What is the website for social security administration

SSA.gov is the official website of the Social Security Administration. It's an important online resource and tool for those who receive benefits through this federal program. Navigating the Social Security website can be challenging, especially for those who are new to the system.

Understanding the information and services available from this site can help you manage your Social Security benefits more effectively. Here is an overview of the website and the many things you can do on SocialSecurity.gov.

Understanding Social Security

The Social Security Act was signed into law in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This program established two trust funds that are managed by the federal government:

  • The Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund
  • The Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund

These two programs are designed to provide added financial resources for people during retirement, after the loss of a spouse or when they become disabled. The U.S. Social Security Administration website, SocialSecurity.gov, is designed to make it much easier to handle many aspects of the benefit process without requiring a visit to the physical offices of this government agency.

Services Available on SocialSecurity.gov

Some of the most important actions you can perform on SocialSecurity.gov include:

  • Obtaining a Social Security card for yourself or your immediate family members
  • Requesting a name change on your Social Security account
  • Applying online for Social Security benefits because of retirement or disability
  • Submitting documentation and paperwork for initial applications or appeals
  • Educating yourself about the application process for benefits
  • Applying online for Medicare coverage
  • Requesting assistance for prescription bills associated with Medicare Part D
  • Estimating your future Social Security benefits

By using the website to manage these tasks, you can save time while ensuring your paperwork is in place and any necessary changes are completed promptly. This can provide you with valuable peace of mind regarding your Social Security benefits.

Can I Still Visit a Physical Social Security Office?

Because most applications and changes to your Social Security account can be submitted online, you may never need to set foot in a brick-and-mortar Social Security office. In some cases, however, it may make sense for you to plan an in-person visit to your local Social Security office.

The Field Office Locator can help you find a Social Security office near you. It is a good idea to print out and complete any forms associated with your request before you go. This will save time and ensure that all necessary information is filled out before you make a trip to your local Social Security office.

If you have any further questions about Social Security, you can reach the agency at 1-800-772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those with hearing impairments can also reach Social Security through the toll-free TTY number, which is 1-800-325-0778 during the same business hours. On weekends and after regular business hours, automated services are available through the numbers listed above.

Similar to any government website, ssa.gov, the official site of the Social Security Administration, is full of helpful information. Finding what you need in the long list of publications, forms, and other web resources, however, is not always easy. Here is a guide to help you navigate the site based on some of the most common questions people have.

The links included in each answer will take you to the applicable pages and forms on the Social Security website.

Key Takeaways

  • If you’ve never had a Social Security card, you must apply for one in person at your Social Security office.
  • You may apply online for a replacement card under certain circumstances.
  • You need 40 credits to be eligible for full retirement benefits, and you can earn no more than four credits per year, with one credit earned for each $1,470 you make in a year in 2021.

How Do I Apply?

A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number that the U.S. government issues to all U.S. citizens and eligible U.S. residents who apply for one. The number allows the government to keep track of your lifetime earnings and the number of years worked. You must apply for a number and a card in person because the Social Security office has to verify certain documents. You can, however, go online to complete and print the application to take to your local office.

If you need a replacement card, you may be able to apply online if you are 18 or older, have a driver’s license or state-issued identification card, are not requesting any change in your Social Security card, have a U.S. mailing address, and have created an online “my Social Security account.”

U.S. territories and the following 8 states do not yet participate in the online renewal program:

  • Alabama
  • Minnesota
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • West Virginia

Where Is My Nearest Social Security Office?

Before you visit an office, check the website to see if you can complete all or some of the paperwork online. You are also likely to need supporting documents when you arrive, such as a birth certificate or passport for identification.

Retirement Benefits

How Do I Apply for Retirement Benefits?

First, determine if you’re eligible for Social Security (not everyone is). If you are, you can apply for Social Security and Medicare.

Can I Work and Receive Benefits at the Same Time?

Yes, but your Social Security benefits may be reduced. This page provides an overview of working and receiving benefits, including benefit calculations and changes that might take place once you reach full retirement age.

How Can I Calculate My Monthly Benefits?

The average monthly benefit for retired workers as of January 2020 was $1,505.50, but the benefit you will receive is based on various factors. You can use the retirement estimator to calculate your benefits, but read the information before you begin. For example, to use the calculator, you need to have earned 40 credits.

$1,505.50

The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers as of January 2020.

What Is a Credit?

As of 2021, you receive one credit for each $1,470 you earn in a year. You need 40 credits to qualify for full retirement benefits. You can receive a maximum of four credits per year.

If I Get a Pension, Will That Affect My Benefits?

Whether your benefits are affected by a pension depends on where the pension is from. Pensions from government jobs in which you did not pay Social Security taxes can be affected. Also, read about the windfall elimination provision. This provision may apply to you as well.

Are My Spouse and Kids Eligible to Receive My Benefits?

Probably, but the rules are complicated. Read about spousal benefits and check out the survivor planning information. Your children can receive benefits too. Read about the eligibility requirements. Social Security has numerous FAQs about benefits for spouses, children, and others who might be eligible to receive payments.

Spouses who do not qualify for Social Security benefits may nevertheless receive spousal benefits of their own if their husbands or wives qualify for Social Security.

Disability Benefits

Where Can I Learn More About Disability Benefits?

Social Security provides disability benefits for people of all ages, with rules enumerated in a 15-page document. You can apply for disability benefits online. Before completing the application, you should read this five-page publication that includes instructions and frequently asked questions.

Can I Go Back to Work and Still Collect Disability Benefits?

Yes, you can. Social Security may allow you a nine-month trial period to see if you’re able to work.

If I Reach Retirement Age, Will I Receive Disability and Retirement Benefits?

No. Once you reach full retirement age, you will lose disability benefits and gain retirement benefits. Assistance for children includes children whose parents are receiving disability benefits and children who are themselves disabled.

What Is a Compassionate Allowance?

Some people’s disabilities clearly meet Social Security’s definition of disabled. Those people may be eligible to receive benefits more rapidly. The website has an extensive section on compassionate allowance.

General Questions

What Is SSI?

These initials stand for supplemental security income, which provides cash assistance to the aged, the blind, and the disabled to meet basic living needs. It is not paid for by Social Security taxes. First, verify that you are eligible. Then, learn about the application procedure.

How Do I Change My Direct Deposit Information?

You can do this online. Log in to your online account or contact your bank. You can also complete a direct deposit form, print it, and take it to your local Social Security office.

Can Social Security Garnish My Wages?

If you owe child support, alimony, taxes, or restitution, Social Security may garnish your wages to meet those obligations.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Social Security Wages?

Some people have to pay taxes on their wages but never on more than 85% of their benefits. You can find basic information along with information about voluntarily withholding.

The Bottom Line

The links above answer the most common questions, but you can find more answers by first going to the frequently asked questions page. If you do not find the answer there, search the publications section. If you still have questions, call your local Social Security office.

Does Social Security Administration have a website?

We are committed to making socialsecurity.gov accessible to people with disabilities. To ensure that we meet or exceed the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, we continually review our site and modify pages to remove accessibility problems for people with disabilities.

What is the Social Security official website?

SocialSecurity.gov (or ssa.gov ) is the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration. Most of the management of your retirement, disability, and government health benefits can be done right on the SocialSecurity.gov website.

How can I access the Social Security website?

Login.gov or ID.me. If you have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can select the appropriate button to access your personal my Social Security account. If you don't have a Login.gov or ID.me account, select the “Create an Account” link to create a Login.gov credential to access your personal my Social Security account.

What is the website for Social Security retirement?

Applying for Social Security retirement benefits is easier than ever. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to retire online. It's so easy! Why should I use the online application?