Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are encouraged to visit Social Security's website at www.socialsecurity.gov to file for benefits or to find information about a wide range of Social Security topics.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing also can call Social Security at its TTY number, 1- 800-325-0778. They can ask for information, or can immediately file for retirement, survivors and Medicare benefits without an appointment using a TTY/TDD machine. This service is available from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Callers applying for benefits should have certain documents in hand, such as their birth certificate, most recent W-2, military service and bank account information.
The paperwork completed by TTY/TDD during the initial contact will be mailed to the applicant for review and a signature. The applicant may return the printed claim by mail or in person to his or her local Social Security office. Along with the signed form, Social Security also needs certain documents, such as a person's birth certificate and proof of citizenship or residency to establish eligibility for Social Security benefits. An applicant can either mail or take these items to a local Social Security office.
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