You can create a Social Security account and submit most applications through my Social Security, the official portal run by the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and use it to file for retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits without visiting an office. You will need a valid email address, a phone number, and proof of identity — usually a driver's license or passport number. The account itself takes about 10 minutes to set up. Once you are logged in, you can start an application, save it, and come back to finish it later.

Not every situation can be handled online. If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must apply in person or by phone at your local Social Security office. If you need a replacement Social Security card, you can request one online in most states, but the process differs slightly depending on where you live. This guide covers the online application path for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • Create your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email, phone number, and identity documents like a driver's license.
  • You can file for retirement benefits, disability benefits, or survivor benefits online, save your progress, and submit when ready.
  • The SSA will contact you if they need more documents or information — watch your email and answer calls from numbers starting with 410 or 1-800-772-1213.
  • Processing times vary: retirement applications usually take three to five months, while disability claims often take three to six months or longer.
  • If you cannot or prefer not to apply online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to apply by phone or in person.

Setting up your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will enter your email address, create a password, and provide your phone number. The SSA will send a verification code to your email and phone — you must enter both codes to confirm you own those accounts.

Next, you will answer identity verification questions. The SSA pulls these from credit reports and public records — they ask things like "Which of these addresses did you live at?" or "Which of these is your child's birth year?" You do not need to know the exact answer; you choose the closest option from the list. If you cannot answer enough questions correctly, the system will ask you to verify your identity a different way, usually by uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport.

Once your account is verified, you can log in anytime. The dashboard shows your earnings record, estimated benefits, and any open applications. You can also message the SSA through the account if they ask for more information.

Starting a retirement benefits application online

Log into my Social Security, click "Apply for Retirement Benefits," and work through the form. You will enter your name, date of birth, and contact information. The SSA will ask when you want your benefits to start — this is important because the amount you receive changes based on your age. If you were born in 1943 or later, you can claim as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 65 to 67 depending on your birth year) or until age 70.

The form also asks about your work history, whether you are still working, and whether you have ever been married or divorced. Answer honestly — the SSA has your tax records and will verify what you report. If you are still working and claim before your full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced if your earnings exceed a certain amount (in 2024, that limit is $23,400 per year, but it changes annually).

You can save your application and return to it later. When you are ready, submit it. The SSA will send you a confirmation number by email.

Applying for disability or survivor benefits online

If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the online process is different. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to a medical condition. SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history.

You can start an SSDI application online through my Social Security. The form asks about your medical condition, when it started, and which doctors or hospitals have treated you. You will also report your work history and earnings. Do not submit medical records with the online form — the SSA will request them after you apply, and they will contact your doctors directly.

SSI applications cannot be filed online. You must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. An SSI application is longer and more detailed because it examines your income, resources, and living situation, not just your medical condition.

What happens after you submit your application

The SSA sends a confirmation email with your application number. Keep this number — you will need it if you call with questions. For retirement benefits, the SSA typically processes applications within three to five months. For disability benefits, processing takes longer, often three to six months or more, because the SSA must review medical evidence.

During processing, the SSA may contact you by email, phone, or mail asking for more information or documents. Check your email regularly and answer calls from 410 area code numbers or 1-800-772-1213. If you miss a request, your application may be delayed or denied. You can also log into my Social Security to see if the SSA has sent you a message asking for documents.

Once the SSA approves your application, you will receive a notice by mail explaining your benefit amount and start date. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up during the application.

Uploading documents through my Social Security

Some documents can be uploaded directly through your my Social Security account. If the SSA asks for a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, you can photograph or scan it and upload it through the secure message system. Make sure the image is clear and shows the entire document.

Do not send original documents by mail unless the SSA specifically asks. If you must mail documents, send them to your local Social Security office, not to a national address. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.

Keep copies of everything you upload or mail. If a document gets lost, you will have proof you sent it.

Applying by phone or in person if you cannot use the website

If you do not have internet access, cannot create an online account, or prefer to apply in person, you have other options. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative can take your application over the phone and answer questions about your benefits.

You can also visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of income (recent tax returns or W-2 forms). Wait times at offices vary; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for benefits before I reach retirement age?

Yes. You can file for retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced compared to waiting until your full retirement age or age 70. The SSA website has a calculator showing how much you would receive at different ages.

What if I do not have a driver's license or passport for identity verification?

If you cannot answer the identity verification questions correctly, the SSA will ask you to upload a different form of ID — a state ID card, tribal ID, military ID, or passport card all work. If you have none of these, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about other verification methods.

How long does it take to hear back after I submit my application?

Retirement applications usually take three to five months. Disability applications take longer — often three to six months or more. The SSA will contact you if they need more information. You can check your application status anytime by logging into my Social Security.

Can I change my application after I submit it?

You can contact the SSA through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to make changes before your application is approved. Once approved, you cannot change your start date or benefit type without withdrawing your application and reapplying, which has consequences for your benefit amount.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can receive Social Security benefits if you are a lawful permanent resident, have a valid work visa, or have other authorized immigration status. You will need to provide proof of your immigration status during the application. Call 1-800-772-1213 if you are unsure whether you meet the requirements.