Ask Larry

How Can I Safely Fix It If I Started To Complete The Wrong Online Application?

Yesterday I began filling out the incorrect application for benefits form. I needed to do the retirement application for benefits and mistakenly began the disability application. I DID NOT SIGN AND SUBMIT IT!! When I return to complete the correct one the system takes me to the unsubmitted disability one. How can I safely fix this? After being on hold for an hour the SSA rep did not know what to do. I'm afraid to do anything for fear it will mess things up. Help and TY!

Hi. Social Security doesn't allow anyone to view their online applications unless they are actually in the process of applying for benefits. Nor to the best of my knowledge does Social Security provide any detailed instructions or tutorials that would help a person troubleshoot in the event of a mistake. As a result, I don't have access to enough information for me to be able give you any definitive advice.

I don't think there's any way for you to delete the application you started, so if it's preventing you from accessing the correct application then the only way that you could apply for benefits now is by calling Social Security to make an appointment to apply by phone. I believe that you can simply abandon the online application you started without it doing any harm. The unfinished application should then eventually drop off of Social Security's system without any further action on your part.

By the way, since you're apparently planning to apply for benefits you may first want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 10 2022 - 3:22pm
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