Is it Safe to Apply for Social Security Online?
The Social Security Administration encourages qualified individuals to apply for Social Security benefits online and makes it safe to do so.
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Eligiblity to Apply Online
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You may apply for Social Security online if you are 61 years and 9 months or older and want to receive retirement or spouse's benefits within the next four months. You may also apply for Social Security benefits if you have a disability that is expected to last longer than 12 months or result in death. You must also live in the United States or a United States territory.
Benefits to Filing Online
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It is easier for both you and Social Security to submit your application online. First, you may work on your application at home and at your own pace. Second, you will save time and money that you would have spent going to a field office to apply. Third, your online application saves money for taxpayers because it costs less to process.
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Privacy Law
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Federal law says that federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, may only use the Internet to gather and keep information about you if it can do so in a safe and secure manner.
Privacy Rules and Training
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The Social Security Administration only allows your information to be seen by employees with appropriate training in privacy and security rules who need to see it in order to perform their jobs. Very few employees have access to the areas where paper copies of information gathered online is stored, and the agency makes frequent efforts to ensure against loss of information.
Protection from Outside Sources
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The Social Security Administration uses many technical safety devices to protect the information that you provide in your online application, including password protection and encryption. They also have various security methods that prevent anyone from illegally getting into their systems, a process known as "hacking," and maintain strict security and confidentiality rules when working with outside contractors.
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