how can i claim social security benefits

^{You can:}

• Apply online (it should take about 15 minutes)
• By telephone — 1-800-772-1213
• In person at your local Social Security office — an appointment, made by phone, is required – 1-800-772-1213.

Full Answer

Can you collect Social Security if you never paid into it?

If you didn’t pay into the system, you can’t collect from it. Fortunately for many homemakers, that’s not how it works in all cases. Social Security has protections in place for spouses that raised children or otherwise didn’t pursue a career while their husbands (or wives) earned the household income.

How to claim your Social Security benefits wisely?

The age you claim will have a major impact on your retirement, so it's crucial to choose wisely.

1. Age 62 Sixty-two is the most popular age to begin claiming Social Security benefits, according to a report from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, with 48% ...
2. Your full retirement age Your full retirement age (FRA) is the age at which you'll collect 100% of the benefit amount you're entitled to. ...
3. Age 70

How long to process Social Security benefits?

How Long Does it Take to Receive Death Benefits?

• Life Insurance Proceeds. If the deceased had a life insurance policy, designated beneficiaries may be entitled to a payout. ...
• Social Security Death Benefit. ...
• Social Security Survivor Benefits. ...
• Applying for Social Security Benefits. ...

How to calculate your projected Social Security benefit?

• For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings up to $926, you’ll get 90 cents per month in benefits.
• For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings between $927 and $5,583 you’ll get $.32 cents per month in benefits.
• For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings beyond $5,583 you’ll get $.15 cents per month in benefits.

When can I claim my Social Security benefits?

age 62You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

Can I collect my own Social Security?

If you do have enough credits to qualify for your own Social Security benefits and you apply for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first.

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.

Apply for Retirement Benefits

Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when you’re ready to take that step. Our online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment.

Ready To Retire?

Before you apply, take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you’ll need to complete an application.

How to maximize Social Security?

Or, you might consider the following rules of thumb: 1 Take Early: The only people who should consider taking their Social Security early are those who absolutely need the money immediately, or those who do not expect to live for very long, due to illness 2 Take at Full Retirement Age: Should you have reason to believe that you will not live past the age of 80, then generally speaking you will maximize your social security benefits if you take them when you reach your Full Retirement Age. 3 Wait as Long as Possible: On the other hand, if you are confident that you will live past the age of 80 or 85, then most experts recommend that you defer your social security for as long as you can (age 70), so as to maximize the benefits you receive from it. 4 Other: If you have dependent children, the additional benefits you receive for them might make filing when you are younger worthwhile.

How much is deducted from Social Security?

For every month prior to your full retirement age that you begin taking benefits, around 0.55% is deducted from your payout. And, for every year that you defer your benefits, you will receive a larger amount when you finally do begin drawing Social Security. The amount of the bonus is dependent, once more, on your birth date.

What age do you need to be to get your spouse's Social Security number?

Spouse’s Social Security number and birth date and the beginning and ending dates of marriage (s) Names and birth dates of any children who became disabled prior to age 22 or who are under age 18 (and unmarried). You will also want names and birth dates for children who are aged 18-19 who are still attending secondary school full time.

What is SSI for disabled people?

We are with those who need a helping hand. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides support to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources, as well as people age 65 and older who are not disabled but have limited income and resources.

Why do we pay disability benefits to people who can't work?

We pay disability benefits to those who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Find out how Social Security can help you and how you can manage your benefits. LEARN MORE.

How do I contact Social Security?

There are a number of things you can do online. In addition to using our website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. We treat all calls confidentially.

What is the number to call for Social Security?

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.

Can I get a higher Social Security if my ex-husband dies?

For example, if your spouse or ex-spouse dies, you may become eligible for a higher Social Security benefit. To find out if you, or a family member, might be eligible for a benefit based on another person’s work, or a higher benefit based on your own work, see the information about benefits on the Social Security website.

Can my child get Social Security based on work?

Your child may be eligible for benefits based on your work. Are you receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits and have past military service? If you served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for benefits through the Veterans Administration.

Can I get Social Security at 65?

If you are at least age 65, you may be eligible for cash benefits on your own record. If you are full retirement age or older, you can work and receive your monthly Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. Please review this publication for more information.

Can my survivor benefit increase if my spouse dies?

Has your spouse or ex-spouse died? If your spouse or ex-spouse has died, you may be eligible for a higher survivor benefit based on his or her work. The death of an ex-spouse may allow you to be eligible for a higher survivor benefit even ...

Can you change your Social Security benefits?

It's not unusual for a benefit recipient's circumstances to change after they apply or became eligible for benefits. If you, or a family member, receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), certain life changes may affect eligibility for an increase in your federal benefits.

How old do you have to be to get spouse's Social Security?

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age.

What happens if your spouse's retirement benefits are higher than your own?

If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Here is an example: Mary Ann qualifies for a retirement benefit of $250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400.

When will my spouse receive my full retirement?

You will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount if you wait until you reach full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. You will also receive the full amount if you are caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled.

How much is my unemployment check at 62?

In other words, you’ll get 25% less per month, and your check will be $1,500. 1 .

How much is a month of benefits at 62?

If, for example, you’d get $1,500 a month starting at age 62 or $2,000 a month starting at age 66, you will have received roughly the same amount in total benefits by age 77 or so. At that point the higher monthly benefits you’d get as a result of waiting will begin to pay off.

How long do you have to wait to get Medicare if you are 65?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) also cautions that even if you delay receiving Social Security benefits until after age 65, you might still need to apply for Medicare benefits within three months of turning 65 to avoid paying higher premiums for life for Medicare Part B and Part D.

How much tax do you pay if you are married filing jointly?

If you’re married filing a joint return, and your combined income is $32,000 to $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. If your combined income is more than $44,000, you may have to pay tax on up to 85% of your benefits. 11 .

How much extra insurance do you get at 70?

If you wait until you’re 70 to start claiming benefits, you’ll get an extra 8% per year , or, in total, 132% of your primary insurance amount ($2,640 per month in the example above) for the rest of your life.

Can a spouse get Social Security if they don't work?

Spouses who don’t qualify for their own Social Security. Spouses who didn’t work at a paid job or didn’t earn enough credits to qualify for Social Security on their own are eligible to receive benefits starting at age 62 based on their spouse’s record.

Do marginal tax rates affect Social Security?

At today’s marginal tax rates, they may not have much of an impact on most people. Still, tax rates and income thresholds can change, so it’s worth remembering that you will lose less of your Social Security to taxes if you are in a lower marginal tax bracket when you begin to collect.

How to report a death to Social Security?

To report a death or apply for survivors benefits, use one of these methods: Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 ). Visit or call your local Social Security office. More Information. If You Are The Survivor. Survivors Benefits.

What age can you get disability benefits?

Younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time). Any age and were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled. Under certain circumstances, benefits also can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, or adopted children. Dependent parents.

How old do you have to be to get a widower's pension?

Widows and Widowers. A widow or widower can receive benefits: At age 60 or older. At age 50 or older if disabled. At any age if they take care of a child of the deceased who is younger than age 16 or disabled. Divorced Widows and Widowers.

How much is a death benefit for dependent parents?

Parents age 62 or older who received at least one-half support from the deceased can receive benefits. One-time lump sum death payment. A one-time payment of $255 can be made only to a spouse or child if they meet certain requirements.

Can you get Social Security if you die?

When you die, members of your family could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings. You and your children also may be able to get benefits if your deceased spouse or former spouse worked long enough under Social Security.