Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, and Patty Duke, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy winning actress, Tuesday unveiled Social Security’s new online retirement application and launched the agency’s Retire Online campaign.

Featuring cousins Patty and Cathy Lane from the hit 1960’s sitcom, “The Patty Duke Show,” the campaign will let Americans know that it’s now easier than ever to retire online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

“Social Security’s new online retirement application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes from the comfort of your home or office,” Commissioner Astrue said. “Filing online means there’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. I’m thrilled that Patty Duke has volunteered to help us promote retiring online.”

“Like millions of other baby boomers, I like to spend time with my grandchildren, travel or just relax with a good book. And I love the convenience of doing things online,” Ms. Duke said. “Social Security has made applying for retirement benefits online easier than ever before.”

To apply, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and click on “Applying Online for Retirement Benefits.” You will be asked a brief series of questions about you and your work.

Need to look up some information?

You don’t have to complete the application in one sitting. You can stop and restart the application without losing any of the information entered.

Have a question?

There are convenient “more info” links that you can click on to get an answer.

And when you’re done, just click the “Sign Now” button to submit the application. There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required.

If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you.