Kathleen Casey-Kirschling, a retired teacher from Maryland applied online for her benefits during a ceremony with Social Security Administration Commissioner Michael J. Astrue. Born in Philadelphia one second past midnight Jan. 1, 1946, the federal government considers her the first baby boomer in the nation.

“I know how important Social Security benefits are to Americans of all walks of life,” Astrue said in a SSA news release. “Today, Kathy has reached a personal milestone -- she has made the transition from the workforce to retirement.”

Casey-Kirschling, as the first boomer, leads what is called America’s silver tsunami, the agency said. SSA officials said nearly 80 million Americans -- more than 10,000 per day -- will become eligible for Social Security benefits over the next two decades.

“Filing for Social Security benefits online is easy and convenient,” said Ms. Casey-Kirschling. “I urge my fellow baby boomers to give Social Security’s online services a try."