Online Services

Social Security’s Many Online Services

May 27, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

younger woman teaching older woman on laptop (for post)There’s probably been a time in your life when you’ve wondered, “Can I do this online instead of visiting a Social Security office?” The answer is more than likely yes, and you can find more information about our online services on our website. Online, you can apply for retirement and disability benefits, appeal a decision, and do much more.

We’ve organized our Online Services webpage into four popular categories for easy navigation:

  • Review Your Information. You can access your secure, personal information and earnings history to make sure everything is correct.
  • Apply for Benefits. You can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits without having to visit a local Social Security office.
  • Manage Your Account. You can change your direct deposit information and your address, if you are receiving benefits, online.
  • Find Help and Answers. You can find answers to your most frequently asked questions, as well as links to publications and other informational websites.

You can also access personalized information with your personal my Social Security account. This is a useful resource even if you are not receiving benefits. You can:

  • Request a replacement Social Security number or Medicare card.
  • Get personalized retirement benefit estimates.
  • Get estimates for spouse’s benefits.
  • Print proof that you do not receive benefits.
  • Check your application or appeal status.
  • Read your Social Security Statement.

If you are receiving benefits, you can:

  • Request a replacement Social Security number or Medicare card.
  • Set up or change direct deposit.
  • Print a Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) form.
  • Opt out of mailed notices for those available online.
  • Print a benefit verification letter.
  • Change your address.

Please let your family and friends know they can do much of their business with us online.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Comments

  1. david p.

    i care for my wifes ssi account. my ssd is very low and my wifes ssi makes up the difference. She got on her ” My Social Security ” page and it now does not have a benefits and payments section? says she is not receiving any benefits?. We never got any letters stating so? we called social security and they said they see no change in her status on in thier records? Why does her page have her whole Payments and Benefits section gone?

    • V.V.

      Hi David, 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 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. Randy K.

    Medicare has a robust contact system in place. Is SSA moving that direction at all??

  3. Pulcheria W.

    I have tried to up my diagnosis to legally blind 5 yrs now. I do now drive in NY state. My jobs are being affected because I cannot get transportation to get to work. I have sent sent in all medical reports to you. Please tell me what I should do to get this rectified.

    • V.V.

      For your security, Pulcheria, 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.

  4. Danielle M.

    My daughter is 13 and her father passed away recently.What do I do to get her survivors benefit?????

    • V.V.

      We are very sorry for your loss, Danielle. Your daughter may be eligible for survivor benefits if her father earned enough Social Security credits through his work. Unmarried children who are under 18 (up to age 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full time) can be eligible to receive Social Security benefits when a parent dies. To inquire about potential benefits, 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.

  5. Antoinette M.

    Can I get my personal care person paid for taking care of me?if I can hope do I do that?I’m currently disabled and could really use help. I know you can get care under Medicaid but don’t know of you can under Medicare.

    • V.V.

      Thanks for your question, Antoinette. We do not pay caregivers. However, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. Please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for the many programs and services available in your state. We hope this is helpful!

  6. LaShsunda J.

    I have tried to get a replacement card for my child since January, and it’s a no win process here in Dallas TX. I have mailed the required paperwork several times and the last time they basically didn’t get it in the mail. I would have never thought this process would be as hard as it has been. Just open the offices here so we can take care of our business

  7. Sheryl D.

    Can you switch from getting spousal benefits and apply for your own benefits at age 70 online?

    • SamH

      I have the same question… I have looked on-line and have not found any way to initiate a change from spousal benefits to my own benefits.

      • V.V.

        Hi Sam, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. You can apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. Once you’re ready to apply, if you’ve never applied for your own retirement benefits, the easiest way to complete your application is online.

        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.

    • V.V.

      Hi Sheryl, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. If you’ve never applied for your own Social Security retirement benefits, 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.

      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.

  8. Nikita W.

    Food prices have gone up during the pandemic and my SSA can no longer keep up. I retired 10 years ago after working most of 56 years. I am hoping to get a nice big increase this year to help pay for property taxes and car insurance. Please tell me I won’t lose my house now?

    • Mary T.

      I believe a 2% cost of living allowance (COLA) will be available in July.

  9. Chris C.

    Is it possible to change a Representative Payee online? I frequently work with individuals who receive Payee support and need to change Payee from time to time.

    • V.V.

      Hi Chris, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. A representative payee application is not available online. When a representative payee change is needed, the applicant needs to contact their 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. We hope this helps!

  10. Dominga P.

    I have tried to replace my social security card and my State I.D but you all have denied me and im65 and paralyzed that’s why u gave me the state I. D. So what will y’all do?Will I ride on my wheelchair without no identity.There r a lot of places that ask for them.Can u Please help me?
    Thank u.and God Bless u!!

    • V.V.

      Hi Dominga, thanks for using our blog. You will need to work with the Department of Motor Vehicles for your state ID. For a replacement Social Security card, we are temporarily allowing people to mail in an original or certified secondary identity document with their paper Social Security Number application (SS-5) if they cannot request a replacement SSN card online, or if they are unwilling or unable to mail the primary identity document. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page, under the Social Security Numbers and Cards heading, for a listing of secondary documentation that you can provide to get a replacement card. We hope this helps!

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