Social Security: Where to Start

Social Security: Where to Start

Social Security & You
By Brandon P. Smith, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

More than likely you do not have to visit a Social Security office to do business with us. You might not have to call, either.  Our online services webpage at ssa.gov/onlineservices provides you a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your phone, tablet, or computer.  You can even apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare online.

You can get the most out of your online experience if you have a personal my Social Security account. With it, you can:

  • Get your Social Security Statement instantly
  • Request a replacement Social Security card, in nearly all states and the District of Columbia
  • Appeal a decision we made on your claim
  • Find out if you qualify for benefits

Already receiving benefits? If so, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

  • Get your benefit verification letterfor Social Security, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instantly
  • Check your information and benefit amount
  • Change your address and telephone number
  • Start or change your direct deposit
  • Request a replacement Medicare card
  • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season
  • Report your wages if you work and receive disability benefits or SSI

Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account today at ssa.gov/myaccount to take advantage of these easy-to-use features.

Please share our online services page with family and friends who need this important information!

About the author

Brandon P. Smith is the author of Northeast Ohio Thrive’s Social Security & You blog. He is a Social Security public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, based in Cleveland. A Cleveland native, he joined the SSA in 2003. He is the primary contact for media relations, outreach, and presentations for the agency in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, and Geauga counties. In addition to other communications awards, Brandon received a Deputy Commissioner Citation from Social Security’s Office of Communication in 2015 for his outstanding public affairs support of the agency’s national communication initiatives.

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