Online

• 1). Go to the Social Security website and click the heading of the benefit for which you are applying. Click the "Apply for benefits" link on the next page.
  
  
• 2). Answer the questions regarding if you are applying for yourself or on another person's behalf and if the applicant needs assistance completing an online application due to partial or total blindness. Read the Privacy Act Statement by clicking the link and check the corresponding box to confirm that you have read it. Click the "Apply for Benefits" icon.
  
  
• 3). Answer questions as the application requests. Include information such as your name, Social Security number, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, information on dependents, income, work history and your medical history if you are applying for disability benefits or Medicare.
  
  
• 4). Verify your information on the confirmation page at the end of the application. Click "Submit Application." The SSA will contact you if it needs you to send additional information. Otherwise, you will receive benefits approximately four weeks after you apply.
  
  

Over the Phone

• 1). Call the Social Security Administration national help line at 800-772-1213. Navigate the voice-prompt menu to speak to a SSA worker in the division of the benefit for which you want to apply.
  
  
• 2). State that you want to start a new application and answer the questions the representative asks about your identity, citizenship, marital status and dependents, work history, income, medical history if you are applying for disability benefits or Medicare and the name, Social Security number and date of the deceased worker's death if you are applying for survivor's benefits.
  
  
• 3). Verify your information as the representative reads it back to you. The SSA representative will submit the application and the SSA will notify you by mail if further documentation is necessary. If not, you will get the first benefit payment or your Medicare card four weeks after submitting an application.
  
  

In Person

• 1). Go to the SSA website. Click "Find a Social Security Office." Enter your ZIP code on the following page. Click "Locate."
  
  
• 2). Go to the office but prepare for a long wait if you are in a large city. Talk to a SSA representative about the benefits for which you are applying and request help filling out the application if necessary.
  
  
• 3). Enter the necessary personal, financial and health information on the application and turn it in to a representative. Benefits will start four weeks from the date that you apply unless the SSA requests further information.