Whenever you try to restart the application and you receive this message, it could be for one of several reasons. They are:

• You have made a typing error when you typed the Social Security or Confirmation Number. Please try again and be very careful when you type these numbers.
• You typed the wrong Social Security number when you started the application (usually a typing error). Unless you know the Social Security number you entered on the application, you will be unable to restart it. If you do know the wrong Social Security number that was used, type that number for the restart and then change it to the correct number when you are presented with the Personal Identification page.
• You must wait at least 5 minutes after you quit the application before you can restart it.
• You actually completed, electronically signed and transmitted the application to Social Security (i.e., you selected the Send Now button on the Summary Page). Once the application has been sent, you cannot restart it.
• You are attempting to restart the application outside the available hours of operation. The application is available Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), Saturday (and Holidays) from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.

If none of these situations apply to you and you are still receiving this message, you may start a new application. However, you will have to re-enter all of the information previously entered on the prior application since none of it will be saved on the new one. You can start over again up to three times. If you attempt to start a new application a fourth time and receive the same message, call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 so that Social Security can assist you in applying for benefits over the phone or at a convenient Social Security office.  If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.