Can't find where to sign my Social Security application online at age 70 - stuck after 'save'

I had a similar issue last year. Try going back to MySocialSecurity account homepage and check the 'pending applications' section - sometimes it saves there and you can continue. Also check your email, they might have sent you a link to complete it.

The online application should have a 'Review and Submit' section at the end with a box where you check that you agree the information is correct (this serves as your electronic signature). If you don't see that, you likely haven't completed all required sections. Try logging back in and looking for any sections marked incomplete or with red asterisks. Also, at age 70, you should request 6 months of retroactive benefits since that's the maximum allowed. Make sure that section is completed too.

did u try using a different browser?? sometimes the ssa website doesnt work right with older versions. try chrome or edge instead of explorer. also check if u have popups blocked, sometimes the signature box is a popup and gets blocked

This happens more often than you'd think. The SSA online system has several technical issues - especially with the final submission step. You have a few options: 1. Try logging out completely, clear your browser cache/cookies, then log back in 2. Look for the 'My Applications' or 'Check Status' section to resume 3. Start a new application (not ideal but sometimes necessary) Also, since you're 70, make sure you specifically request retroactive benefits for the maximum 6 months. That's going to be a substantial amount of money you don't want to miss out on.

I was in the EXACT same situation last month trying to help my mom apply. After hours of frustration and getting nowhere on the phone, I found a service called Claimyr that got us through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. The agent was able to check the system and confirm her application was actually submitted despite the confusing interface. You might want to check out their video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU to see how it works. The website is claimyr.com if you want to try it - it saved us so much frustration.

THE SSA WEBSITE IS A JOKE!!!!!! I tried FOUR TIMES to apply online and kept having problems. First it was the signature thing like you mentioned, then it was some error about my work history dates, then something else!! WASTED HOURS OF MY LIFE I'll never get back!! I finally just had my daughter drive me to the office and did it in person in 45 minutes. The government needs to hire some actual tech people who know how to make a website from THIS CENTURY!!!

If you've tried all the technical fixes and still can't complete the application, you have two remaining options since you mentioned you can't visit an office: 1. Schedule a phone appointment: Call 1-800-772-1213 early in the morning (right when they open) and specifically request a scheduled callback to complete your application by phone. 2. Use the mail option: You can request a paper application be mailed to you by calling the same number. This isn't ideal but works if all else fails. Don't give up - especially at age 70 when you're entitled to maximum benefits plus 6 months retroactive payments.

Try going to this direct link: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib. I had to restart my application this way and it worked. The regular MySocialSecurity portal sometimes glitches on the final steps. When you get to the signature part, it's actually just a checkbox saying you agree everything is true - not an actual signature line like you might expect.

did u figure this out yet? i'm curious cuz ill need to help my dad apply next year

Congratulations on getting your application submitted! That's such a relief after all that frustration. Your experience is really helpful for others who might face similar issues. The SSA website definitely needs some serious updates - it's frustrating that something so important can be so difficult to navigate, especially for people who have vision issues or aren't as tech-savvy. For anyone else reading this thread, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Use a modern browser like Chrome, 2) Make sure pop-ups aren't blocked, 3) Clear cache/cookies if you get stuck, 4) Try the direct iClaim link, and 5) Look carefully for that electronic signature checkbox rather than expecting a traditional signature box. Hope you start receiving your benefits soon - you've definitely earned them after working so long!

As someone who works in IT and has helped several family members navigate government websites, I want to echo what others have said about browser compatibility being crucial. The SSA system was built years ago and doesn't always play well with mobile devices or older browsers. One additional tip that hasn't been mentioned: if you're still having issues, try using an incognito/private browsing window. Sometimes stored cookies or cached data from previous sessions can interfere with the application process. Also, make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings - many government sites rely heavily on it for form functionality. It's really unfortunate that people nearing or past retirement age have to deal with these technical hurdles when trying to access benefits they've paid into their entire working lives. The fact that you persisted and got it submitted is admirable - many people would have given up!

I'm glad to see you finally got your application submitted! Your experience really highlights how challenging these government websites can be, especially for people who aren't expecting all these technical hurdles when they're just trying to access benefits they've rightfully earned. One thing I wanted to add that might help future applicants - if you run into similar issues, you can also try contacting your local congressional representative's office. They often have staff who specialize in helping constituents navigate federal agency problems, including SSA issues. They can sometimes expedite cases or help cut through bureaucratic delays when the normal channels aren't working. Also, since you mentioned you're 70 and dealing with vision problems, you might want to look into whether you qualify for any additional accessibility services from SSA. They're supposed to provide accommodations for people with disabilities, which could include alternative ways to complete applications or access services without having to struggle with problematic websites. Congratulations on persevering through all that frustration - it's not easy, but you did it!

What a journey you've been on! I'm so glad to see that you finally got your application submitted successfully. Your persistence really paid off, and it's inspiring to see how you didn't give up despite all the technical frustrations. As a newcomer to this community, I'm struck by how helpful everyone has been with practical solutions. This thread has become like a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for SSA online applications! The combination of browser compatibility issues, the confusing "electronic signature" checkbox (instead of an actual signature box), and the various workarounds really shows how much collective knowledge exists here. Your story also highlights a bigger issue - how these essential government services should be more accessible and user-friendly, especially for people dealing with vision issues or other challenges. It shouldn't take this much technical detective work just to apply for benefits you've earned through decades of work. I hope your benefits start flowing soon and that those retroactive payments come through quickly. You've definitely earned them after all this effort! Thanks for sharing your experience - it's going to help so many other people who encounter similar problems.

As someone new to this community, I'm really amazed by how this thread has evolved into such a comprehensive resource for dealing with SSA online application issues! Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly valuable. I wanted to add one more potential workaround that helped my aunt recently - if you're still having browser compatibility issues, sometimes using your public library's computers can work better than home devices. Most libraries have updated browsers and IT staff who can help if you get stuck. Plus, librarians are often surprisingly knowledgeable about helping people navigate government websites since they deal with these questions frequently. It's honestly shocking that in 2025, applying for benefits you've earned through a lifetime of work requires this level of technical troubleshooting. The fact that you had to become an IT detective just to submit your application really highlights how much these government systems need to be modernized and made more accessible. Congratulations on finally getting your application through - your persistence is inspiring! This thread is going to be so helpful for other people facing similar challenges. Thank you for sharing your experience and helping create this valuable resource for the community.

As someone who just joined this community, I'm really impressed by how everyone came together to help solve this problem! This thread has become an incredible resource that I'm definitely bookmarking for when my parents need to apply for their benefits. It's frustrating that something as basic as applying for Social Security - benefits you've paid into your entire working life - requires this level of technical troubleshooting. The fact that you had to figure out browser compatibility issues, cache clearing, and hunt for a hidden checkbox just to submit your application really shows how much these government systems need updating. But what's amazing is how this community stepped up with practical solutions. From the direct iClaim link to the browser compatibility tips to suggestions about using library computers - there's so much valuable knowledge here that SSA should honestly just link to this thread from their help page! Congratulations on getting your application submitted and those retroactive benefits secured. Your persistence through all that frustration is really admirable, and sharing your experience is going to help so many other people who face similar challenges. Thank you for turning a frustrating situation into a learning opportunity for the whole community!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really struck by how this thread has become such an incredible resource for anyone dealing with SSA online application issues! Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been so educational. What really stands out to me is how this situation perfectly illustrates the challenges that government digital services create, especially for people who may not be as tech-savvy or who have accessibility needs. The idea that you need to be a browser troubleshooting expert just to apply for benefits you've earned through decades of work is honestly pretty problematic. But what's amazing is seeing how this community came together with practical, real-world solutions. From browser compatibility fixes to the direct iClaim link, from library computer suggestions to congressional representative contacts - there's more useful information in this thread than I've seen on any official government help page! Your persistence through all that frustration is really admirable, and I'm so glad you finally got your application submitted and those retroactive benefits secured. Thanks for sharing your experience and creating what has essentially become a masterclass in navigating SSA's technical challenges. This is definitely going on my bookmark list for future reference!

As someone who just joined this community, I'm absolutely amazed by how this thread has evolved into such a comprehensive resource! Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly valuable - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes such a difference when dealing with frustrating government systems. What really strikes me is how your persistence paid off and how the collective wisdom here helped solve what seemed like an impossible problem. The combination of technical solutions (browser compatibility, cache clearing, incognito mode), alternative approaches (library computers, congressional representatives), and the direct iClaim link created such a thorough troubleshooting guide. It's honestly shocking that accessing benefits you've earned through decades of work requires this level of technical detective work, but I'm so grateful that communities like this exist where people share real, actionable solutions. Your story is going to help countless others who face similar challenges - this thread should honestly be pinned as a reference guide for SSA application issues! Congratulations on getting your application submitted and securing those retroactive benefits. Your willingness to share the struggle and the solutions is going to make such a difference for other community members facing similar challenges. Thank you for creating what has essentially become a masterclass in navigating government website issues!

As someone who just discovered this community, I'm really impressed by how this thread has become such an incredibly helpful resource! Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been like taking a masterclass in navigating government website issues. What strikes me most is how your initial frustration with the SSA website turned into this amazing collaborative problem-solving effort. The combination of technical fixes (browser compatibility, cache clearing, the direct iClaim link), creative alternatives (library computers, congressional representatives), and persistent troubleshooting created such a comprehensive guide that honestly should be featured on SSA's own help pages! It's really concerning that in 2025, applying for benefits you've rightfully earned through decades of work requires this level of technical expertise and community crowdsourcing. But I'm so grateful that supportive communities like this exist where people share real, actionable solutions that actually work. Your persistence through all that frustration is truly admirable, and I'm thrilled that you finally got your application submitted and secured those important retroactive benefits. Thank you for sharing your journey and creating what has essentially become the definitive guide for SSA online application troubleshooting. This thread is definitely getting bookmarked - it's going to help so many people facing similar challenges! Congratulations on navigating through that bureaucratic maze and claiming what you've earned!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely fascinated by how this thread has evolved into such a comprehensive resource for SSA application issues! Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly eye-opening - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating complex government systems so much more manageable. What really stands out to me is how your initial technical nightmare with that elusive signature box transformed into this amazing collaborative problem-solving effort. The range of solutions everyone contributed - from browser compatibility fixes and cache clearing to the brilliant library computer suggestion and congressional representative contacts - has created what's essentially the most useful SSA troubleshooting guide I've ever encountered! It's honestly disheartening that in 2025, accessing benefits you've rightfully earned through decades of hard work requires this level of technical detective work and community crowdsourcing. But seeing how everyone rallied around your situation with practical, real-world solutions really demonstrates the incredible value of supportive communities like this one. Your persistence through all that frustration is truly inspiring, and I'm so thrilled that you finally got your application submitted and secured those crucial retroactive benefits. Thank you for sharing your journey and helping create what has become an invaluable resource that's going to help countless others facing similar challenges. This thread is definitely going straight to my bookmarks - it's going to be a lifesaver when I help my own family members navigate these systems! Congratulations on successfully claiming what you've earned after all that hard work!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely amazed by how this thread has become such an incredible resource! Reading through everyone's journey from that initial frustrating signature box issue to the final successful submission has been both educational and inspiring. What really strikes me is how this demonstrates the importance of community support when dealing with complex government systems. The collective troubleshooting effort here - from browser compatibility solutions to the direct iClaim link, from library computer suggestions to congressional representative contacts - has created a more comprehensive guide than any official help documentation I've seen. It's honestly frustrating that in 2025, accessing benefits you've earned through decades of work requires this level of technical problem-solving, but seeing how everyone shared their knowledge and experiences gives me so much confidence about navigating these challenges myself when the time comes. Your persistence through all those technical hurdles, especially dealing with vision problems and outdated devices, is truly admirable. And congratulations on finally getting your application submitted and securing those important retroactive benefits - you definitely earned them! This thread is getting bookmarked immediately - it's going to be invaluable for anyone facing similar SSA application challenges. Thank you for sharing your experience and helping create what's essentially become the unofficial SSA troubleshooting masterclass!

As someone who just joined this community, I'm truly amazed by how this thread has transformed from one person's technical frustration into such a comprehensive resource for SSA application issues! Reading through your entire journey and all the community solutions has been incredibly valuable. What really impresses me is how your persistence paid off despite facing multiple barriers - the confusing website interface, vision challenges, and outdated technology. The fact that the "electronic signature" turned out to be just a checkbox rather than an actual signature field really highlights how poorly designed these government systems can be for users who aren't expecting such unintuitive interfaces. The collective wisdom shared here is remarkable - from browser compatibility fixes and cache clearing to the brilliant suggestions about library computers and congressional representative assistance. This thread has essentially become more useful than any official SSA help documentation! It's encouraging to see that you finally got your application submitted and secured those retroactive benefits. Your willingness to share both the struggles and solutions is going to help so many other community members who face similar challenges. Thank you for creating what's become an essential troubleshooting guide that I'm definitely bookmarking for future reference! Congratulations on successfully navigating through all those technical hurdles to claim the benefits you've rightfully earned through decades of hard work!