Apply Online For Social Security Benefits

Questions And Answers About Applying For Social Security Online.

Why should I apply for benefits online?

Applying for benefits online offers several advantages, among them:

• You apply in the privacy of your own home, at your own pace;
• You avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving time and money; and
• Your online application costs the U.S. taxpayer less to process

How secure is my personal information?

We go to great lengths to protect your personal information; we use the most secure technology on the Internet to keep your information private and secure.

Who can apply online?

You can apply online if you:

• Are 61 years and 9 months or older and plan to start receiving retirement or spouse's benefits within 4 months; or
• Have a disability or illness that is terminal or prevents you from working for at least 12 months.

You must also:

• Reside in the United States or one of its territories/commonwealths; and
• Agree to receive your benefits by direct deposit to your bank or other financial institution.

What do I have to do?

If you have access to a computer with a secure Internet connection and a working printer, just follow three simple steps:

• Go to the "Social Security Online" website at www.socialsecurity.gov and click on "Apply for retirement benefits online."
• Fill in the answers to the application questions on your computer screen, and push the "Apply Now" button at the end so we know when you're done.
• Print and sign the application, then mail it to the address we give you, along with the documents we ask you for.

What should I have ready before I start?

• Your Social Security number and date of birth;
• Direct deposit numbers (from a check, or ask your financial institution for the numbers) to have your monthly benefits deposited automatically for you each month;
• The amount you earned last year and how much you expect to earn this year (and next year, too, if you apply between September and December);
• For disability claims, information about your illnesses, injuries and conditions, plus your medical care providers who treated you and how we can contact them;
• The name and address of each employer for the last three years;
• If you were in the U.S. military between 1939 and 1967, the beginning and ending dates of each period of active duty service; and
• A copy of your Social Security Statement. review the list of yearly earnings carefully using your own records to make sure our information is correct for each year you worked, especially years after 1977 and any years you serve on active duty in the U.S. military. You are the only person who can look at the earnings chart and know whether or not it's complete.

What about my spouse and dependents?

When you apply, you should give us:

• Name, Social Security number, and date of birth of your current spouse and any former spouse(s), plus marriage and divorce information we ask you for on the screen; and
• Names of unmarried children (your dependent natural children, adopted children, stepchildren and possibly your dependent grandchildren and step grandchildren) under age 18, or age 18 and still attending secondary school (below college level), or any child disabled before age 22.

We'll need to contact you or them later if they may be entitled to benefits, too, or if you may be entitled to additional benefits on another person's record.

Note: Social Security will begin processing your claim as soon as we receive the signed paper application.

Do I have to go from start to finish without taking a break?

No. If you need more time, you can stop and save the information you already entered up to that point. You can finish the application on a different day if you need to. When you're ready to finish applying, select "Restart your Incomplete application" from the menu, then enter your Social Security number and the confirmation number shown on the screen when you stopped.

Note: Remember, you're not done until you fill in the last page on the application screen, press the "Apply Now" button at the end, then print, sign, and mail the paper application to the Social Security Administration.

What documents do I need to send with the signed application?

We'll list what you need when you're done with the application, such as:

• Birth certificate or other proof of birth;
• Naturalization papers;
• U.S. military discharge paper(s);
• For disability benefits, the two forms you completed online (SSA-3368 and SSA-827) that describe your medical condition and authorize release of medical information to us; and
• W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year.

We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but we must see the originals of most other documents, such as your birth certificate. (We'll return them to you.)

What if I decide later not to apply at all or I decide to apply in person or by phone?

If you decide not to finish applying online for whatever reason, you should call 1-800-772-1213 to avoid any loss of benefits.

What hours can I apply?

You can apply online at your convenience from your home or office during the hours below (Eastern time):

Monday-Friday: 5 a.m until 1 a.m.

Saturday: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Holidays: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.

What if I need help?

Call an SSA telephone representative toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Information taken from:

Social Security Administration
SSA Publication No. 05-10032
ICN 456200
Unit of Issue - HD (one hundred)

Go online or contact your local Social Security Administration Office for all the latest updates on benefits and filing requirements.

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