You can do much of your Social Security business on the website. Our online applications make it easy and convenient to apply for benefits from your computer, tablet, or mobile device. You don’t need to make an appointment or visit an office. That’s independence!

When you start your application online, you’ll be directed to create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account. If you’re unable to create an account, you can continue the online application. We’ll contact you after we review your information.

Our retirement application is online

You can get retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly benefit will likely be permanently reduced. You can apply for your retirement 4 months before you want your Social Security benefits to begin.

If you’re not eligible for your own retirement benefit or your benefit amount is small, you may be able to get benefits on your spouse’s earnings record. You can apply online for spouse’s benefits with our retirement application.

You can begin spouse’s benefits as early as age 62. If you’re caring for the worker’s child who is under age 16 or who became disabled before the age of 22, you can begin spouse’s benefits at any age. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their record.

Divorced spouses may also be able to use the online application. Learn more about benefits for divorced spouses on our webpage, Who can get Family benefits.

For more information, read our publication, How to Apply Online For Retirement, Spouses, or Medicare Benefits [on the website].

Our Medicare Only application is online

If you aren’t getting benefits and you’re turning 65, you should consider signing up for Medicare, the federal health insurance program. You can apply online at our website for Parts A and B or Part A only. Note: If you receive retirement, spouse’s, or survivors benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare at 65.

If you have Part A but delayed your Part B because you were covered under an employer group health plan, you can sign up online for Part B only. You’ll find more details in our publication, How to Apply for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) During Your Special Enrollment Period.

Our disability application is online

You can get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you’ve earned enough recent Social Security credits and have a severe medical condition that prevents you from working. Your condition(s) must be expected to last at least a year or to result in death.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income and resources. Visit our SSI webpage to find out if you might be eligible and how to apply. When applying online for disability insurance, you may be able to apply for SSI at the same time. For more information, read our publication, Apply Online for Disability Benefits.

After you submit your online application, we’ll contact you if we need more information or documents. You can check your application or appeal status with your convenient my Social Security account.

If you’ve applied for benefits and disagree with a decision we’ve made, you can appeal online.

Please share this information with others thinking about Social Security, so they can enjoy their independence with our online applications.

Source: https://blog.ssa.gov/celebrate-your-independence-with-our-online-applications/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery 

July 3, 2024 • By Lizbeth Portalatin-Perez, Director for the Division of Strategic Communications

Last Updated: July 3, 2024