How do I receive social security benefits?

You need to fill an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare, or Disability Benefits online. If you face issues filling the online application, or the application for the benefit you want is not available online, you can call at 800-722-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.

Retirements or Spouse’s benefits

You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and your benefits would start no more than four months in the future. If you are almost 65, your application for benefits will include Medicare. To know more information about retirement benefits and spouse benefits.

Disability

Social Security offers an online disability application you can complete at your convenience. Apply from the comfort of your home or any location at a time most convenient for you. You do not need to drive to your local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative.

Appeal a Disability Decision

If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online.

Medicare Benefits

If you are almost 65 but you don't want your retirement benefits to start, you can just apply online for Medicare using the "Retirement/Medicare Benefits" application. Read this link to get the information you may need to apply for Medicare Benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Additionally, SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. Finally, people who have worked long enough may also be able to receive Social Security disability or retirement benefits as well as SSI.

An adult with a disability

You can now file for SSI online but only if you meet certain requirements. You are eligible to file online for SSI if you are between the ages of 18 and 65, have never been married, are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the fifty states, or District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, haven’t applied for or received SSI benefits in the past, and are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance at the same time as your SSI claim. 

Once you finish the online process, a Social Security representative will contact you for any additional information needed for the applications. You can also schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application or call 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m Monday through Friday.

Survivors Benefits

You cannot report a death or apply for survivors' benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for survivors' benefits, call 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday. You can also contact your local Social Security office. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person's death to Social Security. If you want them to do that, you will need to give the deceased's Social Security Number to the funeral director so they can make the report.

If you are getting benefits on your spouse's or parent's record then automatically change any monthly benefits to survivor benefits after the death is reported meaning the Special Lump-Sum Death Benefit payment paid to you automatically.

If you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record, you will need to apply for the survivor benefits. Also, check to see whether you can get a higher benefit as a widow or widower.

Children’s Benefits

In order to receive Children’s benefits, you cannot apply online for benefits for a child. Follow this link to get the information you need to apply for Child's Benefits.