Getting Social Security payments in the United States is a big help for many people when they retire. But before you start getting your monthly retirement money, you must first meet the eligibility rules.
Once you qualify, you can apply to receive these benefits. Earlier, it was simple—you could call and apply over the phone without much hassle. But now, the process has changed slightly.
Can You Still Apply for Social Security by Phone?
Yes, you can still apply for Social Security over the phone. But now, there’s one more step added to the process. After you talk to a Social Security Administration (SSA) agent and start your application, you’ll need to verify your identity.
This is especially important if you’re applying for benefits in any of these categories:
Who Needs to Verify Identity in Person?
- Retirement benefits
- Survivors benefits
- Auxiliary benefits (for spouse or child)
If you’re part of any of these groups, you’ll have to visit a local SSA office to show your ID. If you don’t complete this step, your application won’t go through, and you won’t receive your monthly check. So, even though phone applications are still possible, they can take longer and involve extra steps.
What’s the Easiest and Fastest Way to Apply?
The quickest way to apply for Social Security benefits is online through the My Social Security account on the SSA website. This method skips the in-person identity check for most people, which makes the process smoother and faster.
When you apply online:
- You don’t need to visit an office
- You save time by avoiding waiting and travel
- Your application is processed faster
If you’re not comfortable using the internet or need help, you can always call SSA. But remember, applying online is usually much faster and more convenient.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application is complete—either online or after visiting the SSA office—you just have to wait for the approval. Once approved, your monthly retirement check will start arriving, and you won’t need to do anything else.
From then on, it’s all about enjoying your retirement years stress-free, knowing that your Social Security payments are taken care of.