Online service now offered by Social Security

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000 | 10:51 a.m.

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Customers can now apply for Social Security retirement benefits online at SSA's Internet site, www.ssa.gov

People seeking their Social Security retirement benefits may now go online to apply.

Deputy Administrator William Halter, the Social Security Administration's No. 2 man, recently visited Las Vegas to promote the online service.

A wave of 76 million baby boomers are now moving into retirement age, and an estimated 14 million of them are online. That number is expected to double in the next few years.

"Giving our customers more opportunities to conduct business over the Internet will reduce costs and make our services more accessible to the public," Halter said.

He said privacy is "guaranteed" through sophisticated encryption technology of the online application. Applicants will still have to print a copy of their completed application, sign it, and send it or bring it to the Social Security Administration.

Individuals must meet certain conditions in order to take advantage of the Internet retirement benefit application. For example, they must be at least 61 years and 9 months or older and plan to start receiving retirement benefits within four months.

People can still go into a Social Security office to apply for retirement benefits, or they can call the administration to apply or get more information at (800) 772-1213.

"We recognize that the Internet is not for everyone," Halter said. "We'll always be there for our customers who wish to be served on the telephone or face to face in our offices."