103.Application for Social Security Benefits, Medicare Coverage, or Medicare Protection

103.1Where do you file applications for Social Security benefits and applications for Medicare?

You may file applications for Social Security benefits (Retirement, Spouse's and Disability benefits), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare coverage, or apply for Medicare protection and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, through the Internet, www.socialsecurity.gov, by telephone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at any Social Security office. (See §2601 for information about the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.) We provide you with the proper application and enrollment forms. If you need assistance, our employees will help you fill out the forms. If you need an interpreter to communicate with us, we will provide one upon request, free of charge. SSA has a nationwide contract for telephone interpreter services in more than 150 languages and dialects. In some cases, you may file an application for food stamps at any Social Security office if you are applying for or are receiving SSI. (See §2108)

103.2Where do you file your claims if you live outside the United States?

For information on how to obtain services when you are outside the United States, see: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/.

Last Revised: Apr. 12, 2010