How to Apply for Extra Help
Applying for Extra Help is free and usually takes 10–30 minutes. You apply through the Social Security Administration, not through an insurance company, and you do not need to have a Part D plan first. Here are your three ways to apply and what to have ready.
Three ways to apply
- Online — the fastest option. Go to ssa.gov/extrahelpand complete the application on Social Security’s website.
- By phone — call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, to apply or to have an application mailed to you.
- On paper — complete the Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020) and mail it back. You can request it by phone or download it from ssa.gov.
What information you’ll need
Before you start, gather the following so you can answer the questions accurately:
- Your Medicare number (from your red, white, and blue Medicare card)
- An estimate of your income — and your spouse’s, if you are married and living together
- The value of your resources, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and any real estate other than your home
Social Security may verify these amounts, but you do not need to send documents with the application unless you are asked. To see the thresholds these figures are compared against, review the 2025 eligibility limits.
You can apply anytime
Unlike Part D enrollment, Extra Help has no annual deadline — you can apply in any month of the year. If you are approved, Social Security notifies you and your subsidy begins. Approval also gives you a continuous special enrollment period so you can pick or switch a Part D plan to use the benefit.
Automatic enrollment
You do not need to apply at all if you already have one of the following, because you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help:
- Full Medicaid coverage
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- A Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI)
Because a Medicare Savings Program leads to automatic Extra Help, it is often worth applying for both. Learn how they connect in Extra Help vs. Medicare Savings Programs. A licensed advisor can also help you check eligibility and complete your application at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Extra Help?
You apply for free through the Social Security Administration: online at ssa.gov/extrahelp, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by mailing the paper application (Form SSA-1020). You do not need a Part D plan first.
Is there a cost or a deadline to apply?
No. Applying is completely free, and you can apply at any time of year — there is no enrollment window for Extra Help itself. If you are approved, the subsidy starts the month you applied or are found eligible.
What information do I need to apply?
Have your Medicare number, an estimate of your income (and your spouse’s if married), and the value of your resources such as bank accounts and investments. Social Security may verify these figures.
Do I need to apply if I have Medicaid or SSI?
No. If you have full Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help and do not need to file a separate application.
Talk to a Licensed Medicare Advisor
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Get My Free ReviewThis information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Medicare rules, premiums, and income thresholds change annually — confirm current figures with Medicare.gov, the Social Security Administration, or a licensed advisor. HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. Last reviewed 2026-06-11 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL #G007269).