Social Security Online Services

With the economy struggling, more people are flooding into Social Security offices to file for benefits and, unfortunately, there aren't enough people working at Social Security to see everyone in a timely manner. You'll probably experience the same problem if you try to call in to your local Social Security office as there isn't anyone to answer the phone either. In response to this problem, Social Security offers a wide variety of services online. Whether you need to change your address, estimate your retirement or disability benefits, or even file for benefits, you might want to check Social Security's website first.

Social Security Online Service #1: Apply for Benefits

Whether it's an application for retirement benefits or Social Security Disability, you can probably file for it online. The retirement application is fairly simple and shouldn't take too long to fill out. After you submit your retirement application, it will be sent to your local Social Security Office to process. They will probably request that you bring in your birth certificate or marriage certificate before they can pay you, though.

The Social Security Disability application can be filled out online too, with one exception. When you start the disability application, it will ask you if your disabling condition will result in your death. If you answer yes, you will be kicked out of the application and instructed to get into your local Social Security office right away. This is so they can process terminal cases in a timely manner. In addition to filling out the basic application, you can also fill out the "Adult Disability and Work History Report", which is necessary to send your claim off for a disability decision. If you just fill out the basic application and submit it, someone from your local Social Security office will contact you to do the disability and work history report.

Social Security Online Service #2: Appeal the decision on your Social Security Disability Claim

This is a great feature because you only get 60 days from the date of your denial to appeal the disability decision. By going online, you can fill out the appeal paperwork when it's convenient for you. If more information is needed after your submission, your local Social Security office will contact you. You'll still get credit for submitting it within 60 days, as long as your original submission was in on time.

Social Security Online Service #3: Check the Status of Your Application

Once you've filed your retirement or Social Security Disability application, you will be given a confirmation number. You can use this on Social Security's website to see what's going on with your claim. This is especially helpful if you just want a quick update without trying to get in contact with your claims representative.

Social Security Online Service # 4: Find out Which Benefits You are Eligible For

You can go online to Social Security's website and use their screening tool to see what you might be eligible for. This includes retirement benefits, survivor benefits, disability benefits, and extra help for Medicare Part D. If you find that you are eligible, you might as well file for benefits online too while you're at it!

Social Security Online Service # 5: Estimate Your Benefits

If you just want to start planning, but don't want to actually apply for benefits, this is a great tool. They have a "Retirement Estimator" as well as benefit planners to help you see what you might receive if you applied for benefits. You can also go to this section of Social Security's website to get your Full Retirement Age and request your Social Security Statement (that green and white form you get every year a few months before your birthday).

In addition to these online services, if you already get benefits, you may find Social Security's website helpful. You can go there to request a password and then do things such as change your address, request a 1099, request a Proof of Income Letter, or even get a new Medicare card. All these are simple requests that can save you a frustrating trip to your local Social Security office.

If you're interesting in utilizing any of these great services, and more that I didn't go over, just visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/. You'll be doing yourself and the overworked staff at Social Security a favor.

Sources

www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/

Personal experience from working at SSA