.
Hi Jesse, thank you for using our blog. If you are filing for yourself and have lost or forgotten your re-entry number, you can get it by creating or signing 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.
Wilma S.
I have full insurance coverage and was told when I had to apply for Medicare that I had to get Part B. I have since found out I do not need Part B and cannot find any forms online or even speak to anyone at Social Security. How do I find out how to opt out of Part B? When I call I am told that everyone is busy and Good Bye.
V.V.
Hi Wilma, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. If you do not want Medicare Part B because you are actively employed and have coverage from an employer group health plan through that active employment, you can terminate it. Once you lose that health insurance or are no longer actively employed, whichever comes first, you can enroll in Medicare B during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
We always suggest that individuals speak to their personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for them, and to prevent any penalties or delayed enrollment in the future.
If you are sure you want to terminate your Part B, see our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on the process.
curtis w.
good morning , TO THE STAFF, at the social security HQ
my name Curtis and I was trying to apply for S/S retirement benefits
and I send the online information to the wrong office, I send my information
to SSI , would you please help me correct this problem Curtis Watson # 3485 THANK YOU ,
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Curtis. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about your benefits, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Pamela A.
I have submitted an application for benefits. The instructions told me to send in a photocopy of my last W-2 form . . . but no where can I find an ADDRESS where I should mail the document. Can you help ???
V.V.
Hi Pamela: To find the address to your local office, you can use the Office Locator. You can also call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. They can provide details on where to send as well.