It’s so easy! Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov

Welcome to the Social Security Benefit Application

  • Start your application by selecting "Apply for Benefits"; or
  • Continue completing an application you already started.
Screenshot of the Benefit Application Welcome Screen. The welcome screen provides basic information for applying online for benefits. It provides a list of things you may want to do before you begin your application, and active links to those options. The application allows you to select an estimate of benefits, continue an application previously started, and to apply for benefits. You have the option of applying for yourself, applying for someone who is present or applying for someone who is not present, and therefore cannot sign the application.

Information About You

  • Name;
  • Social Security number;
  • Gender; and
  • Date of birth.
Screen Shot of the Benefit Application Applicant Identification screen Fill in fields requiring input of the First Name, Full Middle Name, Last Name, Suffix, Social Security Number (enter digits and hyphens) Gender, Date Of Birth, Month, Day and Year can be selected from a pull down list.

Application Number

When you have successfully started your application, you will get an application number that you can use to:

  • Continue your application later if you need a break; and
  • Check the status of your completed application.
Screen Shot of the Benefit Application, Application Number Screen; this screen provides an unique identification number to the applicant and provides instructions on how to continue the application now, or at a later time if needed.

Medicare-only Decision

Choose to sign up for Medicare only and not receive retirement benefits at this time.

Screen Shot of the Benefit Application Medicare Election Information Screen This screen allows you to select to enroll in Medicare only, without selecting to receive retirement benefits.

Questions About Your Health Benefits

  • Other health insurance coverage;
  • Group health plan information;
  • Employment information; and
  • Dates of coverage information.
Screen Shot of the Benefit Application Group Health Insurance Information Screen On this screen the applicant can provide information regarding coverage through a group health insurance plan. If a plan exists the applicant has to provide information regarding the dates of employment and dates of health insurance coverage

Finishing Your Application

  • Go over a summary of your application for accuracy;
  • Sign your application by selecting the "Submit Now" button;
  • Get a receipt for your application; and
  • Get information on what to do next.
Screen Shot of the Benefit Application Submit Screen This is the screen where you sign your application by selecting the 'sign now' button. Once you sign the application you will get a receipt and instructions on what to do next.

Contacting Social Security

Our website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. There are a number of things you can do online.

In addition to using our website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. We treat all calls confidentially. We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. We can provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. (You can use our automated response system to tell us a new address or request a replacement Medicare card.) If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.

Other Formats

Related Information