Who Can Use the Online Application

Derived from BA002a Updated: May 18, 2007 1:47 PM

Who can use this application

You can use this application to apply for Social Security retirement, disability or spouse’s benefits or any combination of these benefits. We will process a claim for Medicare coverage along with your claim for benefits if you are within 3 months of age 65 or older.

Please note, however, that in order to qualify for a Social Security disability or retirement benefit, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes and earned enough Social Security credits.

If you have never worked, you should call us before beginning this application. If you are applying for disability benefits and have worked very little in the last 10 years, you should also contact us before you start. We will review your earnings history to determine if you have enough work credits to qualify for benefits.

Who cannot use this application

You cannot use this internet application to:

file for Medicare coverage only (e.g., you are working and do not intend to file for monthly Social Security benefits at this time).
file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Note: While you cannot use this Internet application, you can begin the process of applying for SSI disability benefits for an adult or child by completing an online disability report.
file for any type of monthly Social Security benefits other than retirement, disability or spouse's benefits.
file for Railroad Retirement benefits. If you, your spouse or your former spouse receive, or are eligible to receive a pension or annuity from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) and you have not yet discussed the effects of filing for Social Security benefits with a RRB representative, you should contact the RRB before completing this application. You can locate the nearest RRB field office on their web site at www.rrb.gov or call their toll-free number at 1-800-808-0772.
file an appeal of a denied disability claim. If your application for Social Security disability benefits was denied within the last 60 days, you can ask us to look at your case again. If you are not sure whether you are still within your appeal period, call us for assistance before proceeding with your Internet application.

If you cannot use this application or you decide not to complete an application over the Internet, please call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit a Social Security office to make an appointment.

Please answer the following questions to see if you can use this application.

1) Do you intend to file online?

Yes No

2) Are you at least 61 years and 9 months old?

Yes No

3) Do you plan to start your Social Security benefits within the next 4 months?

Yes No

4 ) Have you been, or do you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months because of your illnesses, injuries or conditions (including mental or emotional conditions), or do you have a terminal illness?

Yes No

5) Do you live in the United States or one of its territories or commonwealths?

Yes No

6) Have you ever been convicted of espionage, sabotage, treason, sedition, or subversive activities against the United States?

Yes No


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