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

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Comments

  1. David

    I have not been able to acsess my account and get no answers, why?

    • Vonda

      Hi David, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties accessing your my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, you may 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.

  2. Fahmi N.

    I had just established access online to my social security record, via IDme. Since I live outside the US.I am still experiencing difficulties. The system does not allow me to request a replacement social security card since I dont have a US address, sounds like I am back at square one without meaningful access. I attempted to make small adjustments to my address, was unable to do that. Also the telephone number they have is outdated, and I could .not enter my new phone number. Is there a solution to these problems.

    • Vonda

      Thanks for the question, Fahmi. At this time you must have a U. S. mailing address to create or access your online account. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet.

      We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefit Unit in the area for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.

  3. Og

    Medicare seems to have a very robust contact capability. Can SSA improve theirs?.

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    • Betty H.

      My Name is Betty Holmes is currently received retirement benfits can a person who is disabile to receive disability and retirement at the same time if they are no longer able to to have supplement income .

      • Vonda

        Hi Betty, thanks for using our blog. It depends on how old you are. When a person has reached their full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they are no longer eligible for disability benefits. If you are under your full retirement age, you absolutely can apply for disability benefits.

        If you have any questions or want to apply, call us at 1-800-772-1213 or 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.

  4. Emmex

    Medicare seems to have a very robust contact capability. Can SSA improve theirs?. Simply calling and waiting a long time is not suitable.

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  5. Alexander S.

    Hi,

    I recently became a US citizen and also did a name change and would like to change my SS Card. The offices are closed now. How can I get this done? Is it possible online? And if yes, how?

    • Vonda

      Thank you for your question, Alexander, and for reading our blog. Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen. You cannot update citizenship status or change your name with Social Security online. You will need to update your Social Security record by showing us your Certificate of Naturalization and completing an application for a corrected Social Security card. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page. If you believe you qualify for an in-office appointment, call your local office. You’ll find the contact information using our online Social Security Office Locator.

  6. John K.

    How can I change my withholding amount from my social security payments? Thank you

    • Ann C.

      Hi, John. It sounds like you are referring to federal tax withholding. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit or to change the withholding amount, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.

  7. Barbara k.

    My son is 18 and needs a new copy of ss card. How do we get one? Online? In person?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Barbara. Thanks for your question. First, realize that he may not need a replacement card. He will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if he’s eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps.

  8. Maria G.

    Who do I talk to if I believe that someone is using my social security number with out my permission

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Maria. We are sorry to hear about your situation. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, check out our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.

  9. Randy K.

    Medicare seems to have a very robust contact capability. Can SSA improve theirs?. Simply calling and waiting a long time is not suitable.

  10. Gregory M.

    When will Social Security district and OHO offices reopen? I do not want to be redirected and told what activities can be performed online. I represent Social Security disability claimants in appeals for benefits owed to them. Many of my clients want the benefit of face to face interaction with the judge/decision maker in their case. All of America is fully reopening. The Social Security Administration had to know the Covid shutdown would eventually end. When will offices reopen and what is the plan?

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