With Social Security Online Services, You Don’t Need to Stretch the Day
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 6, 2023
It’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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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, Social Security statement
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Barbara S.
Unfortunately the service is extremely limited. I receive SSD and applied for benefits for my children for Social Security’s request. I informed them that I was disabled but was told I didn’t have to come into the local office regardless. Even after a phone interview I was told I had to come in. I did so and completed the application. I informed worker that my child was going to have a legal name change – The representative told me it would not matter as disability payments are based on the Social Security number. A month later everything fell apart because of course it does matter.
I was told I could not submit the new birth certificate electronically and again would have to come in in person to the local field office. My request to have taxes taken out of the new payment was denied because the name did not match the Social Security number for my son. I also cannot receive direct to posit for that check because of this issue. And of course the next appointment was a month away.
Again, I need an appointment because I am disabled I cannot walk, stand, sit for long links of time – the definition of disability per social security regulations is that I’m unable to do these things. But I made the appointment, and my adult daughter drove me to the appointment here in Arizona in the 100° plus heat. I arrived at the local field office to hear that I did not have an appointment and that I needed to wait. And take a number.
After the security guard check my daughters purse, she went to the other side of the building to make sure we were in the right place and was told we were. She came back and he check her purse for weapons again, and told us that we could wait for an open window and ask about the appointment. After 20 minutes we were able to get to someone who said we did not have an appointment and should check the other side of the building. We told her that we already had. Finally a supervisor discovered that we didn’t do you have an appointment half an hour ago. However the birth certificate with the name change from vital statistics was not sufficient and they needed the original court order. I were not told this on the phone, I was only told to bring his birth certificate and my ID. I told her that I had a photo of the certified court order on my phone and that since it was in color they could tell it was an original and I could email it to her to print. That was not sufficient and my adult daughter had to drive home while I waited laying down on two chairs, in excruciating pain, to get The certified court order.
This entire time I was on hold with the 800-number. When I finally got back to a window and got the letter saying we would get the new Social Security card in 7 to 10 business days the customer service rep answered the call. It had been 52 minutes.
I let the gentleman know that I had been, prior to becoming disabled, a supervisor at the disability determination services ministration – he department of the Social Security administration. I was appalled at the services that I had received. The office had horribly uncomfortable metal chairs, the screen for the numbers was broken, there was no water fountain and this is Phoenix and it is hotter than hell, we were treated like criminals and I do understand that they have to check for weapons but the man check my daughters purse four times, would not allow me to sit in the more comfortable chair by the window even after I explained that I had had brain surgery and for back procedures… They had no information on my appointment and made no effort to work with me on the court order issue.
My son happens to be transgender. He has a Social Security card already, it is simply in the old name. I provided them the new birth certificate. He’s already in their system receiving benefits under his old name.
This whole thing could’ve been done on a video conference call, I could’ve uploaded the documents. This was backwards, and will cost me several days in bed recovering because I had to walk into the office, sit and stand and argue and cry.
This is long because I’m using the microphone on my phone as my hands are inflamed with arthritis. I am a mess which is why I received disability in the first place. Social Security dragged me out in this heat with my adult daughter while leaving her 3 month old with my 16 yo to provide a birth certificate and court order.
What a joke.
Barbara S.
Ps at the end the FO worker spelled the name wrong and I had to have him correct it. And the guard told us we couldn’t take photos. And why did they need to feel the seal on court order. Because I was going to fake that?
Susan
I’ve been trying for several days to sign up for My Social Security, and I keep getting locked out. I’ve CALLED the help line, who (after confirming some information from me) unlocked my record so I could try again. Locked out again.
I can’t even tell where the problem is, or if the problem is even on MY end. I know that the security questions I’m asked (prepared by Equifax, I’m told) are so obscure I don’t even know if I have the information for them. A few are usually dummy questions, but I’m not sure I remember the exact wording on my Social Security card–I don’t think I’ve seen it since I was 10 years old. Former phone numbers? I hardly use the phone, and don’t keep a running mental inventory of phone numbers from 5 years ago.
All I want is acces to MY OWN INFORMATION. Fix this!!!
arac k.
Why this web site don’t have other languages?
https://www.otoredi.com/
Efren C.
As a retired, most of the time living in Mexico, no use Medicare. I’d like to drop off the monthly payment. What will be your suggestions?.
Thank you.
Rabby
Social Security is a great way to manage finances. However, if you are considering options about filing for social security benefits, it is important to be well aware of the various aspect of the program, as the benefits can be very complicated. It is important to stay updated on the basics like how benefits work, what are the claiming strategies etc.
HollyB
Mr. Fernandez, thank you for your response. However you need to see the pages of similiar comments being made about no access to the site on “Is It Down Now” (http://www.isitdownrightnow.com/ssa.gov.html) and other comment pages.
Social Security encouraged everyone to depend on the site instead of paper or phone notices/help. Now that we do the site fails us. We expect more for our tax dollars this this. This is a serious issue for thousands of receiptants if the site cannot be depended upon. Thank you for the venue and opportunity to express concerns.
HollyB
I already have a SS account. I have been trying since June 19th to access socialsecurity.gov just for information without success. I have had no sucess in accessing anything on the site while all my other browsing on other sites in fine. Is the site down, if it is any prediction as to when it might be back up? Your assistance is appreciated. p.s. I have difficulity hearing via phone so try to do most of my business via email so calling the help desk is not an option for me.
Ray F.
Hi Holly. Some people are having difficulty when visiting http://www.SocialSecurity.gov. We’re working on fixing the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Alexander J.
I was declared totally disabled in 1992 or 3, and began receiving Social Security Disability payments in 1995 or 6 I believe. When my disease went into 90% remission I went to my Social Security person at his office and told him I was going to go back to work. The checks kept on coming, my attorney told me they were mine to keep for life, but back I went to see my Social Security guy at his office. He told me not to worry about it, asked if I was still disabled and I said yes but I’m earning way over the limit. I asked should I return the checks or what, again he told me don’t worry about it. When my disease came out of remission almost 15 years later, and the checks had stopped coming in 2005, I was told that I owed Social Security a huge sum of money. Being honest, hurt, and broke I made a deal to take early retirement at 62, and have Social Security take $348 out of each check. That was 6 years ago, full benefit payments were applied to the debt from 2010 to 2013 while I worked a menial job. Yet now I owe more than I started out owing due to interest added starting I don’t know when. I have done the right thing all the way down the line, and now that I need that income, totally disabled, over 65 still paying the $348 per month and all the debt does is increase. I did as told by Social Security personnel but I am being held responsible for their either lack of knowledge or a just don’t care attitude. This is not fair to me at all and I want to know how to fix it – still being honest and straightforward.
Ray F.
We wish we could be more help Alexander, but for security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Your local office will be able to assist you better and could consider a lesser withholding amount from your benefits, considering your current situation. Please read our publication on “Overpayments” for more information.
If you still have questions, or need further assistance, you should call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
Cathy
When I try to access a saved application for disability benefits online using my re-entry number, it tells me “your information does not match our records.” However, I was able to log in and out of the first portion of the online application several times and a couple times for the second, using my re-entry number, but now, it seems I am locked out of online access. Because my application is incomplete, I’m now receiving in the mail paper copies of the remaining sections of the application to complete instead of having the option to utilize the online platform to do so. Why is this? I would prefer to complete it online like I did for the first half of the application.
Ray F.
Hi Cathy, we are sorry to hear you are having trouble applying online. The site appears to be up and running, please try again. Or call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Representatives can assist you with your application online. They can also help you schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting, and it establishes a protective filing date that protects your future benefits. Generally, it’s best if you call later in the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Lic. P.
Sometimes I had the intention to create an account with
:My Social Security Account”, but unfortunately I can’t. The system not accept my current e-mail account, that I use a long time ago.
Thanks.
Ray F.
Hello Lic. Pierre Millet. 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.