You explore through Social Security directly, not through a state agency or a third party

Social Security is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). When you are ready to begin receiving benefits, you contact SSA yourself—not your state welfare office, not your employer, and not a nonprofit. SSA has three main ways to take your information: online through their website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

The method you choose depends on which type of benefit you are seeking and whether you have a Social Security account set up already. Retirement benefits, survivor benefits, and disability benefits all start the same way: with SSA. The process is free, and SSA staff can answer questions about your specific situation during the conversation.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to the Social Security Administration through their website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • Creating a my Social Security account online before you explore lets you start the process from home and track your process status.
  • You will need documents like your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and tax records, so gather these before you begin.
  • Processing times vary, but SSA typically contacts you within two weeks if they need more information from you.
  • If you are explore for disability benefits, you can also call the same number or visit an office, but the review process takes longer than retirement benefits.

explore online through my Social Security

The fastest way to start is through my Social Security, SSA's online account system. You create a free account using your email address and Social Security number, then you can begin your process without leaving home. The online form walks you through the questions step by step and saves your progress if you need to stop and come back.

To create a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button. You will need to verify your identity—SSA asks questions about your financial history and past addresses to confirm you are who you say you are. Once your account is set up, you can start a benefits process, check your earnings record, and see the status of any process you have already submitted.

The online process for retirement benefits typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. For disability or survivor benefits, the form is longer because SSA needs more detail about your medical history or the person who died. You can save your work and return to it later if you do not finish in one sitting.

explore by phone

If you prefer to talk to someone, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. This is the main Social Security customer service line. You can reach them Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and any other documents mentioned below ready before you call, so the representative can ask you questions and fill out your process in real time.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the line is. Early morning calls typically have shorter waits. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

explore in person at a Social Security office

You can also walk into your local Social Security office and explore there. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited hours on certain days.

Bring the documents listed below with you. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now ask you to schedule one online or by phone first. Calling ahead is a good idea so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Documents you will need to bring or upload

SSA will ask you to show proof of several things. The exact documents depend on which benefit you are seeking, but here are the main ones:

  • Your Social Security card or a record showing your number
  • A birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (passport, naturalization papers, or green card)
  • A photo ID issued by a government agency (driver's license or state ID)
  • Recent tax returns or W-2 forms showing your work history
  • Bank account information if you want benefits deposited directly

If you are explore for disability benefits, you will also need medical records from your doctors, including dates of treatment and the names of any medications you take. If you are explore as a survivor, you will need the death certificate of the person who died.

If you are explore online, you can upload images of these documents. If you are explore by phone or in person, bring the originals or certified copies. SSA will not keep your documents—they will copy them and return them to you.

What happens after you submit your process

Once SSA receives your process, they send you a confirmation letter with a number to track your case. For retirement benefits, SSA usually makes a decision within three to five business days if all your information is complete. For disability benefits, the process takes much longer—typically three to six months, sometimes longer.

If SSA needs more information from you, they will contact you by mail or phone. Check your mail regularly and answer calls from unknown numbers during the processing period, because SSA representatives may be trying to reach you. If you provided an email address, SSA may also send you a message through your my Social Security account.

Once SSA approves your benefits, they will tell you when your first payment arrives. Most people receive benefits by direct deposit to a bank account, though you can also request a debit card or paper check.

If you need help understanding the process

SSA staff are available to answer questions at any stage. If something on the form is unclear, you can ask the representative on the phone or in the office to explain it. If you have already submitted an process and want to know the status, call 1-800-772-1213 and have your process number ready.

Some people work with a representative—either a lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate—to help them through the process, especially for disability claims. These representatives charge a fee only if your case is approved, and SSA has rules about how much they can charge. You do not need a representative to explore, but some people find it helpful if their situation is complicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore before I turn 62 for retirement benefits?

You can create your my Social Security account and gather your documents before you reach retirement age, but you cannot submit your process until the month you turn 62. SSA will not process an process submitted too early. If you are close to 62, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about the exact timing.

What if I do not have all my documents right now?

You can still start your process online or by phone. SSA will tell you which documents are missing and give you time to find them. For retirement benefits, you usually have a few weeks to provide missing items. For disability, SSA may ask you to get medical records from your doctors, which can take longer.

Do I have to explore online, or can I do it another way?

You have a choice. Online is fastest if you are comfortable with computers, but phone and in-person applications work just as well. Pick whichever method feels easiest for you. There is no advantage to one over the others in terms of how SSA reviews your case.

How long does it take to get my first payment after I am approved?

For retirement benefits, your first payment usually arrives within one to two months after SSA approves you. For disability, it can take longer because the approval process itself takes months. SSA will tell you the exact date when they notify you that you have been approved.

What if I applied and SSA denied my benefits?

You have the right to ask SSA to reconsider. You can request reconsideration by contacting your local office or calling 1-800-772-1213. For disability denials, you can also request a hearing before an administrative law judge. SSA will explain your options in the denial letter.