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Social Security Launches Redesigned Website at SSA.gov

December 6, 2022 • By

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Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Social Security Administration LogoStarting today, visitors to SSA.gov will experience a fresh homepage and a new design to help them find what they need more easily.

SSA.gov is visited by over 180 million people per year and it is one of our most important tools for providing efficient and equitable access to service,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “Whether providing service in person or online, our goal is to help people understand what they may qualify for and seamlessly transition them to an application process.” Improved self-service capability allows people to skip calling or visiting an office, which helps Social Security staff focus on those visitors who need in-person assistance.

Reimagined website prioritizes customer experience

Part of ongoing efforts to improve how the public can do business with the agency, the redesign is intended to provide a clear path to the tasks customers need to accomplish. Many of the most visited sections of SSA.gov are now live with a more user-friendly and task-based approach. New pages and improvements based on public feedback will continue to be unveiled in the coming months.

Visitors to SSA.gov can use interactive tools to:

Check eligibility for benefits

The new benefit eligibility screener is a convenient and simple way for people to learn if they might be eligible for benefits.

Save time on Social Security Number (SSN) and card online services

If a person loses their SSN card, they may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing their SSN is enough. If a person does need a replacement card, they may be able to request it online by visiting our Social Security Number and Card page. Individuals can also start an application for an updated card or request an SSN for the first time. People may never need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online.

Start an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

People can start the application process online and request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits by answering a few questions on our SSI page.

Apply for Social Security benefits and other online services

For most benefits, people can apply online or start an application online. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. Visit our Online Services page to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare.

Many Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. Using a my Social Security account, a personalized online service, people can start or change direct deposit, or request a replacement SSA-1099. For individuals already receiving Social Security benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter if they need proof of their benefits.

People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services. The agency encourages people without a my Social Security account to create one today on our website.

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  1. Ron O.

    Today, Saturday, December 10th, this is the message one gets when they try to access their account.

    “Online Service Not Available

    We’re sorry, but the online service you requested isn’t available right now. We apologize for the inconvenience.

    Please return to the Social Security Online home page.”

  2. Margaret K.

    I applied for benefits in September to start in Jan 2023. The web account page still says in process, from Sept 5th, will take 2 to 4 weeks. I gave called 4 times in the past 2 weeks, holding for 30 to 45 minutes. I can’t make an appointment or get updated info. The “newly designed ” website is a joke. And all the responses on this page say to call…..also a joke.

  3. SILL E.

    What happens to a deceased persons soc security number at the time of their death? My husbands ss number was used by a person in Ohio to collect unemployment. I notified them and never heard back with how the problem was addressed. I think this is unexcusible.

  4. John P.

    This web site will not let me get into my account, please tell me what to do.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, John. We are sorry to hear you have had difficulty accessing your account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.” We hope this helps.

  5. Michaela P.

    I have tried logging in. Keep getting messages not able to verify. Changed password. I have my phone number which will register. Send me a code. Then flips into another page asking me for the same information. At times new password is verified. Next page had previous phone number. Have a request for a Code to be mailed to my address. Might receive in 8 to 9 days. Might is the keyword here. I need verification Letter Now not in maybe 9 days.
    What’s changed w this website? I don’t or can’t see the difference . Because I can’t access this site. Again it’s always been problematic.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Michaela. We are sorry to hear you have had difficulty accessing your account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.” We hope this helps.

  6. John L.

    I have tried every log on userid for SSA.GOV and cannot log into my account. The system keeps saying we cannot process your request at this time, please try again later. (It has been doing this for over a month now.) If you need assistance contact us. I get SSA emails and notices saying I can log in. Apparently Not!

    • Ann C.

      Hi, John. We are sorry to hear you have had difficulty accessing your account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.” We hope this helps.

  7. Alan P.

    Initially, the module allowing for filing did not work properly using the Safari Browser. It appears to have been corrected but I am seeing reports that all features do not work with all browsers.

    Also, nice to be able to at least put in notice to file for SSI but why can’t the application, or at least most of it, be filed online to minimize the time needed for appointments to follow up?

    Also, have you made it possible to file for child’s benefits under Title II online after a parent is entitled or for DAC benefits as well?

    Also, have you added the ability to file online for appeals of cessations along with benefit continuation?

    • Alan P.

      And one more question. Why can we add attachments to appeals (1696, fee agreement, evidence, etc.) but not add attachments directly to applications? It would save everyone, especially DO staff a great deal of time if we could.

      • Tony

        Claimants would just cherry pick which medical records to submit and leave out others which shows they are not disabled.

        The DDS must verify that they are state licensed or certified medical sources and the medical records are accurate and complete.

        Medical records also doesn’t have the medical sources license or certification number on it.

        It would be easy for fraudsters to scam the SSA with fake medical records if the claimants submit their own medical records.

        The fraudsters could just delete someone else’s name on the medical records and replace it with their own name.

        These fraudsters know how to scam the SSA. Look at what the fraudsters did with the unemployment when they submitted their own work history and pay without verification from the employers. The government handed out billions to fraudsters.

        • Karen A.

          But the system allows medical records and other evidence to be attached to the Reconsideration and request for Hearing. When an individual is represented medical records are accepted by fax to DDS from the attorney. Frequently DDS does not receive the evidence requested from the medical providers directly in the time period required, leading to a Denial.

        • Alan P.

          Karen is right. Medical records are submitted all the time by representatives at every level of adjudication and are actually required by regulation to do so. State Agencies can and do contract medical sources directly to confirm information or order independent exams. Attaching information to claims when filed only makes processing faster and easier. Frankly Tony, your comments make no sense.

      • Tony

        Keep an eye out for fraudsters and the fraudster’s parents applying for SSI in states that expanded Medicaid. These fraudsters go doctor shopping and don’t summit all medical sources on their applications. The State DDS can look up their Medicaid medical history.

  8. Tianen

    They have not removed a false tax statement off of my account send in necessary papers no response still on my account didn’t work I another state retired for 2 years today have not worked any where what to do ?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Tianen. We are sorry to hear that. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon.

  9. Hari K.

    Include Social Security Allowance and all?

  10. Michael S.

    This system has not worked for the past 2 days, the application links do not work along with many other functions.

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