Social Security can be an important source of income for millions of people in the United States. But when you first look at the Social Security website, the process can feel a little confusing.
The good news is that applying is easier once you know which benefit you may qualify for and where to start.
You can apply for several types of Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits. There is also Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, for people who meet certain income, resource, age, or disability requirements.
So, how do you apply?
Let’s walk through it step by step.
What Are Social Security Benefits?
Social Security is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration, commonly called the SSA.
The program provides different types of benefits depending on your situation.
For example, retirement benefits are generally based on your lifetime earnings and Social Security-covered work. Disability benefits can help people whose medical condition prevents them from working and who meet the program’s requirements.
Some family members may also qualify for benefits based on another person’s work record.
SSI is different. It provides payments to people who have limited income and resources and are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
Because each program has different rules, the first step is figuring out which benefit fits your situation.
Who Can Apply for Social Security?
Your eligibility depends on the type of benefit you want.
For retirement benefits, you can generally start receiving Social Security at age 62 if you have enough qualifying work history. The SSA says retirement eligibility generally requires at least 10 years of work and payment of Social Security taxes.
Disability benefits have different requirements. You generally need a qualifying disability or blindness and enough work history. The condition must affect your ability to work and be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Survivor benefits may be available to certain family members after a worker dies.
So, don’t worry if you are not sure which program applies to you. The SSA has an online eligibility tool that can help you identify benefits you may qualify for.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits Online
For many people, applying online is the easiest option.
Start by visiting the official Social Security website and using the online application for the benefit you need.
You may need to create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account. The account can also help you check your application status and manage other Social Security services.
Before you begin, take your time and read each question carefully.
You don’t have to rush through the application.
How to Apply for Retirement Benefits
If you are applying for retirement benefits, you can apply online through the Social Security website.
You can generally apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to begin.
You can start retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, starting before your full retirement age can result in a lower monthly benefit.
On the other hand, waiting longer can increase your monthly retirement benefit, up to age 70.
That means choosing when to start Social Security is an important personal decision.
You don’t necessarily have to start benefits as soon as you turn 62.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
If a medical condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly called SSDI.
You can apply for disability benefits online if you meet the requirements for online filing.
The SSA recommends applying as soon as you become disabled.
The application will ask about your medical condition, work history, and other information.
The SSA may also need medical records or other evidence to evaluate your claim.
If you cannot complete the application online, you can contact Social Security by phone or arrange an appointment at a local Social Security office. (
What Is SSI?
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income.
It is different from regular Social Security retirement benefits.
SSI provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and resources and who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
Some people may qualify for both SSI and Social Security disability benefits.
The SSA has also introduced a simplified online SSI application for certain adults, while other applicants may need to apply by phone or through an appointment.
What Information Do You Need?
The information you need depends on the benefit you are applying for.
For a retirement application, the SSA may ask for information such as your Social Security number, birth information, work history, and certain tax or employment records.
If you were not born in the United States, you may also need documents showing your citizenship or lawful immigration status.
For a disability application, you will also need information about your medical condition and the people who can provide information about your condition.
Don’t worry if you don’t have every document ready before you start. The SSA says you should not delay applying for retirement benefits simply because you are missing some documents. In some cases, you can provide them later.
Can You Apply by Phone?
Yes.
If you cannot apply online or prefer not to use the online application, you can contact Social Security by phone.
The SSA lists 1-800-772-1213 as its main telephone number. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use TTY 1-800-325-0778.
You can also contact your local Social Security office.
If you plan to visit an office, it is a good idea to contact Social Security first and find out whether you need an appointment.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your application, the SSA reviews the information.
The agency may contact you if it needs additional information or documents.
You can also use your personal my Social Security account to check the status of your application or appeal.
The processing time depends on the type of benefit and the details of your case.
So, don’t be surprised if one person’s application takes a different amount of time than another person’s.
When Will You Get Your First Payment?
The timing depends on the type of benefit and when you become eligible.
For retirement benefits, the month you choose for your benefits to start affects when your first payment arrives. Social Security says retirement payments are generally made in the month after the month for which they are due.
Disability benefits follow different rules.
For example, SSDI generally has a five-month waiting period, while SSI follows different payment rules. There is also an exception to the SSDI waiting period for certain people with ALS.
Be Careful With Social Security Scams
Whenever money and government benefits are involved, scammers may try to take advantage of people.
You may receive a phone call, email, text message, or online message claiming to be from Social Security.
Don’t automatically trust it.
Instead, go directly to the official SSA website or use an official Social Security phone number when you need help.
Also, don’t give your Social Security number, bank information, password, or other sensitive information to someone simply because they claim they can get your benefits faster.
What Is the Official Social Security Website?
The safest place to start your application is the official Social Security Administration website.
You can use the website to apply for benefits, check eligibility, manage your account, and find information about different Social Security programs.
Be careful when searching for “Social Security application” online because private websites may appear alongside government information.
You generally do not need to pay a private company just to access the official Social Security application.
Final Thoughts
Applying for Social Security benefits may look complicated at first, but the process becomes much easier when you know which benefit you need.
If you are planning for retirement, start by checking your eligibility and deciding when you want your benefits to begin.
If you have a disability that prevents you from working, look into SSDI and, if applicable, SSI.
If a family member has died, check whether you may qualify for survivor benefits.
And if you are not sure where you fit, use the Social Security Administration’s eligibility tool to see which benefits may apply to you.
Most importantly, use the official Social Security website when you apply. Take your time, provide accurate information, and keep copies of important documents and notices.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about Social Security benefits in the United States. It is not legal, financial, or government advice. Eligibility, payment amounts, application rules, and other requirements depend on your individual circumstances and can change. Always check the official Social Security Administration website for the latest information.
