Social security

Who do I mail my social security application to?

Find out where to mail your Social Security application, and the various documents you will be required to provide.

3 min read

If you are retired and ready to apply for Social Security benefits, you have various options for applying for Social Security benefits. You can phone Social Security, apply online on your My Social Security account, or in person at your local Social Security office. But, can you mail your application?

You can apply for Social Security benefits online, at your local Social Security office, or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you need to mail your supporting documents, you should mail them to the Social Security address provided when filling out your application. If you are not sure which address to send your documents to, you should phone Social Security at the toll-free service or contact the local Social Security office.

Can I email in my Social Security application?

You can apply for Social Security benefits online, by visiting your local Social Security office, or by calling the toll-free service at 800-772-1213. You won't need to mail your Social Security application, but you may be required to mail any documentation that Social Security requires.

If you opt for the online Social Security application, go to the Social Security website at ssa.gov. Once you have logged into your My Social Security account, go to the “Retirement” section, then click “Apply for Retirement Benefits”. You will be required to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN).

When applying for Social Security benefits, you may be required to mail backup documents including proof of birth, proof of citizenship, copies of Form W-2, Social Security Card, etc. Social Security will provide the address where to mail the documents. If you are unsure where to send your documents, call the toll-free service or visit your local Social Security office.

What do I need to mail in with my Social Security application?

When applying for benefits, ensure you have all the documents that Social Security will require. It is helpful to have the documents ready before you start the application. Here are the documents you will need when applying for Social Security:

Your Social Security card

Original birth certificate (or a copy certified by the issuing agency) or other proof of age.

If you were born outside the US, you should provide proof of US citizenship or alien status. The documents you provide must be the original document or a copy certified by the issuing authority.

A copy of your US military service papers if you served before 1968. If you don’t have the original papers, you can provide a photocopy.

A copy of W-2 forms/self-employment tax return for the previous year.

Your spouse's Social Security number, date of birth, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or death certificate (if you are applying for spousal or survivor benefits)

Social Security requires applicants to provide original documents or copies certified by the issuing authority. In some instances, photocopies may be allowed. If you are missing some documents, you can continue with the application process, and provide the missing documents later. Sometimes, the state Bureau of Vital Statistics can help you obtain the missing documents.

What is the Social Security address?

The main Social Security address is 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235. However, if you need to mail documents to Social Security, you should send the documents to the address provided when filling out your application.

If you have a problem with your application, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or contact the Social Security field office. You can also use the Social Security office locator app to find your local Social Security office. Also, when you call the toll-free number, the telephone assistant will either help you with your issue or redirect you to your local Social Security office.

If you have a general inquiry, you can mail your letter to the Social Security’s Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support at the following address: 1100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235.

How do I send documents to Social Security by mail?

When applying for Social Security retirement benefits, you will be required to provide various types of documents to support your application. Social Security will indicate the Social Security address where you should mail the documents.

When mailing your documents, remember to note down your SSN on a piece of paper and include it alongside your documents in the mailing envelope. You won’t need to write the SSN on the original documents.

If you prefer not to mail the original documents, you can take the documents to your local Social Security office. The Social Security representatives will examine the documents and return them to you on the same day.

Who do I mail my Social Security card application to?

You can apply for a Social Security card either online or by mailing your application. If you prefer a mailed application, you will need to fill out and print the Social Security card application form, and mail the completed form to Social Security. You can mail the completed form to any Social Security field office or Social Security Card Center in your area.

When sending the application form for a new Social Security Card, you will be required to provide certain types of documents with your application. The required documents include proof of age, proof of identity, proof of US Citizenship, etc. Social Security only accepts the original documents or copies certified by the issuing entity.

Once Social Security receives your documents, it will process your application and return the evidence you provided. Typically, it can take 7 to 10 days for Social Security to process online applications and 2 to 4 weeks for mail-in applications.