In the US, the social security number of any person is a number made up of nine-digits, and issued to permanent residents, temporary working residents, and U.S. citizens. Chances are that you're aware of just how important your social security number can be. You need it to collect social security benefits, and even to get a job. However, few people are aware that they can access various features with their social security online login by simply visiting the government site.

Here's what you can do with your social security online login.

Find Out What You Can Qualify for and Appeal Decisions

The online website for social security provides plenty of helpful information designed to screen people and identify the various social security programs they may be eligible for. In other words, people can use their online login to find out whether they could benefit more from help through the government. What's more, if you're currently working towards retirement, the online retirement estimator will offer an estimate of the benefits you'll be able to receive in the future as a result of your earnings record.

If you apply for certain benefits and are rejected, your online account will provide you with the resources that you need to appeal a recent decision about medical or disability claims.

Apply for Benefits, Statements, or a Replacement Card

With your social security online login, you can use your own personal account to safely and securely request a replacement social security card, so long as you meet particular requirements. This can be particularly useful if you've lost your card, or you're concerned that it may have been compromised. It is also possible to view your social security statement at any time from the comfort of your own home.

At the same time, you can use your social security number to apply for various benefits that you may not have been aware you had access to, and even save applications so that you can return to them at a later date. Once your application has gone through the online system, your profile will contain a link that will allow you to check the status of that application at any given time. Some of the benefits that you can apply for with your social security online login include: retirement or spouse benefits, disability, Medicare, and social security Income. Through the website, you can even obtain a benefit verification letter for instances wherein you need proof that you applied for benefits, but haven't received an answer in the post yet.

Other Services

The number of services available online for social security are extensive. You can do everything from figuring out your full retirement age, to viewing benefit planners as a way of calculating your survivors, disability, and retirement benefits that may be available in the future.

In fact, you can even choose to block automated and online telephone access to information that is kept about you. In some situations, this can be the perfect way to fight back against an instance of identity theft or domestic violence.