Online Services

With Social Security Online Services, You Don’t Need to Stretch the Day

June 20, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

Stretch the DayIt’s the summer solstice, longest day of the year. You have more time to accomplish all the things on your to-do list. Unfortunately, you can’t say the same for the days to follow.

With busy schedules and constant multi-tasking, it seems like everyone is juggling the multiple chores and obligations of everyday life. That’s why Social Security created a suite of online services.

The best way to accomplish your business with Social Security online is by creating a personal my Social Security account. Easy, convenient and secure, a personal my Social Security account gives you immediate access to your individual Social Security information. During your working years, you can use your personal my Social Security account to view your Social Security Statement to check your earnings record. Are you already receiving benefits? You can use my Social Security to get a proof of benefits letter, change your address or phone number on our records, start or change your direct deposit, and check your benefit and payment information.

In addition to using my Social Security, you can use the Retirement Estimator to plug in different numbers, retirement dates, and scenarios to help you decide the best time for you to retire. In addition, when that time comes, you can apply for retirement benefits online. It can take as little as 15 minutes from start to finish. In most cases, once you submit your electronic application, that’s it, you’re done—no papers to sign or documents to submit.

From getting the skinny on how to get a replacement Social Security card to an online application for disability benefits, using Social Security online services allows you time for other things. Now you can use the extra hours to go grab some ice cream and enjoy the beautiful summer sunset.

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Comments

  1. tammy

    Why apply for something that the Socialist Security system never intends on approving? apply for disability online, why? Even if you are disabled (like me) the Socialist Security system will deny you benefits, because of special “rules” they have on the books. These “Rules” have been put in place to help the Socialsit Security system, justify their actions of discriminating against married people.

    Even if you are legitimately 100 percent physically disabled, The Socialsit Security administration does NOT CARE! ” The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

    The Socialist Security System may find that one is completely and totally disabled, but as soon as you marry an “able bodied person”, somehow they miraculously cure you, of your disability.

    All of a sudden, you are not physically disabled anymore and not eligible for any benefits from these socialist. HOW DOES BEING MARRIED MAKE SOMEONE ANY LESS DISABLED?
    answer- IT DOES NOT. it’s just an idiotic rule that some bureaucrat (who has a personal hatrid of marriage and married people) came up with, to legitimize their prejudice and discriminatory practices.

  2. Ray J.

    As Dorothy Murphy said, she is unable to get into her SS account online. I am experiencing the same issue I believe. I can get past the login/password page to the page where I agree to the terms. As soon as I get to my benefit page it immediately goes back to the sign in page. I have attempted to do this multiple times and spoke to a representative on 2 occasions. I am still experiencing the same problem. Does this sound familiar to anyone else? Not sure where to go with this issue.

    • Ray F.

      Hi Ray. We are sorry you are having difficulty with your personal my Social Security account. We have a team specifically assigned to help you resolve issues related to creating or regaining access to “my Social Security” accounts. For assistance, please call 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk”. We hope you try again, thanks.

  3. Mohamed B.

    I love to join this wonderful services but unfortunately, you don’t allow American citizens who resides abroad to join although I received benefits over 10 years.

    • Ray F.

      We are sorry for the inconvenience, Mohamed. 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 appreciate your feedback and assure you that we will continue to explore ways on how we can further improve the services we offer. Please contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to your Social Security benefits.

  4. Arun

    SSA keeps on boasting its online services, but they will never accept or implement suggestions to improve online services. They would allow the recipient to change their bank info for Direct Deposit, but would not allow to change their tax withholding percentage online.
    After all it is my tax withheld!

    It took them 4 months, required to mail the form twice and make calls to finally change my tax withholding.

    Anybody would listens at SSA or give me one reason not to do this online?

    Thanks SSA.

    • Ray F.

      We apologize for the inconvenience Arun. At this time, tax-withholding from your Social Security check option is not being offered through our suite of online services. We value your feedback and will continue to explore how we can further improve the services we offer. Thanks!

  5. Dorothy J.

    Dorothy J. Murphy: What is going on with SSA? Why can’t I get into my SS to see my account and benifit letter. Even though I have an e-mail and password account set up with SSA I can’t access my SSA at all. I have tryed for 4 days. Please tell me what is wrong. I haven’t recieved any new information for SS saying they would be off line and that I couldn’t access my SSA. Please tell me Why?

    • Sandra

      I have asked the SSA office several times tho I am disabled that I would like to file since I am 65 bug would like to wait til I am 68-70 to file for my regular SSA benefits. I was told since I am disabled I do not need. To file for regular benifits since I am disabled . I just need to know if I should be due more money? I can’t seem to get an answer to that question . Where do I go to check on this ? Thank you .

      • John O.

        Your disability payment is the same amount you’d receive at your full retirement age. You are not due more,there is nothing to check out.

        • Deborah

          This reply is incorrect. You should be able to see your online statement will reflect that ssdi payments are a little higher than ss retirement. If your qualifying retirement age is 66, for example, you would then automatically be transferred from the ssdi category to ss retirement with no change in dollar amount.

      • Ray F.

        Hi Sandra. When you receive disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits, when you attain your full retirement age (currently 66). The benefit amount will generally remain the same.

    • Ray F.

      Hi Dorothy. Please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.

    • Connie

      I have had the same problem! I was unable to log in for about a week. I am finally able to log in but the site is plain print. I don’t know how to fix it. I have a Mac.

      • Jenna Y.

        Hi Connie. The website appears to be up and running. If you are still having trouble setting up or accessing your my Social Security account, please call our dedicated hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213, and select the prompt “For help with registering or using the my Social Security website.” The help desk will be available to callers between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope you find this helpful.

  6. Roger M.

    I have tried a few times to open an account but is always says my answers do not qualify. Strange because I have been receiving a SSC check for a few years.

    • Ray F.

      Hello Roger! If you are having difficulties creating your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.

  7. Jeffrey A.

    I recieve SSI and recently my wallet was stolen. I need to replace the card I was issued with that account. How do I replace it. I need it to get my disability discounts.

    • Joyce

      My friend is SSI. What kind of disability discounts are available. He needs help of all kinds. Bionic Man, a plate in his neck, just got a new shoulder and had 2 new knees in the last year. He still can’t get SS and he worked all of his life. T he last job was 22 years.

      • Ray F.

        hi Joyce. Individuals receiving SSI benefits may also be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps !

    • Ray F.

      Hi Jeffrey. Click here if you are referring to a Medicaid card. Or if your Direct Express card is lost or stolen, immediately call the Direct Express card Customer Service Department, at 1 (888) 741-1115 (toll-free). A customer service representative will assist you and a new card will be sent to you. To replace a Medicare card or if you need further assistance contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this information helps!

  8. Robert D.

    Even a small raise would be nice since this administration believes if it lies about the COLA it will be OK, Lying does nothing to keep me from falling behind in my poor standard of living !

    • Zenobia T.

      I really agree with you on that

    • Former F.

      You do not understand how the COLA is actually determined Robert. Congress established the formula used to calculate the amount of the increase, and that formula is applied to the cost of living data which is compiled by the Department of Labor on a regular basis. Under the law, no part of the Executive Branch of the federal government, including the President, the Social Security Administration or the Labor Department, has any authority to change the amount of the COLA determined by the formula that was established by Congress, and only Congress can change that formula.

      • Dorothy

        Thanks for your explanation of COLA too many people what the media and opposing politicians put a spin on for their own agendas

    • Ray F.

      Automatic benefit increases, also known as cost-of-living adjustments or COLAs, have been in effect since 1975, and it is based on the annual increase in consumer prices. To learn more, visit the “History of Automatic Cost-Of-Living Adjustments” web page. Thanks

      • Too m.

        The problem is that we never “really” get that increase because Medicare costs are raised each and every time for the amount of the “few dollars extra” we are raised!

        If we are to believe that we receive “a raise” due to “cost of living,” and Medicare Part B takes it, then don’t we “actually” end up with LESS to live on?

        It’s really tough living on disability/a fixed income, and every single penny counts for us. I really wish someone could/would do something about all this. :/

    • Roy S.

      I agree , I worked and paid Social Security from the age of 5 til 59 years old. From what I was making when I was working and when I went on disability is like going to the poverty level. What did the government do with all of that money? Sad!

  9. Sheick

    Really it’s fantastic thing for i shared in this programme which will provide me with much benefits so I do thanks all the members in the programme

  10. William C.

    Would love to join but SSA does not acknowledge me to allow Registration even though I have been receiving Social Security benefits for over four years.

    • Ray F.

      Hello William. If you are having difficulties creating your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. Thanks!

      • Michael g.

        Hello,Im receiving SSDI and in 2013 i moved to Asia and married.Every month i have to sspend 25.00USDs on ATM fees here to get access to my SSDI monies.I have direct deposit in my WELLS FARGO back home but that does not help me.When will you set up an easier way for us Americans on SS to have cheaper access to our SSDI payments.
        regards Michael Sittard

Comments are closed.