Social Security Administration (SSA)

Official site: https://www.ssa.gov/

What This Site Is

The Social Security Administration website lets you apply for and manage retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

What You Can Do Here

  • Check Social Security benefit estimates
  • Apply for retirement benefits
  • Apply for disability benefits
  • Get SSI information and eligibility details

Start Here (Pick What You're Looking For)

If you want to...

  • Check your future benefits View retirement or disability estimates
  • Apply for benefits Start a retirement, disability, or SSI application
  • Manage your account Review earnings history and application status
  • Get documents Replace a Social Security card or find official forms

How This Page Works

  1. Go to ssa.gov
  2. Create or sign in to your my Social Security account
  3. View your earnings record and estimated benefits
  4. Click Apply for Benefits when ready
  5. Complete the online application or schedule an appointment
  6. Track your application status online

Common Things to Search For

  • When you can start collecting Social Security
  • How much your retirement benefits will be
  • How to apply for disability benefits
  • SSI eligibility requirements
  • Replacing a Social Security card

Good to Know

  • You can apply for retirement benefits up to 4 months before they start
  • Full retirement age depends on your birth year
  • Disability applications can take months—apply early
  • Creating a my Social Security account requires identity verification
  • Some services still require visiting a local SSA office