how can i sign up for social security benefits

• To start your application, go to our Apply for Benefits page, read and agree to the Terms of Service. Click “Next.”
• On that page, review the “Getting Ready” section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
• Select “Start A New Application.”
• We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
• You will then sign into your my Social Security account or you will be prompted to create one.
• Complete the application.

How and when to apply for Social Security benefits?

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth certificate, or proof of U.S. citizenship
• Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return (or both) for the last year you worked
• Your military discharge papers if you served in any branch of the military

When to apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

• You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits.
• You are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
• You have not already applied for retirement benefits.
• You want your benefits to start no later than four months in the future. ...

Can I get SSI benefits if I get retirement?

You can get both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, but there are a few requirements for SSI benefits, including: Having countable income below $783 per month for...

How do I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

To qualify for retirement benefits you must:

• Be a US citizen or have legal authorization to work in the US
• Be between 62 to 70 years old
• Have worked for at least 10 years
• Have paid social security tax while working

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.

How far in advance should you sign up for Social Security?

four monthsYou should apply no later than the month in which you want your benefits to start. You can file up to four months before that, which gives Social Security ample time to process your application. As the minimum age to collect retirement benefits is 62, the earliest you can apply is when you reach 61 years and 9 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 to do if you don't receive Social Security?

Get estimates for spouse’s benefits. Get proof that you do not receive benefits. Check your application status. Get your Social Security Statement.

What is a free Social Security account?

A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive. All from anywhere!

How to check status of Social Security application?

1. Set up an online account if you haven't already. From your "My Social Security" account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ , you can check the status of your application and manage your benefits. If you didn't apply for your benefits online, you can still set up a free account to manage your benefits.

What is the phone number to call for Social Security?

If you can't apply online or don't want to use the online form, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

What does the SSA look for in spousal benefits?

The SSA looks at the amount of retirement benefits you're eligible for, then the amount of spousal benefits you're eligible for. If the spousal benefits are greater than your retirement benefits, you would be paid your retirement benefits first, then spousal benefits would be used to make up the difference. You always get the larger of the two ...

How much is my spouse's spousal benefit?

Decide when you want to start receiving benefits. Your full spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount. However, if you decide to start receiving those benefits before you reach your normal retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.

Is my spouse's retirement benefit based on my primary insurance?

The amount of your spousal benefit isn't affected by the age at which your spouse started receiving their retirement benefits. It is always based on your spouse's primary insurance amount, which is the amount they would receive if they started claiming benefits at their normal retirement age (NRA).

Can my ex-spouse get Social Security?

Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security benefits (either retirement or disability) Your retirement benefits are less than your spousal benefits based on their work would be. You've been divorced for at least 2 years (if your ex-spouse has not yet claimed their benefits)

Does Social Security pay out your own retirement?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) always pays out your own retirement benefits first. However, if your spouse worked for more years, or made more money than you did, it's possible that your spousal benefit will be greater than your retirement benefits. The SSA looks at the amount of retirement benefits you're eligible for, ...

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.

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.

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 can I collect Social Security if I was born on the first day of the month?

For example, if you were born on Oct. 1 or 2, 1959, Social Security considers you to be 62 as of Sept. 30 or Oct. 1, 2021.

When will Social Security start in 2021?

For example, if you were born on Oct. 1 or 2, 1959, Social Security considers you to be 62 as of Sept. 30 or Oct. 1, 2021. Your benefits will start in October 2021; you can apply for benefits in June. But if you were born between Oct. 3 and 31, your first full month at 62 is November. If you want to start your benefits as soon as possible, ...

What happens if you file for Social Security at 62?

By filing at 62, or any time before you reach full retirement age, you forfeit a portion of your monthly benefit. If you were born in 1960 or later, for instance, filing at 62 could reduce your monthly payment by as much as 30 percent. AARP’s Social Security Benefits Calculator can provide more details on how filing early reduces benefits.

When will I get my unemployment benefits if I was born in October?

There is a one-month lag in the benefit payment. If your birthday is Oct. 1 or 2, you qualify for an October benefit and it will be paid in November. If you were born later in October, your first benefit month is November and you will be paid in December.