Top 5 Benefits You Can Apply for Online at the Social Security Website: Applying for Social Security benefits used to mean taking time off work, standing in long lines, and dealing with lots of paperwork. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has modernized its services, allowing you to apply for most major benefits online. This guide will walk you through the top 5 Social Security benefits you can apply for online—clearly, simply, and with confidence. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing a disability, or helping a loved one apply for survivor’s benefits, this article offers professional, easy-to-understand guidance from an experienced perspective. Let’s make sense of your options and help you take the next step.
Top 5 Benefits You Can Apply for Online at the Social Security Website
Understanding and applying for Social Security benefits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Thanks to the SSA’s robust online tools, you can apply for retirement, disability, Medicare, survivor, or SSI benefits in just a few steps. With proper preparation and a little guidance, you can secure the support you need for yourself or your loved ones—all without leaving your home.
If you’re ready to take the next step, start by creating your “my Social Security” account and explore which benefits apply to your situation. Your future is worth the planning—and the SSA is here to help.
| Benefit | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits | Age 62+ with 10+ years of work history |
| Disability Benefits (SSDI) | Age 18+, unable to work due to medical condition lasting 12+ months |
| Medicare | Age 65+ or younger with qualifying disability |
| Spouse’s or Survivor’s Benefits | Based on spouse or deceased spouse’s work history |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Limited income/resources, age 65+, blind, or disabled |
Top 5 Benefits You Can Apply for Online at the Social Security Website
1. Retirement Benefits
Who it’s for: If you’re 62 or older and have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 10 years.
Why it matters: Your retirement benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings. You can increase your monthly amount by waiting until full retirement age (66 to 67 depending on birth year), or even up to age 70.
How to apply:
- Go to ssa.gov/retirement
- Click “Apply for Retirement Benefits”
- Log into or create your “my Social Security” account
- Follow the step-by-step instructions
Pro Tip: Applying online typically takes less than 30 minutes and saves you a trip to the SSA office.
2. Disability Benefits (SSDI)
Who it’s for: People under full retirement age who can no longer work due to a long-term disability.
Why it matters: SSDI offers financial assistance if a medical condition prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful employment. Conditions must be severe enough to last at least 12 months or result in death.
How to apply:
- Visit ssa.gov/benefits/disability
- Click “Apply for Disability”
- Prepare medical records, work history, and personal documents
- Submit your application online
3. Medicare
Who it’s for: U.S. citizens or legal residents aged 65+, or younger individuals with specific disabilities or conditions.
Why it matters: Medicare provides critical health coverage—hospital care (Part A), doctor visits (Part B), and optional prescription coverage (Part D).
How to apply:
- Go to ssa.gov/medicare
- Choose “Apply for Medicare Only” if not receiving Social Security
- Create or log in to your account
- Complete the form
Pro Tip: Apply at least 3 months before turning 65 to avoid delays or penalties.
4. Spouse’s or Survivor’s Benefits
Who it’s for: Spouses, divorced spouses, or surviving spouses of someone who paid into Social Security.
Why it matters: You could receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit or the full survivor benefit, depending on your circumstances and timing.
How to apply:
- Visit ssa.gov/benefits/survivors
- Begin the application process online
- Have your spouse’s Social Security number and marriage/death certificates ready
Pro Tip: Even divorced spouses can qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they haven’t remarried.
5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Who it’s for: Low-income individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
Why it matters: SSI helps cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter for people with limited income and resources.
How to apply:
- Start at ssa.gov/ssi
- Click “Tell Us You Want to Apply”
- Fill out a short form—an SSA rep will contact you to finish the process
Pro Tip: You may be eligible for both SSDI and SSI. Applying for one doesn’t disqualify you from the other.
Additional Resources and Tools
- Create a “my Social Security” Account— access personalized estimates, application status, and benefit statements.
- Benefit Calculators: Try the Retirement Estimator to see what your monthly benefit might be.
- Need Help in Person? Use the SSA Office Locator to find your nearest location.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for multiple benefits at once?
Yes. The online portal allows you to apply for combinations like retirement and Medicare, or SSDI and SSI if you’re eligible.
Q2: How long does it take to get approved?
Approval times vary. Retirement and Medicare applications may take a few weeks. SSDI or SSI could take 3–6 months depending on documentation and medical reviews.
Q3: Do I need to visit a Social Security office?
Most applications can be completed entirely online. In some cases—like if additional verification is needed—you may be contacted or asked to visit in person.
Q4: Is the online SSA portal secure?
Yes. The SSA uses encrypted and secure technology to protect your data.
Q5: What if I make a mistake on my application?
You can correct most errors online before submitting. If already submitted, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to amend your application.
