Other Ways You Can Apply
Apply With Your Local Office
You can do most of your business with Social Security online. If you cannot use these online services, your local Social Security office can help you apply. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator and looking under Social Security Office Information. The toll-free Office number is your local office.
Apply By Phone
If You Do Not Live in the U.S. Or One of Its Territories
Contact the if you live outside the U.S. or a U.S. territory and wish to apply for retirement benefits.
Mailing Your Documents
If you mail any documents to us, you must include the Social Security number so that we can match them with the correct application. Do not write anything on the original documents. Please write the Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and include it in the mailing envelope along with the documents.
What Do The Numbers On A Passport Card Mean
Each card has a radio frequency identification chip, which, instead of storing personal information, contains a unique number linked to a record within government databases. Each card is also issued withand should be kept ina protective sleeve that prevents the card from being read when not in use.
How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits
The easiest way to apply for benefits is online through SSA.gov. You can create a My Social Security account there and use it to apply for benefits. This will allow you to apply for retirement benefits or disability benefits on your own work record. Similarly, you can also apply for Medicare and spousal benefits online. If you cannot apply online, then you can complete an application over the phone or make an appointment at your local Social Security office. The easiest and fastest way to apply will be the online application.
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How Do I Make An Appointment At A Social Security Office In Guam
To make an appointment at a Social Security office in Guam, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Remember that you do not need an appointment to apply for benefits or appeal a disability decision. These tasks can be completed online. You can also contact Social Security at the same number if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
How To Create Or Access Your Account

Ready to sign up? You can now create your new mySocial Security account through either of these two credential partners: Login.gov or ID.me.
- Login.gov is your one government account for simple, secure, and private access to participating U.S. government agencies.
- ID.me is a single sign-on provider that meets the U.S. governments online identity proofing and authentication requirements.
A credential includes your username, password, and two-step verification factors. A trusted credential partner helps us securely verify your identity online.
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Request For A Social Security Statement
If you dont want to wait for your Social Security Statement to be mailed to you, you may sign up to get your Social Security Statement online. You also may be able to estimate your retirement benefit using our online Retirement Estimator.
If you would like to receive your Social Security Statement by mail, please print and complete a “Request For Social Security Statement” and mail it to the address provided on the form.
You should receive your paper Social Security Statement in the mail in four to six weeks.
If you were unable to create or encountered a problem with your mySocial Security account, you may visit a local office or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
What Is A Social Security Benefit Verification Letter
The Benefit Verification letter, sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter,” serves as proof of your retirement, disability, Supplemental Security Income , or Medicare benefits. You may use your letter for loans, housing assistance, mortgage, and for other income verification purposes. You can also use it to prove that you don’t receive benefits, have applied for benefits, or that you have never received Social Security benefits or SSI.
In addition to name, date of birth, and the benefits received, the Benefit Verification letter includes other identifiers to prevent misuse and fraud.
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How Can I Get A Social Security Statement
You can get your Social Security Statement online by using your personal mySocial Security account. If you dont yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for.It also shows your earnings history.To set up or use your account to get your Statement, go to . We also mail paper Statements to workers age 60 and older 3 months before their birthday. This is if they dont receive Social Security benefits and dont yet have a personal mySocial Security account. Workers who dont want to wait for their scheduled mailing can request their Statementby following these instructions.The Statement will arrive by mail in four to six weeks.
The Basics About Disability Benefits
The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain if you are insured. This means that you worked long enough and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. The SSI program pays benefits to adults and children who meet our requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources.
While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. If you meet the nonmedical requirements, monthly benefits are paid if you have a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death.
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Replacement Social Security Card
Applying for a replacement Social Security card can take a while if you go into a field office. Doing it online is fast and simple once you have your online account setup. Remember that the SSA will never charge money for any of the provided services. Be weary of others who claim these processes cost money.
The Disability Application Process
Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, the disability benefits application process follows these general steps:
- You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the . It will help you gather the information and documents you need to complete the application.
- You complete and submit your application.
- We review your application to make sure you meet our for disability benefits.
- We confirm you worked enough years to qualify.
- We evaluate any current work activities.
- We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
- This state agency makes the disability determination decision.
To learn more about who decides if you have a disability, read our publication .
Once You’ve Applied
Once we receive your application, well review it and contact you if we have questions. We might request additional documents from you before we can proceed.
Look For Our Response
When the state agency makes a determination on your case, youll receive a letter in the mail with our decision. If you included information about other family members when you applied, well let you know if they may be able to receive benefits on your record.
Check The Status
You can check the status of your application online using your personal mySocial Security account. If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us 1-800-772-1213 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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What Do I Need To Know About Advance Designation
You should be aware of another type of representation called .
Advance Designation allows capable adult and emancipated minors who are applying for or receiving Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Special Veterans Benefits the option to choose up to three people in advance who could serve as their representative payee, if the need arises.
In the event that you can no longer manage your benefits, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing that someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits for you. If you need a representative payee to assist with the management of your benefits, we will first consider your advance designees. We must still fully evaluate them and determine their suitability at that time.
You can submit and update your advance designation request when you apply for benefits or after you are already receiving benefits. You may do so through your personal account, contacting us by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 , or at .
Apply For Benefits Online

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you develop a disability. Follow these easy steps to apply online for disability:
- To start your application, go to our Apply for Benefits page, and read and agree to the Terms of Service. Click Next.
- On that page, review the Getting Ready section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
- Select Start A New Application.
- We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
- You will then sign in to your personal mySocial Security account, or you will be prompted to create one.
- Complete the application.
You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you:
- Are age 18 or older.
- Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
- Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Have not been denied for disability in the last 60 days.
Note: If your application was recently denied, our application is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made.
You may be able to file online for SSI at the same time that you file for SSDI benefits. Once you complete the online process described above, a Social Security representative will contact you if we need additional information.
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What Is A Social Security Benefit Statement
A Social Security 1099 or 1042S Benefit Statement, also called an SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, is a tax form that shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year. It is mailed out each January to people who receive benefits and tells you how much Social Security income to report to the IRS on your tax return.
- Noncitizens who live outside of the United States receive the SSA-1042S instead of the SSA-1099.
- The forms SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S are not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income .
- A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is typically available for the previous tax year after February 1.
- If you dont have access to a printer, you can save the document on your computer or laptop and email it.
Social Security Information You Can See Online
When you sign in to your online account, you’ll be able to view your Social Security statements. If you don’t yet receive benefits, you’ll see an estimate of the amount you could receive when you do retire.
There’s a table that shows your monthly benefit amounts if you retire — for instance, if you were born in 1960 or later, your chart may show retirement at 62 years old , 67 years old and 70 years old . Note that these retirement ages may change in the future. The longer you wait to retire, the more money you could receive per month.
You can also see your eligibility and earnings information. If you’ve worked at least 10 years, you’ll have enough work credits — you need 40 — to receive benefits. If you click on Review your Earnings Record, you’ll see your taxed Social Security and Medicare earnings for each year you worked.
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See How Much Social Security Money You Could Receive Even If You’re Not Retired
You can manage your Social Security account online to see your benefits or how much you’ll earn per month when you’re eligible for retirement.
Katie Teague
Writer
Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing in golf scrambles, practicing yoga and spending time on the lake.
Creating an online My Social Security account is important for anyone who expects to receive Social Security benefits when they retire. It can provide you with useful information about your Social Security status, as well as give you a way to file retirement or disability applications and even request a new Social Security card.
A My Social Security account will show you your expected future benefits, based on your expected retirement age and your work history. You can also get documents for filing your taxes, request a benefit verification letter or change your mailing address and other personal information.
Here’s how to access your Social Security benefits online, and what sort of information and features you’ll be able to access with your My Social Security account. For more, if you’ve got some time before retiring, here’s the easiest way to save for retirement. If you receive benefits now, here’s the Social Security payment schedule for September and when the next cost-of-living increase will be announced.
Faq: Can I View My Social Security Card Online
How can I get my passport quickly?
Fill out your DS-82 application and collect your documents.Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee. See Passport Fees for more information. Clearly mark EXPEDITE on the outside of the envelope.
Can I use school ID for GCash?
Since the student ID is not in the recommended list of valid IDs for GCash verification, you cant use it for the verification process on the GCash app. What you can do instead is to submit a ticket to GCash support who will manually process your account verification and upgrade.
What is postal ID Philippines?
The Improved Postal ID is the newest government identity card issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation . Equipped with features that arent typical of an ID card, it is expected to meet todays challenges on identity fraud and falsification of documents.
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About ViewHow.com
ViewHow.com was founded by a group of authors and experts with a great desire to improve the available online information about various important and interesting topics. No subject is too small for us to care about it, if you find it interesting, so do we!
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How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card
The Social Security Administration does not issue temporary Social Security cards. However, there is a way to get something almost as good. If you need a same-day Social Security card replacement, here is what you need to do. You will need to complete the Form SS-5 application and return it in-person to your local Social Security office. Upon the acceptance of the application, the SSA rep will be able to issue you a receipt showing that your application for a new card has been completed. This receipt will act as a temporary Social Security card in some cases. Many agencies will accept this receipt in lieu of your new card, although this will not always work. If they do not accept the receipt, then you will need to wait until you receive your new card in the mail.
Your Personal Mysocial Security Account Is For Your Use Only
We are committed to protecting the information and resources entrusted to us, including your personal information and investment. For your protection, youre the only one who can create your personal mySocial Security account for your own exclusive use. No one can create or use an account on your behalf, even with your written or verbal permission. Do not allow anyone else to use your account under any circumstances. Unauthorized use of this service is a misrepresentation of your identity to the federal government and could subject you to criminal or civil penalties, or both.
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I Have Never Accessed Mysocial Security And I Do Not Have A Logingov Or Idme Credential:
Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to get started. You will have the option to create an account with our preferred credential partner, Login.gov. You can also access your information with an ID.me account if you have one. Keep in mind:
- You must be 18 years of age or older, have a Social Security number and a U.S. mailing address.
- You will be redirected to the partners website when you select Sign In with Login.gov or Sign in with ID.me.
- You must provide a valid email address and some additional information.
- Once you create the credential, you will return to the mySocial Security webpage for next steps.
Making Your Social Security Office Visit Pain

In order to ensure that visiting your Social Security Office is a smooth and pain-free experience, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Arriving early can help reduce the time you spend waiting in line. Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
- Even if you arrive early, you may be faced with wait times. Try to stay calm and remember that the office workers are doing their best!
- Coming prepared with the necessary documents is essential. In many cases you’ll need to bring a birth certificate, passport, proof of United States citizenship or legal US residency, and other documents. If you’re unsure as to what you’ll need, call your Social Security Office in Alabama in advance to double-check!
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