Applying for Social Security

Social Security Resource Center

En español | The AARP Social Security Resource Center is designed to help you determine the benefits you’re eligible for, when you can get them, and how much you and your family can receive. This section provides practical information on steering through the paperwork (or clicking through the web pages) to get the help you need from the Social Security Administration. You’ll find answers on:

How to apply for retirement, spousal, survivor and disability benefits
Challenging adverse benefit decisions
Getting a new Social Security card, updated benefit estimates and other services from SSA
The state of Social Security and policy changes that affect your payments

Appeals

Q: How do I appeal a Social Security decision on disability benefits?

Q: How long does it take to get a Social Security disability hearing?

Q: What if I disagree with Social Security's calculation of my benefit?

Applying

Q: How do I apply for Social Security?

Q: When should I apply for Social Security?

Q: When should I apply for Social Security to start at age 62?

Q: How do I apply for Social Security disability?

Q: How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Q: I qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Should I use an attorney to apply?

Q: I will be 65 this year. When should I apply for Medicare?

Q: Is there a penalty if I'm late signing up for Medicare?

Q: Do I have to enroll in Medicare at age 65 if I am already collecting Social Security?

Q: What medical conditions make someone eligible for a fast-track decision on Social Security disability benefits?

Changes

Q: How much longer will Social Security be around?

Q: Is the Social Security retirement age going up?

Q: Can couples still use the “file and suspend” strategy?

Q: How is Social Security funded?

Getting Help

Q: What is a My Social Security account and how do I sign up?

Q: How can I get help from Social Security?

Q: How can I get a copy of my benefit verification letter from Social Security?

Q: How do I change my address with Social Security?

Q: Where can I get a copy of my SSA-1099 tax form?

Q: How can I get a copy of my Social Security award letter?

Q: What is a Social Security representative payee?

Q: Can I manage my mother’s Social Security if I have power of attorney?

Q: How does Social Security help people with limited English proficiency?

Q: How to report a death to Social Security

Q: My Medicare premiums are going up because of my income two years ago. My income has since gone down. Is there anything I can do?

Q: Can Social Security tell me if a former employer owes me pension benefits?

Q: What if my Social Security benefit is the wrong amount?

Q: My Social Security earnings statement does not include all my income. How can I correct it?

Social Security Cards & Numbers

Q: How to get a replacement Social Security card

Q: How to get a Social Security number

Q: Can I get a new Social Security number?

Q: Can I get a Social Security card if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Q: How do I change the name on my Social Security card?

Q: My name is spelled differently on my birth certificate than on my Social Security card. Will this be an issue when I apply for benefits?

Q: How are Social Security numbers assigned?

Q: Are Social Security numbers reused?