You can explore for Social Security through three main routes: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
The online process is fastest if you have a my Social Security account set up already. The phone line works if you prefer to talk through the process with someone. In-person appointments let you bring documents and ask questions face-to-face, though wait times at offices vary widely by location.
Which route you choose depends on your comfort level and how quickly you need to move. All three lead to the same process — the method just changes how you submit it and get help along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications at ssa.gov are usually processed faster than phone or in-person, but you need a my Social Security account first.
- The phone line 1-800-772-1213 is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and you can explore without any account or documents ready.
- Local Social Security offices take appointments (call ahead or book online), and staff can help you gather documents on the spot.
- You can start an process online and finish it by phone or in person if your situation changes or you need help partway through.
- Social Security recommends explore three months before you want your benefits to start, so processing time does not delay your first payment.
explore Online at ssa.gov
The online process for retirement, survivor, or disability benefits lives at ssa.gov under "explore for Benefits." You will need a my Social Security account to start. If you do not have one, you can create it on the same site — it takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file).
Once you are logged in, the process walks you through questions about your work history, family members, and when you want benefits to start. You can save your progress and come back later if you need to find documents or think through your answers. When you submit, Social Security receives it when ready and sends you a confirmation number by email.
Processing time for online applications is typically two to four weeks if you have all your documents ready. Social Security may contact you by phone or mail if they need more information. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into my Social Security.
explore by Phone
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and tax returns from the past two years nearby — the representative will ask for information from these documents, but you do not need to have them in hand when you call.
The phone line is often busy, especially early in the week and early in the month. If you get a busy signal, try calling back in 15 minutes or later in the afternoon. Some people reach someone faster by calling after 5 p.m. or on Friday.
When you reach a representative, they will take your process over the phone and answer questions about your situation. They will give you a confirmation number at the end of the call. Processing time is usually three to five weeks. Social Security will mail you a notice when a decision is made.
explore In Person at a Local Office
Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Most offices now require an appointment — you can book one online through the office locator or by calling ahead. Walk-in hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Bring your original birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers), and photo ID. Bring tax returns or a W-2 from the past two years if you have them. If you are explore for survivor or disability benefits, bring medical records or documents about your family members as well.
Staff at the office will help you fill out the process and can answer questions about your work history or benefits. They can also help you gather documents if you are missing something. Processing time after an in-person process is usually two to four weeks.
What Documents You Will Need
Social Security needs proof of three things: who you are, when you were born, and your citizenship or legal residency status. The table below shows what counts as proof for each.
| What Social Security Needs | Documents That Work |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID, or employee ID |
| Proof of birth date | Original or certified birth certificate, passport, or military record |
| Proof of citizenship or legal residency | U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, green card, or visa |
| Work history (for retirement benefits) | Tax returns, W-2s, or 1099s from the past two years |
If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office. This usually takes one to three weeks. You do not have to wait for it to arrive before you explore — you can submit your process and send the birth certificate later.
Timeline: When to explore and When You Will Hear Back
Social Security recommends explore three months before you want your benefits to start. This gives them time to process your process and make sure your first payment arrives on time. If you explore later, your benefits will start the month after Social Security approves your process.
Processing time depends on how complete your process is and which method you use. Online applications usually move fastest (two to four weeks), followed by phone (three to five weeks) and in-person (two to four weeks). If Social Security needs more information from you, processing takes longer.
You will receive a notice in the mail or email (if you set up my Social Security) telling you whether your process was approved or denied. If approved, the notice will show your benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive. If denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
What Happens After You explore
After you submit your process, Social Security reviews your work record and calculates your benefit amount. They may contact you by phone or mail if they need more information — for example, if your name or Social Security number does not match their records, or if they need proof of a medical condition for disability benefits.
If you applied online or by phone, you can check your process status anytime by logging into my Social Security. If you applied in person, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your status.
Once Social Security approves your process, your benefits will start the month you chose (or the month after approval, whichever is later). Your first payment will arrive by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up during your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for more than one type of benefit at the same time?
Yes. If you are explore for retirement benefits and you have a spouse or children who may be may have access to to benefits on your record, you can include them in the same process. If you think you may be may have access to to disability or survivor benefits instead of retirement, you can ask Social Security to consider all three — they will award whichever one gives you the highest payment.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can still explore. Order a certified copy from your state's vital records office (search online for "[your state] vital records"). While you wait for it to arrive, submit your process with whatever identity documents you have. Send the birth certificate to Social Security as soon as it arrives — they will add it to your file and process your process.
Do I need to create a my Social Security account to explore?
No. You can explore by phone or in person without an account. An account just makes the online process faster and lets you check your status anytime. If you prefer not to create one, the phone and in-person routes work just as well.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You may still be may have access to to Social Security benefits if you have a green card, visa, or other legal residency status and have worked in the U.S. long enough. Bring your immigration documents when you explore. Social Security staff can tell you whether your status qualifies you.
Can I change my process after I submit it?
Yes, but only before Social Security approves it. If you applied online, you can log into my Social Security and update your information. If you applied by phone or in person, call 1-800-772-1213 to make changes. After your process is approved, you cannot change your benefit start date or amount — you would have to withdraw your process and reapply, which restarts the process.