Retire Online
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With an estimated 80 million baby boomers expected to retire in the next twenty years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has created a new service that allows Americans to apply for their benefits online.
In keeping with the times, the new system allows retirees, who are more computer literate than ever, to navigate the easy-to-use application process at their own convenience, without having to travel to a Social Security office. Filing online decreases the amount of time it takes to apply for retirement benefits from 45 minutes to approximately 15 minutes, and allows applicants to complete the process from the comforts of their own home.
The website has a sample demonstration of the application process, along with helpful information for any questions that may arise. Applicants may start and stop the process at any time without losing the information they enter online, and when finished simply click the “sign now” button. Typically, there are no other required documents or forms to sign, and if you forget or miss something the SSA will contact you.
Also included in the makeover of the new SSA website is a “Retirement Estimator,” which tells you approximately how much you can expect to receive in benefits when you retire, as well as helpful videos with Academy Award winning actress Patty Duke explaining the online Social Security application process.
Other benefits the Social Security Administration offers online include:
- Applying for Social Security Disability benefits.
- Getting help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
- Finding which Social Security benefit programs you may be eligible for.
- Requesting a new Social Security card.
- Requesting a Social Security statement.
For those who choose not to apply for retirement benefits online, they can still call or visit a local Social Security Administration office for assistance in filing.
For more information and to apply for retirement benefits online, please visit: www.ssa.gov.
