You can apply for Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits through the official Social Security website without visiting an office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you start an application for retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or disability benefits (SSDI) at ssa.gov/applyonline. You create an account, fill out the form in sections, and submit it electronically. The SSA then contacts you to verify information and complete the process — you do not receive a decision from the online form alone.

Online applications typically take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate or other proof of birth date, W-2 forms or tax returns from the past two years, and information about your bank account if you want direct deposit. The SSA will ask for your work history, current income, and details about any dependents or family members who might also receive benefits based on your record.

Not every situation can be handled online. If you are applying for benefits based on someone else's record (as a spouse or child), or if you need an interpreter, or if you are applying from outside the United States, you will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office to complete your application.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start a retirement, disability, or SSI application at ssa.gov/applyonline using a computer or phone, but you must create a Social Security account first.
  • The online form does not make a decision — it starts the process, and the SSA will contact you by phone or mail to verify your information and ask follow-up questions.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of birth date, recent tax returns or W-2 forms, and bank account information for direct deposit.
  • Some applications cannot be completed online, including those based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's record, and those filed from outside the United States.
  • After you submit, the SSA typically contacts you within 5 to 10 business days; decisions on retirement benefits usually come within 2 to 4 weeks, but disability decisions can take 3 to 6 months or longer.

Creating a Social Security Account Before You Apply

You must have a my Social Security account to use the online application. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an Account." You will provide your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. The SSA will send a verification code to your email — enter it to confirm your identity.

If you already have a my Social Security account, log in and look for the "Apply for Benefits" option on your dashboard. If you do not see it, your account may not be fully set up yet. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your account is ready to use for applications.

Creating an account takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You do not need to complete your application the same day — you can start it, save your progress, and return to finish it later as long as you log back into the same account.

What Information You Need to Gather Before Starting

Have these documents and details ready before you open the application form. The SSA will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, current mailing address, and phone number. You will also need your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of any spouse or children who might receive benefits on your record.

Bring your most recent W-2 forms or tax returns — usually the past two years. If you are self-employed, have your Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) from your tax returns. The SSA uses this to verify your earnings record and calculate your benefit amount. If you have not worked in the United States, or if you worked under a different name, tell the SSA during the application.

You will also need your bank account number and routing number if you want direct deposit. The SSA no longer mails paper checks, so direct deposit is the standard way to receive benefits. Have your driver's license or state ID number available as well — the SSA uses this to verify your identity.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Online Form

After you log into your my Social Security account and select "Apply for Benefits," the form opens in sections. You do not have to complete it all at once. The first section asks which benefit you are applying for: retirement, disability (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Select the one that matches your situation.

The next sections ask about your personal information, work history, and current living situation. For work history, list every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked there, and your job title. The SSA uses this to verify your earnings record. If you have worked outside the United States, include that information too.

If you are applying for retirement benefits, the form asks when you want your benefits to start. You can start as early as age 62, but your monthly amount will be smaller. If you wait until your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, typically 66 to 67) or until age 70, your monthly benefit will be larger. The form shows you an estimate based on the start date you choose.

For disability or SSI applications, the form asks about your medical condition, when it started, and which doctors or hospitals have treated you. Provide as much detail as you can, including the names and phone numbers of your healthcare providers. The SSA will contact them directly to get your medical records.

What Happens After You Submit

Once you submit your application online, you will see a confirmation message with a receipt number. Save or print this number — you will need it if you contact the SSA about your case. The SSA will send you a confirmation letter by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

A Social Security representative will call you within 5 to 10 business days to verify the information you entered and ask follow-up questions. Make sure the phone number you provided is one where you can be reached during business hours. If you miss the call, the SSA will try again or send you a notice asking you to call them.

For retirement benefits, you will usually receive a decision within 2 to 4 weeks of submitting your application. For disability (SSDI) or SSI, decisions typically take 3 to 6 months, though some cases take longer if the SSA needs additional medical records or information from you. You will receive your decision by mail.

When You Cannot Apply Online

Some situations require you to apply in person or by phone. If you are applying for benefits as a spouse, ex-spouse, widow, widower, or child based on someone else's Social Security record, you cannot use the online form. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to start that application.

If you need an interpreter or have difficulty reading or writing English, you can request help by phone or in person. The SSA provides interpreters for many languages at no cost. If you are applying from outside the United States, you must apply by phone or at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If your application is incomplete or the SSA needs documents you did not provide online, they will contact you and explain what is missing. You can submit additional documents by mail, by uploading them to your my Social Security account, or by bringing them to your local office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply online if I am already receiving benefits from Social Security?

No. If you are already receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you cannot use the online application form. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a change to your benefits, such as adding a dependent or updating your information.

What if I do not have a computer or internet access?

You can call 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone, or visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. Both options are free. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Phone lines are typically less busy early in the morning or on Thursdays and Fridays.

Do I need to upload documents with my online application?

The online form does not require you to upload documents. However, you can upload a copy of your birth certificate, driver's license, or other proof of identity if you want to speed up the process. The SSA will also request documents by mail if they need them to complete your application.

Can I check the status of my application online?

Yes. Log into your my Social Security account and look for "View your application status" on your dashboard. This shows you whether your application is being processed and whether the SSA needs any additional information from you. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your receipt number to ask about your status.

What if I made a mistake on my application after I submitted it?

Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to report the error. The SSA can correct most mistakes before they process your application. If the mistake affects your benefit amount or may be able to access, the SSA will recalculate your benefits once the correction is made.