Can't find spousal benefits application online after creating SS account - where is it?

The spousal application isn't always visible to everyone in the online portal. It depends on your specific situation. Since you mentioned not having enough work credits of your own, you'll need to apply through the regular retirement application process. When you start the application, there should be a question about whether you want to apply for benefits on someone else's record - that's where you indicate you're applying for spousal benefits. If you don't see the option to start an application at all on your mySocialSecurity homepage (usually a button that says "Apply for Benefits"), then you'll unfortunately need to call or visit your local office.

I had the same issue last month! Thought I was going crazy because everyone kept saying "just apply online" but there was no application link anywhere. Turns out my husband needed to add me as a spouse on his account first before I could apply online for spousal benefits.

I work for a senior center and help people with this all the time. Here's the actual process: 1. You need to go to SSA.gov (not directly to mySocialSecurity) 2. Click on "Retirement" under the Benefits menu 3. Then select "Apply for Retirement Benefits" 4. From there, you'll be prompted to log in with your mySocialSecurity account 5. During the application, you'll indicate you're applying for spousal benefits The "Apply for Benefits" button isn't always on your mySocialSecurity dashboard, especially if the system doesn't think you're eligible yet based on your age or other factors. Going through the main SSA.gov site often works better.

i tried applying for spousal benefits online 3 times!!!! the website kept crashing and losing all my information!!!! FINALLY just gave up and called SSA directly. took 3 WEEKS of calling everyday to get through. then they told me for MY situation i couldn't even apply online anyway and had to do a phone interview!!!! wasted all that time for nothing!!!! so frustrating how they make everything so difficult!!!!!

I had success using Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone at SSA about my spousal benefits application. After trying to call for days and never getting through, I used their service at claimyr.com and they got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me from having to go to the office in person, which is an hour drive for me. The agent I spoke with confirmed that certain types of spousal applications can't be completed online depending on your specific circumstances.

my neighbor had same problem tried for HOURS looking for the right button on website. nothing was there!!!

Everyone here is giving different advice because the SSA system works differently based on your individual circumstances. The primary factors that determine whether you can apply for spousal benefits online are: 1. Your age (if you're under FRA and applying for reduced benefits) 2. Whether you've ever filed for benefits on your own record before 3. Whether your spouse claimed benefits on their own record or a different record 4. If you have non-covered pension income (WEP/GPO situations) If ANY of these apply to your situation, you likely won't see the online application option. The safest approach is to call the national number and ask specifically about your situation. Yes, the wait is frustrating, but speaking with an agent is the only way to know for sure what application method is available to you.

Did you check both the "Benefits" and "Plan" sections on your dashboard? Sometimes the application link is under "Plan" which is confusing.

After reading through this thread, it sounds like you'll need to call. Since you're under FRA and applying for reduced spousal benefits, that's likely why you don't have the online option. When you do call, make sure you have: your spouse's SSN, your marriage certificate (or at least the date), and information about any previous marriages for either of you. This will speed up the application process once you get through.

I went through this exact same frustration last year! The SSA website is so confusing about this. What worked for me was calling the national number (1-800-772-1213) first thing Monday morning at exactly 8 AM when they open. I got through on my third try that way. The agent explained that because I was applying for spousal benefits before my full retirement age, I couldn't use the online system - it has to be done over the phone or in person. She walked me through the entire application during that call, which took about 45 minutes. Have your marriage certificate date, your spouse's SSN, and any previous marriage info ready. The agent was actually very helpful once I got through. Don't give up!

I had a similar issue when I tried to apply for spousal benefits online last month. After spending hours searching through my mySocialSecurity account with no luck, I finally called the SSA office. The representative explained that the online application system has specific eligibility requirements, and in many cases involving spousal benefits - especially when you're under full retirement age or have limited work history - you have to apply by phone or in person. It's frustrating because the website doesn't clearly explain this limitation upfront. I ended up completing my application over the phone, which actually went more smoothly than I expected once I got through to someone. The whole process took about 30 minutes and my benefits were approved within a few weeks. Don't feel bad about having to call - it's more common than you think!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Created my mySocialSecurity account last week and have been searching everywhere for the spousal benefits application with no luck. Reading through everyone's responses here has been incredibly helpful - it sounds like because I'm 62 and looking to apply for reduced spousal benefits (my husband started collecting last year), the online option just isn't available to me. It's so frustrating that the SSA website doesn't clearly explain this limitation upfront. I was starting to think I was missing something obvious! Now I know I need to bite the bullet and call. Going to try the Monday morning at 8 AM strategy that several people mentioned. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this confusion!

I'm having the exact same problem! Just created my mySocialSecurity account this week and there's absolutely no "Apply for Benefits" button anywhere on my dashboard. I've been searching for hours thinking I was missing something obvious. Reading through all these responses has been so enlightening - it sounds like the system just doesn't allow online applications for certain spousal benefit situations, especially when you're under full retirement age like many of us are. It's really frustrating that SSA doesn't make this clear upfront on their website. You'd think they'd have a simple notice saying "If you don't see an application option, here's why and what to do instead." I'm going to try calling Monday morning right at 8 AM like others have suggested. At least now I know I'm not going crazy and this is a common issue!

I'm going through this exact same frustrating experience right now! Just turned 64 and finally got my mySocialSecurity account set up after multiple verification attempts, but like everyone else here, I can't find any way to actually apply for spousal benefits online. My husband has been collecting his retirement for about 8 months now, and I have very limited work credits from years of part-time work. Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - I was starting to think I was completely missing something obvious! It's really poor design that SSA doesn't clearly explain upfront when online applications aren't available. Based on what everyone is saying about being under full retirement age, that's definitely why I don't see the application option. I'm going to try the Monday morning 8 AM calling strategy that multiple people have recommended. It's frustrating to have to call after being told you can "easily apply online," but at least now I know this is a common issue and not just me being technologically challenged!

I'm experiencing this exact same issue! Just turned 63 last month and finally got my mySocialSecurity account set up after weeks of trying. Like everyone else here, there's absolutely no "Apply for Benefits" button anywhere on my dashboard - just account info, calculators, and messaging. My husband started collecting his retirement benefits 6 months ago and I've been trying to apply for spousal benefits since I only have about 8 years of work credits from part-time employment. Reading through all these responses has been such an eye-opener - it's clear that the SSA system simply doesn't allow online applications for spousal benefits when you're under full retirement age, but they do absolutely nothing to explain this upfront! I've wasted hours searching through every menu and section thinking I was missing something obvious. The website design is truly terrible in this regard - they should have a clear notice explaining when online applications aren't available instead of leaving us all confused and frustrated. I'm definitely going to try the Monday morning 8 AM calling strategy that so many people have recommended. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it's such a relief to know this is a widespread issue and not just user error!

I'm in the exact same boat! Just turned 62 and created my mySocialSecurity account last week after multiple verification attempts. Like everyone else here, there's no "Apply for Benefits" button anywhere on my dashboard - just calculators and account info. My husband started collecting his retirement benefits about 4 months ago, and I've been trying to figure out how to apply for spousal benefits since I only worked part-time for about 10 years and don't have enough credits for my own retirement. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - it's clear that being under full retirement age is why we can't apply online, but SSA does a terrible job of explaining this upfront! I was starting to think I was technologically incompetent. The website should absolutely have a notice explaining when online applications aren't available instead of leaving us all confused. I'm going to try the Monday morning 8 AM calling strategy that so many people have recommended. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread has been more informative than hours of searching the SSA website!

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating situation! Just turned 61 and set up my mySocialSecurity account last week, but like everyone else here, there's absolutely no application button anywhere. My husband has been receiving his retirement benefits for about a year now, and I need to apply for spousal benefits since I only worked sporadically and don't have enough work credits. Reading through all these responses has been such a huge help - it's clear that the SSA system just doesn't allow online applications for spousal benefits when you're under full retirement age, but they do absolutely nothing to warn you about this! I've been searching through every menu thinking I was missing something obvious. The website design is really poor in this regard - they should have a clear notice upfront explaining when you need to call instead. I'm definitely going to try that Monday morning 8 AM strategy everyone keeps mentioning. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this thread has been way more helpful than the actual SSA website!