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how can i apply for social security retirement benefits

by Berta Koch I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How long does it take to get Social Security after you apply?

Once you have applied, it could take up to three months to receive your first benefit payment. Social Security benefits are paid monthly, starting in the month after the birthday at which you attain full retirement age (which is currently 66 and will gradually rise to 67 over the next several years).

Is it better to apply for Social Security online or in person?

Applying online is the easiest way to complete your application at a time that works for you, without a trip to the Social Security office.

What are the requirements to receive Social Security retirement benefits?

You can receive Social Security benefits based on your earnings record if you are age 62 or older, or disabled or blind and have enough work credits. Family members who qualify for benefits on your work record do not need work credits.

How many months in advance should I apply for Social Security?

four monthsYou can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December, and apply in August. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?

The short answer is yes. Retirees who begin collecting Social Security at 62 instead of at the full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later) can expect their monthly benefits to be 30% lower. So, delaying claiming until 67 will result in a larger monthly check.

What is the average Social Security benefit at age 62?

At age 62: $2,364. At age 65: $2,993. At age 66: $3,240. At age 70: $4,194.

Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?

Can You Collect Social Security at 62 and Still Work? You can collect Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 and still work. If you earn over a certain amount, however, your benefits will be temporarily reduced until you reach full retirement age.

What is the best age to retire?

When asked when they plan to retire, most people say between 65 and 67. But according to a Gallup survey the average age that people actually retire is 61.

Can you be denied Social Security retirement benefits?

If you were denied Social Security disability benefits, the most likely reasons for the denial are: You make more than $940 a month. If you make too much money, you will be denied disability benefits outright. Your disability will not last at least 12 months.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

At 65 to 67, depending on the year of your birth, you are at full retirement age and can get full Social Security retirement benefits tax-free.

Do you pay taxes on Social Security?

Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. However, no one pays taxes on more than 85% percent of their Social Security benefits. You must pay taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000.

How soon after your birthday do you get your first Social Security check?

Social Security benefits are not prorated. They start the month following the birthday. The schedule, according to AARP, follows this rule: When the birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, the payment is issued on the second Wednesday of the month following the birthday month.

Ways to Apply

You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.

Retirement or Spouse's Benefits

You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.

Disability Benefits

You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.

Appeal a Disability Decision

If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.

Medicare Benefits

You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs

You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:

When Can You File for Social Security?

The earliest when you can apply for Social Security benefits is at age 61 and nine months, and you can expect to receive your first payment four months later—the month after your birthday. 1 Typically, Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due or must be specified. For example, the Social Security website states that an individual who wants their benefits to start in May will receive their first benefit check in June. 2

How to check status of Social Security application?

Once you have completed your application and supplied all requested information, you are given a receipt for your records and a confirmation number that you can use to check the status of your application online after submission. You can also follow up over the phone or in person at your local Social Security office. 8 Depending on your situation and what documentation may be required, your application may be approved within the same month when you apply.

What is the youngest age to apply for Social Security?

For Social Security income, the youngest age when you can apply is 61 years and nine months old .

How long does it take to get a Medicare check?

The application itself takes about 10 to 30 minutes and can be saved at any point for future completion. In addition, this application can also be used to apply for Medicare. 6. It is generally recommended that you apply a few months in advance of when you would like to start receiving the checks.

When do you get your first paycheck at 62?

For example, if you turn 62 on Dec. 15, then your first full month of eligibility is January, and your payment for that month will arrive in February. If you have already reached age 62 and met all other eligibility criteria, then you may begin collecting benefits in the same month when you apply if you specify, although your first payment still would not arrive until the following month.

When will Social Security payments arrive?

This means that if you turn 62 on Dec. 15, then your first payment will arrive on the third Wednesday of the following February. If your birthday is Dec. 15 and you are already over age 62, then your first payment should arrive on the third Wednesday of the month following the month when you apply. If you’re already on Social Security or receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, then you may receive them on a different date.

When do you get your Social Security check?

The earliest you can apply for Social Security benefits is at age 61 and nine months, and you can expect to receive your first payment four months later—the month after your birthday. 1 Typically, Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due, or must be specified.

Where does the money you pay go when you get Social Security?

We use your taxes to pay people who are getting benefits right now. Any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund that pays monthly benefits to you and your family when you start receiving retirement benefits.

How does Social Security work?

How Retirement Benefits Work. Social Security replaces a percentage of your pre-retirement income based on their lifetime earnings. The portion of your pre-retirement wages that Social Security replaces is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and varies depending on how much you earn and when you choose to start benefits .

What is the full retirement age?

Full retirement age is the age when you can start receiving your full retirement benefit amount. The full retirement age is 66 if you were born from 1943 to 1954. The full retirement age increases gradually if you were born from 1955 to 1960, until it reaches 67. For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.

What are the factors that affect retirement benefits?

Beyond deciding when to begin receiving retirement benefits, other factors that can affect your benefits include whether you continue to work, what type of job you had, and if you have a pension from certain jobs.

How to know what you will get in retirement?

If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount or you can use our online Retirement Estimator at www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.

How many credits do you need to get Social Security?

The number of credits you need to get retirement benefits depends on when you were born. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits (usually, this is 10 years of work).

What is the best way to retire?

Planning For Retirement. Planning is the key to creating your best retirement. You’ll need to plan and save for years to achieve your retirement goals. While many factors affect retirement planning, we want you to understand what Social Security can mean to you and your family’s financial future.

What do you do if you are entitled to railroad benefits?

If you are also entitled to railroad or veterans benefits, you should check with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about how your withdrawal affects those benefits. The RRB and the VA make their own determinations and are responsible for their own programs.

What to know before withdrawing your retirement?

There are a few things to know before deciding to withdraw your application. Anyone else who receives benefits based on your application must consent in writing to the withdrawal. You must repay all the benefits you and your family received from your retirement application. This includes:

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