Is applying for Social Security online better than going to an SSA office? Need pros/cons

I applied online last year and it was actually pretty smooth. The whole process took me about 45 minutes and I was able to save my progress along the way. For someone with your situation (potential WEP/GPO issues with the state government work), the online system walks you through everything step by step. Make sure you have your divorce decree handy since you mentioned being divorced after a marriage of over 10 years - you might qualify for spousal benefits if that would be higher than your own retirement benefit. The online system will ask all the relevant questions about your marriage history.

did mine online took 20 min tops, but didnt have complicated stuff like yours. maybe call first to ask? website kept timing me out when i tried to log in last week to check something tho

I TRIED the online application 3 TIMES and kept getting errors!!! Eventually had to go to the office anyway and waited 2.5 hours just to be seen. The so-called "appointments" they offer are a JOKE - they schedule you for 9:15am and don't see you until 11:00am. Total waste of time. The people at my office didn't even know the answer about how my federal pension affected my SS benefits and had to call someone else. The whole system is broken!!!

I just applied last month! Started online but got confused about some questions regarding my work history. Was getting really anxious about making a mistake, so I decided to just get help. Tried calling the 800 number for DAYS and couldn't get through - just endless busy signals or being on hold forever only to get disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person at SSA. It worked amazingly well - they called me back when a representative was available so I didn't have to sit on hold. The agent walked me through finishing my application over the phone. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU With your situation having the state government pension and divorce situation, I'd definitely recommend getting actual help from an SSA agent rather than guessing on the complicated questions.

Having worked with Social Security rules for many years, I'll offer this guidance: 1. With your specific situation (non-covered government earnings and divorce after 10+ years), I would recommend a hybrid approach. Start your application online to get the basic information entered, but then schedule a phone or in-person appointment to finalize it. 2. The Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) calculations can be complex, and it's helpful to have an agent review your specific situation to ensure these are calculated correctly. 3. For the divorce situation, since you were married more than 10 years, you might be eligible for spousal benefits on your ex's record if that would be higher than your own retirement benefit. An agent can help compare these amounts. 4. If you start online, you'll want to gather these documents before beginning: - Your state pension information showing non-covered earnings periods - Marriage and divorce certificates - Recent tax returns - Birth certificate - Social Security card - Bank account information for direct deposit The optimal strategy is to start online but get agent assistance for the complex parts of your situation.

My sister applied online and had no problems but then my brother went to the office in person and he said that was better because they found out he could get more money some way he didn't know about online so maybe in person is better? But they do make you wait a long time I went with him and we were there for like 3 hours.

I did mine online in 2023 and then wished I'd gone in person! Found out later I could have filed a restricted application for spousal benefits first (I'm at FRA but not 70 yet) and then switched to my own higher benefit later. The online system doesn't really explain all your options or help you maximize your benefits. With your government pension and divorce situation, you definitely need personalized advice.

Whatever you do, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! Take screenshots of your online application, get the names of any SSA employees you talk to, and keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. They lost my birth certificate twice and then had the nerve to tell me I never submitted it!

Thanks everyone for the amazing advice! I think I'll follow the hybrid approach - start online to get the basic information entered but then get help from an agent for the complicated WEP/GPO stuff and to make sure I'm not missing out on any benefits from my ex-spouse's record. Really appreciate all your experiences and suggestions!