Baby boomers, members of a generation born between 1946 and 1964, are now approaching retirement age, and will soon flood the Social Security Administration with applications.

“Over the next two decades, nearly 80 million baby boomers will become eligible for Social Security benefits. And that’s about 10,000 each day for the next 20 years,” said Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue.

In order to deal with the influx of applicants, the Social Security Administration has moved the process on to its website, where retirees can sign up for Social Security payments and Medicare.

“There's no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. Once the online application is completed, that's it,” said Astrue. “There are no other paper forms to sign and usually no additional documentation required. If we need more information, we will call you.

Over 25,000 people have already used the application since the website’s soft launch in late December. While the new Social Security spokeswoman, iconic baby boomer actress Patty Duke, has not filed yet, she says she is looking forward to the benefits.

“I'm from the generation where we're very proud to say we paid into that all these years. Well, it's nice to know that there really is something there for us and solvent until 2041,” said Duke.

People can also still register in the offices.

“If you're not comfortable with online services there'll be a warm friendly person there to help you through the process,” said Astrue.

But for the 15-minute online registration, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

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