Social Security offers an online retirement, disability and Medicare application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes by visiting: apply for retirement or Medicare only or apply for disability benefits.

It is so easy. Better yet, you can apply from the comfort of your home or office at a time most convenient for you. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed.

You can apply online for retirement benefits if you:

• are at least 61 years and 9 months old;
• are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record;
• have not already applied for retirement benefits; and
• want your benefits to start no more than 4 months in the future. (We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than 4 months in advance.)

This service is only for individuals applying under their own social security number.

If that is not your case, please request an appointment by completing our internet inquiry form.

Social Security Benefits for foreigners or non-U.S. Residents

If you are not a U.S. resident or a U.S. citizen, but worked over 10 years in the U.S., under your own Social Security number and are over the age of 62 and you would like to inquire about your eligibility to U.S. social security retirement benefits you can submit your inquiry completing our internet inquiry form.

Please may click on the following links for additional information on:

• Retirement benefits(PDF 1.1MB)
• Residency requirements if you are applying for spouse or widow(er) benefits (PDF 1.6MB)
• Wife/Husband benefits (PDF 336 KB)
• Widow(er) Benefits/Surviving Divorced Spouse (PDF 533KB)
• Children Benefits  (PDF 116 KB)
• Lump Sum death benefits
• Disability benefits  (PDF 379 KB)

The number of work credits needed for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.  Check the following link for the rules that applies